Episodios

  • The hidden dangers of long-term psychiatric drugs

    The hidden dangers of long-term psychiatric drugs
    Aug 7 2024
    Dear Friends,With over six decades of experience as a clinical psychologist, I've seen many trends come and go in mental health treatment. But rarely have I encountered information as potentially game-changing as what I'm sharing with you today.In 2010, I interviewed journalist Robert Whitaker about his book Anatomy of an Epidemic on my NPR-affiliated radio show. The revelations in that conversation were so profound that I recently invited him back for an update, 14 years later.This follow-up interview may be the most important broadcast in my 20-year history of hosting this program.Whitaker's research exposes how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced American psychiatry, leading to the widespread prescription of antidepressants (SSRIs) to tens, if not hundreds of millions of people worldwide. He ushers ample data to show that these medications are not only often ineffective but may be making many patients worse.Major media outlets are not covering this story. To me this suggests a concerning alliance between Big Pharma, psychiatry, and the press. I urge you to listen to this interview. After listening, I encourage you to explore Whitaker's website, madinamerica.com, for more in-depth information.I’m not trying to be sensationalistic. My aim is to empower you with knowledge that the mainstream media isn't providing. I believe you deserve to know the full story about treatments that may profoundly impact your well-being.Remember, good health is worth fighting for. Sometimes that fight begins with seeking out uncomfortable truths.Until next time,Dr. Richard Louis MillerP.S. If you find this information valuable, please share it widely. The more people who understand this issue, the better chance we have of creating positive change in our approach to mental health treatment.Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Links:* Mad in America (Robert Whitaker's website): Mad in America* "Anatomy of an Epidemic" by Robert Whitaker: Amazon* STAR*D Study (mentioned in interview): NIMH STAR*D Study Overview and PubMed STAR*D Study Results* World Health Organization report on mental health treatment: WHO Mental Health Report* United Nations Special Rapporteur on Health report: UN Special Rapporteur on Health* British Medical Journal article on STAR*D study reanalysis: BMJ Open STAR*D Reanalysis* Psychiatric Times article discussing STAR*D reanalysis: Psychiatric Times STAR*D Reanalysis* NIMH study on natural recovery rates from depression: NIMH Study on Depression RecoveryThe Hidden Cost of Normalizing Obesity: A Personal and Professional PerspectiveAs someone who once weighed 300 pounds, I understand the emotional toll of obesity firsthand. However, we must address a concerning trend: the normalization of being overweight in our society.With 72% of Americans now overweight or obese, we're seeing this reflected in media and workplaces. But normalizing a health risk is dangerous.This isn't about shame or blame. It's about recognizing that excess weight compromises our immune system. Every pound of unnecessary fat diverts energy our bodies could use to fight disease and maintain health.We need to have honest conversations about weight and health, balancing compassion with the urgency of addressing this public health crisis. Our immune systems – and our lives – may depend on it.My Books:* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe
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    56 m
  • Maddy Dychtwald on Ageless Aging

    Maddy Dychtwald on Ageless Aging
    Jul 24 2024
    Dear Friends,How can we age gracefully in a world that seems intent on making us feel obsolete? This week, I spoke with Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave and author of Ageless Aging: A Woman's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan, about the multifaceted approach to healthy aging.Maddy emphasizes that aging is more than just a number:"There's three different kinds of aging. First there's that chronologic aging... Second is the physiologic or biologic aging. That's how our bodies are aging... But then there's the positive side of aging, which I bet you're experiencing, and that is the psychological or emotional aging."This holistic view resonated deeply with me. As someone who's been around the block a few times (85 years, to be exact), I've learned that maintaining health is about more than just diet and exercise. It's about cultivating a positive attitude, staying socially connected, and finding purpose in our later years.One of Maddy's insights that particularly struck me was about the power of our mindset:"By feeling and thinking and acting more positive about your own aging... it could add up to seven and a half years to your life and... it's not just about lifespan. It's also about healthspan."Imagine that - seven and a half extra years just from changing our attitude! It's a powerful reminder that our thoughts shape our reality, even when it comes to aging.But it's not all in our heads. Maddy also shared practical advice on everything from exercise to hormone replacement therapy. For instance, did you know that we start losing muscle mass as early as our late thirties? That's why Maddy suggests:"Strengthening muscle... getting out those stretch bands, picking up those weights a couple, three, four times a week. It's a really good move."As someone who lifts weights four times a week and does aerobics six or seven times a week, I couldn't agree more. Remember, friends: it's never too late to start investing in your health.Maddy also highlighted the importance of social connections:"Social connections is a viable part of this holistic recipe for ageless aging... the science points directly to the fact that low social