Drug Addiction Treatment

Just like most contemporary addiction treatment and rehabilitation models, the On the Road program makes use of the following therapeutic approaches:

Detox
Motivation for withdrawal
Medical treatment of addiction
Medical treatment of co-occurring disorders
Psychotherapy and psychoeducation
Educational work with family members
Lasting medical consultation

Apart from traditional approaches, the On the Road program employs less known therapeutic models, such as:

Behavioral imitation training
Travel therapy (beneficial impacts of wildlife and adventure on the patient’s emotional state)
Psychedelic therapy

More details on the treatment approaches applied within the On the Road program:

Detox:

Work with drug-intoxicated individuals is ineffective, and that is why drug recovery starts with a safe and proper detoxification, or at least sufficient abstinence from drugs or alcohol. On the Road program participants undergo a well-organized detox process in one of the private drug treatment clinics in Moscow prior to the journey. Another option is to have it organized independently at the individual’s place of residence. Sometimes, however, the situation forces the participant to start their treatment while heavily intoxicated by narcotics. Evidence has shown that severity of withdrawal symptoms tends to become more durable when experienced out in the wilderness, and provided adequate physical activity.

Motivation:

Motivational Interviewing Motivational interviewing is aimed at investigating resources available to the individual (material, moral, physical, mental, and social) which are otherwise centered around drug consumption. The next step is to assess the resources spent on their drug abuse habit and compare them to those released and available once the narcotics consumption has stopped. The purpose of this interview is to help the patient discover a compelling reason for behavioral changes. Motivational interviewing is applied for the treatment of both drug addiction, and a number of other disorders, including panic disorder, OCD, phobias, and even diabetes, heart disease, and bronchial asthma. Motivational interviewing helps to motivate patients to change the very same behavior that prevents them from making healthier choices in life.

Other methods of motivation are also used in On the road. For example, the expansion of social communication, communication with nature and psychedelic therapy.

Motivation via Social Communication. Constant long communication in a micro-society (family, colleagues, acquaintances, social networks, media) will inevitably limit and distort one’s view of the world, themselves, and others around them. Communication with people of other cultures and other worldviews throughout the journey helps On the Road participants break free from the “cocoon” of established ideas, which then lays the foundation for motivated changes in their lifestyle.

Motivation via Communication with Nature Vivid emotional experience obtained via communication with nature brings a major shift in one’s life philosophy by focusing it more on the idea of acceptance of the world. “I am just a small part of this enormous, constantly changing space. Things that seemed important, in fact, are not so important, and there is something, never noticed before, that I now find important”, said one participant.

Motivation with the Help of Psychedelics An individual, being under the influence of ayahuasca (mescaline, psilocybin), can have unusually profound emotional experiences that motivate them for radical changes in lifestyle. Based on the experience, psychedelics may help participants of the On the Road program find motivation to quit narcotics with far greater efficiency compared to traditional treatment methods.

Medicinal Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders

Medication therapy is aimed at reducing drug cravings, recovering one’s emotional stability, normalizing sleep, eliminating outbursts of anger or irritability, decreasing symptoms of depression, eliminating delusional ideas, if any, as well as frequently encountered perceptual disorders (such as derealization, flashbacks, hallucinations, or illusions). For this purpose, the following groups of medications are being prescribed to the patient: SSRIs, SNRIs, typical and atypical antipsychotics, new generation antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian and noradrenergic drugs, and nootropics. The ability to consistently conduct and adjust the medicinal therapy, both during the program and upon its completion, is indisputably one of the most important advantages of the On the Road program.

