#20 - Addiction, AI, and the Future of Healing - Charles Johnston

In this episode of Plant Frequencies, I sit down with Charles Johnson, a long-time friend and medicine facilitator, for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of technology, psychedelics, and addiction.

Charles shares his journey from struggling with heroin in his 20s to finding profound healing through Ibogaine, an experience that led him to dedicate his life to supporting others in their recovery. Today, he and his partner are building an “Addiction Academy” in Florianópolis, Brazil, combining psychedelic therapy, practical health education, and community to help people re-learn how to live vibrant lives. Visit their website - https://www.nekawa.com/

We dive into:

-Why the U.S. is the “addiction center of the world”

-How abstinence-only models miss the mark — and why replacement + ritual matter

-The promise and pitfalls of AI: convenience, creativity, and the risk of mental health decline

-The role of psychedelics as both medicine and teacher

-What true education for addiction recovery looks like: exercise, study, spirituality, and nature

This is a rich, honest conversation about breaking cycles, reclaiming human potential, and imagining a future where healing is both ancient and innovative.

Enjoy and let us know what you think.

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