interaction is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day."This aligns with what I've always believed - that we humans are tribal animals, meant to live in communities where we sustain one another.I encourage you to follow Maddy on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for more insights on aging gracefully. Her wisdom is truly ageless.Remember, good health is worth fighting for, and it's essential for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.Golden light,Dr. Richard Louis MillerMind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Links:* Maddy Dychtwald's Website* Age Wave Website* Ageless Aging: A Woman's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan (Amazon link)The Homeless Dilemma: What Would You Do?I want to share a personal struggle I face regularly, and I'm curious how you handle it.When I go to the supermarket and there's a homeless person outside, I very often go into a kind of internal conflict. And the conflict is between two voices in my head:One voice says, "Go into the store and buy some food and give it to that person."The other voice says, "Give them the few dollars they're asking for, even though you know there's a good chance that they're going to buy alcohol or drugs with it."There's a part of me that says, you don't give money to a person who's got trouble with alcohol and drugs because they're going to use it for alcohol and drugs. Give them food.But then there's another part that says, the person is so down and out, if you give them money for alcohol or food... Why not let them have a drink or a drug? Maybe it'll make them feel better for a few minutes.This is a tough decision, and I go through it every time. Sometimes I give them a few bucks, and sometimes I go in and buy food.I don't know how you all handle it. You might let me know, or comment on Instagram.My Books:* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Sasha Cobra on Reconnecting with Our Natural State of Love and Sexuality

    Sasha Cobra on Reconnecting with Our Natural State of Love and Sexuality
    Jul 9 2024
    Dear Friends,For years, I've observed what I call a "post-traumatic sexual stress disorder" gripping our nation. It's not just about sex – it's about the very fabric of our society. We're a culture living on edge, with 70% of us barely making it paycheck to paycheck. This constant stress, this sword of Damocles hanging over our heads, it's more than economic – it's deeply traumatic, and it seeps into every aspect of our lives, including our sexuality.Imagine, for a moment, that the very act of making love could heal not just our bodies, but our minds, our spirits, and even our society. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? And yet, after my recent conversation with Sasha Cobra, I find myself pondering this possibility.Sasha, a world-renowned teacher and healer featured on Netflix, brings a perspective on sexuality that's at once ancient and revolutionary. As we spoke, I was struck by how her words seemed to peel back layers of cultural conditioning, revealing a truth that's been hiding in plain sight: we are, at our core, sexual beings."Everything in existence makes love to create," Sasha told me. It's a simple statement, but one that carries profound implications. If creation itself is an act of love, then aren't we, as creators in our own right, constantly engaged in this cosmic dance of sexuality?But here's the problem: we've forgotten how to dance.Sasha's work offers a intriguing antidote to this collective trauma. She speaks of lovemaking not as a mere physical act, but as an energetic exchange capable of clearing "all the trauma, the unprocessed feelings, the negating beliefs, everything that is unlike love in the body." It's a powerful idea – that by reconnecting with our fundamental nature as sexual, energetic beings, we might heal not just ourselves, but our relationships and our society.We've become a culture afraid to feel. We run from discomfort, numb ourselves with distractions, and in doing so, cut ourselves off from the very experiences that could heal us. Sasha's work is a call to return to our bodies, to feel deeply, to engage fully with life and with each other.The idea of being so open and vulnerable can be frightening. But Sasha reminded of why I've dedicated my life to this work. Because beneath the fear, beneath the trauma and the stress, there's a fundamental truth: we are beings capable of profound love, connection, and healing.For those intrigued by these ideas, Sasha offers an online membership program called Enrg Tune, focused on healing and transformation through energetic practices. It's an opportunity to explore this realm of conscious sexuality in a guided, supportive environment.As always, I encourage you to approach these concepts with both an open mind and a critical eye. The intersection of sexuality, energy, and healing is complex and deeply personal. What resonates for one may not for another, and that's perfectly okay.I'd love to hear your thoughts. Watch and comment on the video:How do you see the role of energy and conscious sexuality in your own life? In our society? Are we ready, do you think, to reclaim this fundamental aspect of our nature?Golden light,Dr. Richard Louis MillerMind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Links:* Enrg Tune - Sasha’s online membership program for healing, growth and transformation. * Seed of Transformation - 3 day intensive in Tulum, Mexico, exploring the way we relate to ourselves, to others and to sexual energy. * Getting Intimate - a free video series - 20+ hours of intimate conversations that bring awareness, understanding and compassion to life's struggles and challenges. My Books:* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe
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    50 m
  • My blueprint for a long, healthy life.