Prohibiting Treatment of Drug Addictions

Sometimes it is reasonable to administer long-acting medications that impede or block the absorption of narcotic substances in the patient. These medications are administered either by implanting into the muscle tissue, or via an intramuscular injection, and are usually available in the form of an oily solution (a nano-suspension of the same substance may also be considered as an option). An example of effective prohibiting treatment of opiod use disorder would be administration of a long-acting opioid receptor blocker to patients with heroin (opioid) dependence. Opioid receptor blockers (i.e., Naltrexone, Nalmefene, Vivitrol) are widely used today to treat addiction to heroin, methadone, fentanyl, Oxycontin, and other opiod pain medications. Based on the decades-long experience of the On the Road program, the use of long-acting opioid blockers can contribute to prolonged remission in patients with opioid dependence.

Stress-Shock (Aversion) Therapy of Substance Use Disorders

Stress-shock therapy is a therapeutic procedure that help develop negative reinforcement to a narcotic substance in the patient. The patient is injected simultaneously with both the drug (heroin, methadone) and an opioid receptor blocker along with other substances that cause life-threatening conditions (respiratory arrest, convulsions, panic fear of death). Thus, after taking the drug, the patient experiences severe frightening health conditions instead of the anticipated “rush” of euphoria. After several procedures, a strong reflexive fear of the drug may be developed in the user. The stress-shock therapy procedure is a highly delicate process that requires a lot of expertise and proficiency in resuscitation skills. It is not included in the official addiction treatment protocols. However, based on the experience of the program, the stress-shock approach may become the treatment of choice in some severe cases of opioid addiction.

Drug Substitution Therapy

Drug substitution therapy essentially substitutes one opioid drug for another while posing a lesser threat to the health and safety of the patient. An example of substitution therapy is the so-called Methadone program. Substitution therapy is not implemented within the On the Road program.

Treatment of Co-Occurring Mental Disorders.

Oftentimes, patients with substance abuse problems also suffer from some sort of emotional or mental disorder which then becomes the “foundation” for their drug addiction. Among these are anxiety-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder (bipolar affective disorder), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD.

Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

People with bipolar disorder (as well as those suffering from PTSD, or chronic pain) quite often have a tendency for self-medication which then leads to drug consumption aimed at alleviating the underlying condition symptoms. Addiction therapy in such cases should then be combined with treatment of the underlying mental condition. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders People with schizoaffective disorder are oftentimes susceptible to illegal substance abuse. Addiction therapy in such patients is, thus, aimed primarily at treatment of their underlying condition. The so-called 'addiction treatment' is only applied as an auxiliary means of the overall therapy. Schizophrenia Quite frequently, people with schizophrenia are inclined to experimentation with narcotic substances which then leads them to a full-blown drug addiction. However, based on the experience, the On the Road program participants suffering from this particular disorder are much easier to recover as compared to individuals with diagnosed schizoaffective, or personality disorder, for example. Personality Disorders People with BPD (borderline personality disorder) and APD (antisocial personality disorder; psychopathy) are more likely to develop a drug abuse problem as opposed to those suffering from other personality disorders. The rehabilitation process of such patients requires exceptional persistence.

HPPD Syndrome.

Prolonged use of certain illegal drug combinations (ketamine, ecstasy, LSD, DOB, MBOM, and others) may often lead to the development of perceptual disorders, such as visual illusions (trails, color flashes, changes in the shape of objects), flashbacks, various types of hallucinations (visual, auditory, olfactory), anxiety-depressive manifestations, delusional ideas (external influences, persecution), derealization-depersonalization syndrome. The complex of perceptual disorders described above and resulting from the use of hallucinogenic drugs have been singled out as a separate nosological unit called the HPPD syndrome (long-term Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder). HPPD syndrome treatment may require months, and in some cases its residual effects will remain for good. However, despite the presence of illusions, hallucinations and delusional ideas, this disorder does not make people disabled, and in most cases the treatment prognosis is favorable. Drug-Induced Delusional Disorder Genetically predisposed to schizophrenic disorders individuals oftentimes develop an acute delusional disorder (ideas of divine power, persecution, delusion of reformism and invention) resulting from their illegal substance abuse habit. Commonly, such acute psychosis are quite easy to be stopped with the help of modern neuroleptics, offering the patient a good chance of recovery. Toxic Encephalopathy Treatment in Drug Addicts Prolonged use of any kind of narcotic substances (especially when combined with alcohol) leads to toxic encephalopathy symptoms which remain even after the detox has occurred. These include: impairment of coordination, memory, concentration, rigidity (inflexibility) of thinking, inadequate emotional reactions (inappropriate laughter, tears, anger, irritability, excitement). This disorder requires long-term drug therapy which includes vitamins, metabolic preparations, nootropics, vascular medications, Alzheimer’s drugs. The key condition for successful recovery from toxic encephalopathy is complete abstinence from narcotics and alcohol.

