P099 - The Potential Use of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy as a Desistance-Focused Intervention for Offenders

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

The contemporary desistance literature highlights the role narratives play in helping offenders to cease involvement in crime. Some theories state that the most crucial cognitive change in people who desist from crime is a cognitive readiness and openness to positive change. However, the brain’s ability to change decreases with age, which makes cognitive and behavioural changes especially difficult for adults. Nevertheless, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could be the groundbreaking intervention that might break down this barrier and provide a catalyst for positive change, and, ultimately, desistance from crime.

There is a growing body of literature that strongly suggests that psychedelics can be used for their therapeutic effects. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has been proven very effective in treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Furthermore, qualitative results indicate this treatment improves wellbeing, mood, and many individual indicators of life quality, with long-lasting effects.

Even though literature on the potential effectiveness of psychedelics for crime desistance is very limited, there are a few studies that indicate that psychedelics could be useful for reducing antisocial and criminal behaviour. These studies found that psychedelics contributed to positive changes in personality and behaviour, such as positive shifts in values, confrontation of repressed emotions and insights into how one’s past experiences are related to their present circumstances.

The factors relevant to crime desistance are similar to the narratives of recovery from conditions that psychedelic-assisted therapy seems to be effective for. This paper is based on an ongoing study, and the poster will go through the rationale behind why this pioneering therapy could be an effective intervention for crime desistance, and the mixed methods that will be used. This is the first study to comprehensively explore the narratives of people who desisted from crime after using psychedelics, and it will constitute a substantial contribution to knowledge.

Author

• Lidia M. Stoica, University of Hertfordshire