    My blueprint for a long, healthy life.
    Jul 2 2024
    Dear Friends,Each of us has a decision to make: whether we want to put in the time and energy to be healthy, or if we're just going to let the chips fall where they may. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice.You might get lucky and stay healthy for years without effort, but most Americans end up with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or other health issues well before they reach old age. The choice is yours. If you do choose a healthy lifestyle, I won't sugarcoat it – it's a lot of work. However, today I offer you my personal Immunity Builder Program – a system that has worked for me and can work for you too. Watch the video or read on for the first steps to building a stronger immune system and living a healthier life:1. Exercise: Move Your Body, Boost Your HealthExercise is part of every healthy person's lifestyle. If you're not getting 10,000 steps a day through your work, you need to find a way to incorporate exercise into your routine. Schedule it, do it alone or with friends. Instead of hanging out in bars or restaurants, get together with friends for bike rides, walks, or other active pursuits. Choose friends who are active – if you choose friends who sit around drinking and smoking all day, guess what you'll end up doing?If you're exercising alone, set a specific time every day. Start with 10 minutes and add two minutes each day. Before you know it, you'll be up to 50 minutes a day. Remember, we're thinking lifestyle here – how can you build this into your daily routine?2. Nutrition: Fuel Your Body RightNutrition is the fuel for your body, and you want the cleanest fuel you can get. Avoid processed foods – if you see a long list of ingredients on a package, put it back on the shelf. Real food doesn't come with a laundry list of additives. Broccoli, kale, peas, beans – they're just themselves.Use your common sense and read labels. If it has a lot of stuff you can't pronounce, it's probably not supporting your immune system.Forget soft drinks – they're basically sugared water. Did you know that adding just one soft drink to your daily diet, while keeping everything else the same, can lead to a 45-pound weight gain in three years? Sugar is inflammatory and causes problems in the body. The same goes for most processed carbohydrates. I know, I love bread too – (I could eat a whole loaf in one sitting). But we need to focus on clean, unprocessed foods.3. Sleep: Create Your CaveSleep is crucial for rest and recovery. To get quality sleep, you need to transform your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary. No computers, phones, or TVs in the room. Make it dark, cozy, and cool – like a cave. If street noise is an issue, use earplugs. If you can't make the room completely dark, wear an eye mask.4. Abdominal Breathing: Your Anti-Anxiety SuperpowerWhen we get anxious, we tense up and our breathing becomes shallow. Abdominal breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing, loosens everything up. It's faster than a speeding Valium, I promise you!How to do it? Practice 30 seconds, four or five times a day, every single day. Watch my video to learn how:Next time anxiety hits, you'll have a powerful tool to handle it.Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.5. Mind Control: Become the Boss of Your ThoughtsHere's a secret: we are the boss of our minds, not the other way around. The mind is a tool that we get to direct. We tell it what to think, what kind of movies to play. But many of you might be thinking, "That sounds good, but it doesn't work for me. My mind keeps producing ideas and pictures I can't stop."That just means you haven't developed the skill of mind control yet. Like any skill, it takes practice. Spend a few minutes several times a day telling your mind what to do. Count numbers, make up a story, visualize a color filling your body. It doesn't matter what you tell your mind to do, as long as you're telling it what to do. With practice, you'll become the boss of your thoughts.6. Purpose: Find Meaning in the EverydayIt's crucial to have a purpose in life, to find something you enjoy doing and find meaningful. And I mean literally anything. Winston Churchill famously built a huge rock wall in his backyard over many years. He also painted. The activity doesn't matter – what matters is that you find it meaningful and enjoyable.It could be cleaning the house, making your bed, or helping a friend regularly. The key is to decide on your purpose in advance. Wake up knowing what you're going to do that day that gives you a sense of meaning. This positive outlook and sense of purpose contribute significantly to building your immune system.7. Social Contacts: Nurture Your TribeWe humans are tribal animals. We love doing things together, whether it's going to ball games, joining sewing circles, or playing sports. But you know what we ...