Psychotherapy and Drug Addiction

Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapy, is the primary method of addiction treatment.

Goals of psychotherapy is to:

Clarify to the patient their goals in life and values
Teach the patient how to “go through” the emotional discomfort instead of avoiding it with the help of narcotics
Teach the patient how to foresee trigger situations and avoid them
Teach the patient how to behave consciously while in trigger situations that cannot be avoided
Help the patient to develop a more mature philosophy of life

The On the Road program applies an integrated approach combining CBT, psychedelic therapy, and methods of behavioral imitation. The psychotherapy aspect of the program is implemented in the form of specifically organized counselling sessions (almost like traditional ones) reinforced by daily communication and interaction, when the doctor and the patient face difficult emotional situations and live through the experience in real time together.

Participants of the On the Road program study psychoeducation during individual therapeutic sessions throughout the journey, combined with informal discussions of the emotional condition and reactions of their own and others’.

Psychoeducation.

Once we clearly understand our current condition, it can be dealt with in a more efficient manner. Psychoeducation familiarizes patients with the nature of their disorder providing information on the mechanism of action of prescribed medications and the prognosis of the treatment. The process of xamining one’s condition and understanding its biological basis, alone, can have a healing effect on most patients. Participants of the On the Road program study psychoeducation during individual therapeutic sessions throughout the journey, combined with informal discussions of the emotional condition and reactions of their own and others’.

The On the Road approach makes use of both traditional meditation practices (such as thought observation), as well as so-called active meditation techniques, i.e., walking meditation, meditative dancing, and meditative speaking.

Meditation in the Treatment of Drug Addiction

Meditation, or Mindfullness, is used as one of the most complementary approaches in treatment of substance use disorder. This approach includes a number of different techniques (breathing, movement, thought processing, dance, and sound) which eventually switch the patient to the “autopilot” mode, and help them shift their focus away from habitual anxious thinking patterns. The individual is then able to detach and observe their thoughts without any involvement.

Psychoeducation of the Family Members and People Close to the Addict

Family members with a strong understanding of the situation can contribute to their relative’s recovery in a much more effective manner. As part of the On the Road approach, the doctor provides the family with a professional view on the patient’s condition, explaining in great detail the applied treatment approach, and the effects of medications prescribed during the therapy. The doctor may also participate in family councils to discuss the patient’s further integration into the society.

Comprehended with the mind, or felt in the heart?

The treatment process tends to be hampered when the individual cognitively comprehends the results of the therapeutic work that has been conducted yet nothing has resonated in their heart. The On the Road’s psychedelic approach has made the program’s therapeutic work even more time-efficient and successful.

Stress & Shock Therapy for Addiction Treatment Using Psychedelics

In some cases, psychedelic sessions are carried out in such a way that the patient, while being under the influence of the psychedelic, experiences feelings of disgust and fear in relation to their drug of choice. This benefit of this approach is its safety and at the same time the ability to form in the patient a feeling of profound (and nearly animal) disgust for the drug.

Addiction Treatment Using Ayahuasca.

