Naturally occurring psychedelics like magic mushrooms and ayahuasca have been used by humans for thousands of years. After decades of prohibition, we are now experiencing a psychedelic renaissance with scientists across the world studying psychedelic drugs. Recent research has uncovered that these compounds can be used to treat depression, addiction and can even increase our connectedness to nature.

In this talk, Dr David Erritzoe of Imperial College London, will introduce the science of psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, DMT and LSD. He will also outline their pharmacology and theorised brain mechanisms. He will also discuss their therapeutic potential, drawing upon first hand experience of working on studies at the Centre of Psychedelic Research.

This talk will be followed by a Q&A

Doors open 7pm, Talk starts 7.30pm. Come down early to grab a good seat and a drink!

David Erritzoe is Clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant Psychiatrist at Imperial College London and in CNWL Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. David conducts psychopharmacological research, using brain-imaging techniques such as PET and MRI. He was trained in PET imaging at Columbia University in New York and later undertook a PhD at University Hospital Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Since 2009 he has been involved in post-doc imaging research in the neurobiology of addictions and major depression at Imperial. As Clinical Director and Deputy Head in the Centre for Psychedelic Research, he investigates mechanisms and therapeutic potential of MDMA, ketamine and classic psychedelics [trials in depression, ocd, anorexia nervosa], and in early 2021 David set up a new NHS-based psychopharmacology & psychedelic research Clinic at St Charles Hospital in London, named the CIPPRes Clinic.