For John Giordano, tackling addiction isn’t just about helping people stay sober—it’s about transforming how we understand and treat addiction at its roots.
With over 37 years of experience in addiction treatment and nearly 39 years in recovery himself, John has witnessed the gaps in traditional methods firsthand.
Over time, his work led him to psychedelic therapies, which he believes can offer significant benefits when used properly in addiction treatment.
Early Life and the Path to Recovery
John’s own journey into addiction began early. Raised in a tough environment with family ties to organised crime, John grew up surrounded by addiction and violence.
He fell into drug use, selling drugs, and engaging in risky behaviour. After an intervention by his family, John entered treatment—though initially resistant—and this eventually set him on a path to recovery.
Fast forward nearly four decades, and John is now a leader in addiction treatment, focusing not only on the mental and emotional aspects of recovery but also on new, emerging therapies like psychedelics.
His life experience, combined with a deep understanding of how addiction works, has shaped his perspective on how we approach healing.
The Role of Psychedelics in Treatment
John’s interest in psychedelics, particularly ibogaine, began through his work with Dr. Deborah Mash, a leading expert in this area.
Ibogaine, a plant-based psychedelic from West Africa, has shown promising results in treating addiction by helping users experience a type of "reset". According to John, ibogaine allows individuals to revisit past traumas during a long, introspective journey, leading to what is called a cathartic experience—an emotional release that helps with resolution:
"What happens with ibogaine is you go back into your childhood, and you have what is known as a cathartic experience. You come out detoxed and ready for treatment."
John has seen firsthand how ibogaine helps people detox quickly, with fewer cravings. However, he emphasizes that it’s not a cure-all. The effects of ibogaine, such as reduced cravings, typically last for about 90 to 120 days, giving people a window of opportunity to seek further therapy and rebuild their lives.
Expanding Horizons with Other Psychedelics
In addition to ibogaine, John has explored other psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin, both of which are gaining traction for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Ketamine, once known primarily as a club drug, is now being used in clinical settings to help individuals break free from addictive behaviours and mental health struggles.
Psilocybin, a natural compound found in certain mushrooms, offers longer therapeutic journeys and has shown promise in helping individuals process deep-seated trauma.
John is clear, however, that these substances must be used carefully and in conjunction with therapy. Psychedelics, while powerful, are just one part of the puzzle in helping people recover from addiction.
John Giordano
Importance of Integration and Supervision
One of the most critical aspects of using psychedelics in addiction treatment, according to John, is ensuring proper integration and medical supervision.
Psychedelics aren’t something to be taken lightly, especially for people with underlying medical conditions or a history of trauma. John’s treatment programs involve thorough medical screenings, including heart monitoring and psychiatric evaluations, before administering any psychedelic substance.
"It's not a magic bullet. Psychedelics give you a head start on recovery, but you still need therapy, integration, and ongoing work to truly heal."
John also stresses the importance of post-treatment integration, where individuals work with therapists to process their psychedelic experience and continue their journey to recovery. This, he believes, is essential for turning the insights gained during a psychedelic session into lasting behavioural change.
James Clemmons
Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways
John’s experience in the addiction field has taught him that effective treatment requires a holistic approach. While psychedelics can offer significant breakthroughs, they are not a replacement for traditional therapy, medical supervision, or a strong support system.
Some of John’s key insights include:
- Psychedelics can help, but they’re not a cure-all: While they provide a head start, they must be paired with ongoing therapy and support.
- Integration is key: The real work comes after the psychedelic experience, where individuals need to process and apply what they’ve learned.
- Medical supervision is essential: Psychedelics should only be used in controlled environments with proper medical screening to avoid dangerous side effects.
What Stood Out to Me
John Giordano advocates for a broader understanding of addiction treatment.
By integrating psychedelic therapies with traditional treatment methods, he believes we can offer a more comprehensive and effective approach to recovery.
While psychedelics are not a "magic bullet," they represent a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can help people begin the healing process.
If you’re struggling with addiction or looking for alternative therapies, John’s work is offering valuable insight to the potential of thinking outside the box and embracing new treatment modalities.
James Clemmons
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