Substance abuse treatment using ayahuasca can surpass all other methods in terms of its efficiency, provided that the therapeutic ceremony is only carried out by professionals. The following ayahuasca effects can contribute to that:

Formation of a negative reflex to the patient`s drug of choice
Development of acceptance (i.e., the ability to confront negative emotions instead of avoiding them with the help of the drug)
'Dissolution' of unhealthy attitudes (ideas of guilt, self-deprecation)
Help in adopting a new life philosophy

The On the Road program has applied ayahuasca-based therapy for treatment of substance abuse disorder for over twenty years, proving its safety and high efficiency. An important note! The ayahuasca-based treatment of substance abuse will only be effective if carried out under a professional’s supervision who has practical experience in psychedelic therapy.

Addiction Treatment Using Psilocybin.

Substance abuse treatment using psilocybin can be also highly effective provided that it is conducted under the professional supervision. The Imperial Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/r.carhart-harris), the Heffter Research Institute in Santa Fe (https://www.heffter.org), and the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research (https://hopkinspsychedelic.org) have the most scientific expertise in addiction treatment using psilocybin. The On the Road program also applies psilocybin-based treatment of drug addictions and mental disorders.

Addiction Treatment Using Ibogaine.

Substance abuse treatment using ibogaine implements the very same therapeutic principle as is the case with ayahuasca, or psilocybin. Unlike ayahuasca and psilocybin, however, the ibogaine effect lasts much longer, and the patient's contact with the reality is disturbed in a much more profound way during the ceremony. The ibogaine treatment is not currently practiced within the On the Road program.

The Adventurous Side of the Program.

Adventure, risk, the spirit of freedom and improvisation are the key differences between the On the Road program and other rehabilitation methods. Effectively, the entire therapy process is embedded into the patient’s real-life interaction with people of different cultures and worldviews.For thrill-seeking individuals, and those who face challenges in undergoing more conventional treatment methods, the adventurous aspect of the On the Road program may become a powerful tool in achieving a sustained recovery.Some adventurous events literally push the participant out of their established psychological framework. Ideas, experiences and lessons learned from these non-standard challenging circumstances then become the material for further analysis during individual therapy.The doctor and the On the Road team are experts in applying these non-standard treatment methods aimed at helping participants expand their psychological boundaries while being in the setting of emotional and mental safety.

Submit a request and find out more details about participation in the program

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the treatment program participation cost?

$ 55,000+/month The cost covers everything except airfare The cost may vary depending on the program option. Contact doctor for more details. Options for 1-stage Program: 31-day Program – Nepal, Himalayas. 60-day Program – Peru (Peru-Bolivia, Peru-Columbia) 90-day Program – Nepal, Himalayas, South America, Africa Options for 2-stage Program: 31-days – Nepal, Himalayas; downtime for 30-90 days; 60 days – Peru (Peru-Bolivia) Upon completion of any of the optional programs, participants will remain in contact with the therapist in order to have the opportunity for follow-up medical consulting and psychological support via online, or in person (non-commercial). The cost of additional psychotherapy sessions is discussed with the therapist individually.

How many patients can participate simultaneously?

Normally, 1 or 2 patients participate in the program, provided they share mutual psychological compatibility, and it does not violate the anonymity of each of the participants. Following the same principle, participation of up to 3 individuals is feasible.

What is the cost of participating in the educational program?

$15,600+/month per person (for groups of 5+ people) Program options: 31 days in Peru, 5 participants, everything included except airfare

Is the On The Road program similar to other existing practices or therapeutic approaches I might already be familiar with?

Psychotherapy practices you may already be familiar with: - REBT by A. Ellis (identifying the participant’s erroneous beliefs and forming a healthy lifestyle) - CBT (working with automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions) - ACT (work with experiential avoidance) - FBA (Functional Behavior Analysis) - Mindfulness (distancing from thoughts and feelings practice) And possibly less familiar approaches: - Psychedelic therapy - The healing effects of adventure

Is On the Road just another spiritual retrit with shamans and ayahuasca?