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    23 m
  • Peter Coyote on Buddhism's Practical Wisdom for Modern Life

    Peter Coyote on Buddhism's Practical Wisdom for Modern Life
    Jun 25 2024
    Dear Friends,How can we find peace and purpose amid the turmoil and distraction of the modern world? Actor, author, and Zen Buddhist priest Peter Coyote believes the answer lies in the timeless wisdom of Buddhism – translated for our modern lives.In my latest interview, Peter and I explore:* The Buddhist concept of "dependent origination" and its relevance to our interconnected world* How meditation can help us contain and investigate our emotions, leading to more dignified living* The power of "radical optimism" in the face of life's uncertainties* Applying Buddhist principles to navigate personal and societal challenges"Buddha discovered that everything in the world is connected to everything else," Peter told me. "He called it dependent origination. You can understand it immediately when you understand that we've never been separate from oxygen, from sunlight, from water, from microbes in the soil."This interconnectedness forms the foundation of Buddhist thought and practice. But how does it apply to our daily lives?Peter's new book, Zen in the Vernacular, strips away the cultural trappings to reveal the core of Buddhist teachings in accessible, everyday language. He shared with me how these ancient principles can serve as a "creative problem-solving mechanism and moral guide" for the stresses of modern life.One key concept is the practice of meditation, which Peter describes not as an escape, but as a tool for facing our inner world head-on:"When you meditate, you develop a faith that's based on experience, that you can sit with whatever comes up, investigate it, let it come. You don't have to invite it for tea and let it go. Everything's always changing."This ability to sit with our thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them can lead to profound changes in how we interact with the world.Perhaps most inspiring is Peter's concept of "radical optimism" – a philosophy born from Buddhist principles:"Radical optimism is based on one incontrovertible fact: we never know how things are going to turn out... Keeping my spirits up and my energy up and my shoulder to the wheel keeps me in play."While cynicism prevails in much of the media and cultural landsacape, this reminder of the power of hope and action is truly refreshing.This week, I invite you to reflect on how Buddhist principles might apply to your own life. How might the concept of interconnectedness change your perspective on a current challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube.Golden light,Dr. Richard Louis MillerMind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Links:* Zen in the Vernacular - Peter’s BookHow to Stop Torturing Yourself with Thoughts of the Past and FutureThe most common way my patients make themselves unhappy is by dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. While it's possible to think about the past and future without causing emotional pain, many people fall into the trap of self-torture.They dwell on painful memories, things they wish they had done differently, and moments they criticize themselves for or feel ashamed about. The past is gone, and nothing can be done to change it. Yet, they continue to think about it, causing themselves emotional discomfort.Others play the "what if" game with the future:* What if the market crashes?* What if I get fired?* What if my partner leaves me?These hypothetical scenarios bring people down and make them feel terrible.The best thing to do is practice being in the present moment.How do you do it? Practice.By staying present and avoiding dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, you can reduce emotional pain and lead a happier life.Watch on comment on Instagram:My Books:* Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out* Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances* Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca* Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe
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    1 h y 12 m
  • From conflict to collaboration with Stewart Levine

    From conflict to collaboration with Stewart Levine
    Jun 20 2024
    Dear Friends,In a world rife with division, how can we turn conflict into collaboration?Lawyer-turned-“resolutionary” Stewart Levine has spent over 35 years mastering the art of transforming breakdowns into breakthroughs. From feuding business partners to disgruntled employees to divorcing couples, he's been in the trenches of impossible situations - and emerged with relationships intact and millions of dollars saved.Now, he's distilled his hard-won wisdom into practical tools anyone can use to resolve and prevent conflict. As the author of the international bestseller Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration and the founder of Resolution Works, Stewart is on a mission to make the world a more collaborative place.In my latest interview, Stewart and I explore:* The hidden costs of unresolved conflict and the power of "resolutionary thinking"* Why the legal system often impedes real communication and problem-solving* The key principles and skills for authentic, empathetic dialogue* How to craft agreements that foster alignment, trust and shared vision* Improving your most important personal and professional relationships"Conflict lives inside of us as an emotional presence," Stewart told me. "You can't give that to somebody else to resolve. It's something you need to dig into to purge yourself of."In a polarized age, Stewart's message couldn't be more timely."We as human beings are seeking connection," he said. "We want connection. We don't quite know how to do it. But in many ways, it's built into our biology."The problem, he believes, is our adversarial "win-lose" paradigm. "If you get yours, then I'm not going to get mine. And I think that's a great fallacy." Instead, he advocates for an abundance mindset focused on giving people what they need.So how do we get to that magical place called win-win? It starts with resolutionary thinking:"Honoring feelings when we're in a disagreement with other people. Giving people the opportunity to tell their story from beginning to end... Recognizing that the other person was probably trying to do the best they possibly could, just like we were. So giving the opportunity for our compassion, empathy