HIGHLY Unusual Questions

[Ndaft02]

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I have been a long-time reader of these forums, but have never commented. I am welcoming any and all recommendations or points of advice for my particular situation/interests.

I recently graduated from a small liberal arts college in New England (HC ’09). My intention was always to obtain a PhD in psychology with an emphasis on substance abuse research. I therefore majored in psychology, received high marks, and conducted undergraduate research on the clinical utility of antecedents of substance abuse (ex. mindfulness, anxiety sensitivity, trait impulsiveness, etc.). After graduation I obtained employment as a substance abuse counselor in NYC at an outpatient methadone maintenance facility. I subsequently found more competitive employment as a supportive employment specialist at a nonprofit attempting to find jobs for individuals with disabilities (ex. physical, developmental, mental, & substance abuse).

Compared to most PhD applicants, I believe my CV is quite standard, with some research and clinical experience. What may separate me from other applicants is that I have also volunteered for MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. My reasons for doing such are not to advocate for mere recreational use of drugs like MDMA, LSD, or marijuana, but because I would prefer to study the potential benefits of ethical marijuana use for mental health problems (ex. PTSD, anxiety). I am well aware of the benefits of medically assisted Tx for ails (MMTP - chemical dependance), and have heard numerous personal stories from parents who self-medicate their Autistic children with marijuana to increase sociability.

With all that said:

What programs would be of interest for me? Would the controversial/taboo/illegal nature of my interests hinder my chances of acceptance?

Also, I have researched doctors abroad, most notably in Israel (Dr. Mechulam), that have conducted research on medicinal marijuana for mental health purposes. If I were to obtain a PhD from the U. of Tel Aviv, for example, would I be able to return to the US with appropriate credentials to practice/conduct research?

 

[turtleturtle]

This is not about the field's opinion. This is my opinion. I do not understand wanting to study substance use disorders and concurrently wanting to study using substances of abuse to treat psychiatric disorders that have huge rates of comorbidity with SUD, not to mention that marijuana is completely contraindicated for those conditions.

If you are interested in the endocannabinoid system and how that is related to addiction that is something else entirely but I am not seeing how marijuana figures in.

I personally do not see people in the SUD community welcoming these ideas. But I see this as more of a psychopharmacology question. If you are interested in how marijuana could treat psych disorders then you are not actually interested in substance use disorders. I guess the notion of marijuana treating mental illness seems very far fetched but I may just be closed minded.

 

[UhOh]

Your interests are interesting, probably rare, but interesting. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions on what programs would be of interest to you but I just wanted to chime in and say that I would encourage you to do research and only apply to those programs where you have a good match (i.e., researchers are studying the benefits of ethical marijuana use and/or whatever else you are interested in). It sounds like you've been focused on what you want to do, and that's great! I encourage you to go for it. Your CV sounds to me like it's a strong one for your application. Good luck!

As far as getting a PhD outside of the states and returning, I've heard that it might not be looked upon favorably in the US but I've also seen faculty members at universities who have PhDs from outside of the states. Generally, as a good rule of thumb, I think it's good to get your PhD in the country you want to work in. If you went to Israel though and were studying your interests, it is likely your advisor would have colleagues in the states with similar interests and maybe that could be your in as far as getting a job at the organization your advisors' colleagues work at. So I think there's hope for you!

 

[DrGero]

I just want to say I personally find the idea of studying both traditional and conventional clinical views on legal / illegal psychoactive substance use (commonly referred to as the "substance abuse field") and also the nontraditional arenas (such as what's advocated by MAPS) as very courageous of you and potentially quite worthwhile to the field and to society in general.

I have no advice except to persevere in what you're doing.

 

[Student4Life0]

I just want to say I personally find the idea of studying both traditional and conventional clinical views on legal / illegal psychoactive substance use (commonly referred to as the "substance abuse field") and also the nontraditional arenas (such as what's advocated by MAPS) as very courageous of you and potentially quite worthwhile to the field and to society in general.

I have no advice except to persevere in what you're doing.

+1

I myself am looking to specialize in addiction, and I am not entirely sure what I think of your views, but I applaud the courageous nature of what you're doing. It's always good to be a free thinker and step out of the mold.

 

[Ndaft02]

I appreciate the kind words! I shall continue to endeavor towards what truly interests me, regardless of naysayers and critics who often let their morals get in the way of potential scientific developments.

I would however like some additional opinions on this topic....What I believe may be the best option for me is to pursue a joint PhD/MD program. This way I would have a sound foundation in the biochemical effects of cannabinoids, in addition to the freedom to investigate a possible clinical therapeutic relationship. Do you believe this would be a worthwhile academic option?

I am welcome to any and all opinions as I need to weigh all potential factors (ex. taking MCATS). PhD/MD programs, of course, have +s and drawbacks, but truthfully I would like to forge a career path that is most particular to my interests. I am particularly interested in the opinions of those actively involved in PhD/MD programs.

 

[Ollie123]

I know there are folks at Hopkins who study some controversial topics in this area, but can't remember names offhand. To my knowledge, they are not affiliated with a clinical psych department though. May be worth looking into.