The only thing in common the On the road program has with retreats is the practice of applying plant hallucinogens, such as ayahasca, San Pedro, and others. Retreats, as practice shows, are nothing but a form of spiritual tourism, and a rather extreme one, too, given the lack of medical supervision in most cases. On the Road applies modern psychedelic therapy protocols that prioritize the physical and mental health of the participant. Hallucinogens are used at retreats as a means of acquiring magical resources (e.g., power, energy, knowledge), and solving karmic problems (“if I get to resolve my karmic conflict, my life will be improved”) Conversely, On the Road applies hallucinogens as a tool for participants’ psychoeducation and elimination of emotional disorders. The results of a successful psychedelic therapy experience can be measured objectively. For example, reduction or elimination of symptoms of depression, anxiety, cessation of illicit drug use, facilitation of social communication. The experience you may obtain during a retreat will, most likely, be a very exciting one: it may reveal you the world of shamanic culture and the ancient beliefs. However, a science-based approach in the treatment of mental disorders, which implies the use of psychedelics, proves to be more safe and effective.

Do well-known shamans or Gurus provide healing during the program?

The persona of the shaman is not a central figure in the On the Road program. Shamans participating in the program assist the therapist in the preparation of ayahuasca, San Pedro, and other psychedelic compounds. They also act as an aide during the psychedelic sessions. Shamans maintain the authenticity of the magical ceremony, which can sometimes contribute to the effectiveness of the therapy. Certain shamans or “gurus” posess outstanding personal qualities, in which case the therapist facilitates the communication between the shaman and the participant, keeping it in the context of the therapy process.

Is On the Road as same as a premium-class rehab center?

The On the Road program and premium-class rehab centers have only one thing in common – and it is the relatively high cost of participation. As an addition to the therapy itself, luxurious rehab centers provide clients with horseback riding opportunities, golf courses, paragliding, spa, personal chef, helicopter transfer, and other similar services – in order to maintain the maximum level of comfort, prestige, and hypothetically high self-esteem of the client. On the Road neither views comfort as an end goal, nor as a precondition. Program participants constantly relocate, both living in comfortable hotels of large cities and staying in jungle bungalows or tents during a mountain pass in the Andes or the Himalayas. They travel by Jeep and horseback riding, move on foot, and by boat, constantly excercising a significant amount of physical activity. The On the Road’s goal is to improve and diversify the participant’s social life, teach individuals suffering from drug addiction to cope more easily with unpleasant emotions (e.g., resentment, anger, boredom, irritation) without having to replace them with increased comfort.

Does On the Road apply the 12-step program approach?

12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a very generalized and group-based approach with which built upon some very outdated ideas about the psychology of addictions. The On the Road program offers participants a modern, evidence-based, personalized approach. The emphasis in therapy is focused on the individual’s awareness of their biological characteristics, understanding of the problem in the context of their social and cultural environment, including personal goals and values.

Are there any specific requirements for potential participants?

On the Road sets no limitations for people of different religions, gender identities, individuals suffering from autism spectrum disorders, HIV, hepatitis C. Each treatment tour is being developed individually, taking into account the preferences and physical capabilities of the participant.

Does the therapist maintain contact with the participant upon completion of the program?

One of the One the Road’s key benefits is that the participants of the program can remain in touch with the therapist for years following the completion of the program. Each “former” participant can contact the therapist and discuss any issue on a non-commercial basis by phone or via instant messengers. If, in addition to informal communication, the participant is willing to continue therapeutic work in a particular psychotherapeutic model, options of online or personal consulting may be regarded. The price is to be discussed with the therapist.

Who may benefit from the On the Road rehabilitation program participation?

Most common disorders addressed within the On the Road approach are: drug addiction; other types of addictions and addictive behaviours, including related mental disorders; anxiety-depressive disorder; bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders; personality disorders. The social status of the participant is of no importance. On the Road provides a highly personalized and anonymous approach to individuals of any social status, capable to participate in the program, determined to break free from addiction, and willing to follow the program plan with discipline.