In this special Alcohol Awareness Month episode, Molly Watts sits down with Ben Kramer, a licensed psilocybin facilitator and educator in Oregon. As the state pioneers legal psilocybin services, this insightful conversation unpacks how this once-taboo compound is emerging as a powerful therapeutic option for mental health and substance use struggles. Ben, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and former firefighter, shares his personal and professional journey to becoming a facilitator and advocate for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

What You'll Learn:

• What psilocybin is and how it's being used legally and safely in Oregon
• Ben’s personal experience with psilocybin and how it changed his life
• The critical role of preparation and integration in therapeutic psilocybin use
• How psilocybin can support individuals dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and substance misuse
• The growing movement toward alternative, science-based mental health treatments
• How psilocybin experiences are structured legally, ethically, and professionally
• The challenges and opportunities of working in a newly legalized, uncharted therapeutic field

Why This Episode Matters

Alcohol Minimalist is rooted in using science and compassion to help listeners develop a peaceful relationship with alcohol. This conversation offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on healing and transformation, especially for those who’ve tried conventional tools without success. Whether you're curious about psilocybin or skeptical, this episode offers a grounded, informative discussion worth hearing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Oregon Psilocybin Services
• Clinical Cognitive Facilitator Training
• Uphold Our Troops (scholarship organization for veterans)

Connect with Ben:
www.fungimentalpdx.com

Connect with Molly:

Website: www.mollywatts.com
Facebook Group: Alcohol Minimalists: Change Your Drinking Habits

Low risk drinking guidelines from the NIAAA:

Healthy men under 65:

No more than 4 drinks in one day and no more than 14 drinks per week.

Healthy women (all ages) and healthy men 65 and older:
No more than 3 drinks in one day and no more than 7 drinks per week.

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. So remember that a mixed drink or full glass of wine are probably more than one drink.

Abstinence from alcohol
Abstinence from alcohol is the best choice for people who take medication(s) that interact with alcohol, have health conditions that could be exacerbated by alcohol (e.g. liver disease), are pregnant or may become pregnant or have had a problem with alcohol or another substance in the past.

Benefits of “low-risk” drinking
Following these guidelines reduces the risk of health problems such as cancer, liver disease, reduced immunity, ulcers, sleep problems, complications of existing conditions, and more. It also reduces the risk of depression, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.