to arise."While the tools are simple, the impact can be profound. "I like to look around and see that I don't have any ongoing conflicts in my life," Stewart reflected. "I pride myself on good relationships, positive relationships over time."This week, I'm inviting my listeners to examine a conflict in your own life. What would it look like to approach it with resolutionary thinking? Share your reflections in the comments on YouTube.Golden light,Dr. Richard Louis MillerMind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication, where I share the tools and insights I've gathered over my 64-year career. To receive my weekly digest, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Show NotesStewart’s WebsiteBooks:* Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration* The Book of Agreement: 10 Essential Elements for Getting the Results You Want* Collaboration 2.0News & Notes: The Endocannabinoid System and Physical ExerciseNew research sheds light on how sustained physical exercise activates the body's endocannabinoid system, triggering a phenomenon known as a "runner's high" that can reduce pain, induce mild sedation, increase euphoria, and have anxiolytic effects. Endocannabinoids, which are like the body's own cannabis, are now understood to be the primary driver behind these exercise-induced psychophysical effects, more so than endorphins as previously thought.A review by Matei et al. summarizes evidence that the anxiolytic and euphoric aspects of the runner's high depend on activation of specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain and periphery, not opioid signaling from endorphins. While endorphins are also released during exercise, the authors argue they cannot sufficiently cross the blood-brain barrier to alter mood and pain perception the way endocannabinoids can.As the famous surrealist Salvador Dali once quipped, "I don't need drugs. I am drugs" - a fitting sentiment for the natural high induced by the body's own cannabinoid-like molecules during physical activity.Dealing with Depression: The Importance of MovementLet’s talk about depression. Depression can be exhausting. Unlike some other illnesses, depression can tire you out, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks and deal with the condition itself. In severe cases, known as clinical depression, individuals may struggle to even get out of bed for weeks at a time.The key to managing depression is finding ways to get yourself moving. Movement is crucial in combating the symptoms of depression. The more you move, the better. However, when you're exhausted, it can be challenging to find the motivation to take action.To overcome this hurdle, consider:* Asking a friend or family member to visit and encourage you* Reaching out to a support group or call service* Finding an ...
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    59 m
  • The fight for MDMA therapy

    The fight for MDMA therapy
    Jun 11 2024
    Dear Friends,In the early 1980s, as a clinical psychologist, I had a remarkable experience as a patient of Dr. Robert Cantor, the founder of the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. He legally administered MDMA to me over a period of a year and a half, and the benefits were profound. My heart opened, my empathy increased, and my defenses lowered. At the time, therapists across the United States were reporting amazing results using MDMA with couples, claiming they achieved more progress in a few sessions than in years of traditional therapy.However, in 1985, amid growing concerns about recreational use – as well as misinformation about its neurotoxicity – the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emergency scheduled MDMA as a Schedule I substance, effectively banning its use for any purpose, including medical research.Around that time, Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), went before the government to seek approval for MDMA's medicinal use. Despite promising early research, the FDA rejected his proposal. Now, 39 years later, MAPS and its spinoff Lykos Therapeutics are still fighting for approval, only to face a significant setback this week. An FDA governmental advisory committee voted 10-1 in favor of advising against recommending that MDMA be approved as medicine by the FDA in its upcoming August meeting. This decision comes after decades of rigorous clinical trials that have demonstrated MDMA's potential as a catalyst for psychotherapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. There is still a remote chance that the FDA will vote against its own advisors.The government's main reason for this denial is that current MDMA studies fail to meet the gold standard of medical testing: the double-blind study. In this design, neither the administrators nor the patients know if they are receiving the actual medicine or a placebo. The FDA argues that a high percentage of subjects quickly determine whether they are in the placebo or experimental group based on the powerful effects of MDMA, compromising the study design.However, this reasoning is flawed. While the double-blind issue is valid, it should not be grounds for disqualification, especially when the medicine is demonstrably effective in approximately 80% of cases. The core question should be whether the positive effects are due to the medicine itself or a placebo effect enhanced by patients' awareness that they have received the active drug. In my view, this distinction is less important than the fact that patients are experiencing real benefits. If both the medicine and placebo effects are contributing to positive outcomes, that should be celebrated, not penalized.The government's position appears to be clouded by the emotional stigma surrounding MDMA as a "party drug," despite the fact that many substances have both therapeutic and recreational applications. This bias should not prevent MDMA from being used as a powerful catalyst in a professional therapeutic context, where it could potentially help hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people.Ultimately, the government's role should be to prioritize the wellbeing of its citizens and support interventions that can provide the greatest benefit to the most people. Allowing emotion and politics to override scientific evidence and real-world therapeutic outcomes is a disservice to public health.The fight for MDMA therapy is not over, but the struggle has already spanned four decades. It is time for the government to adopt a more nuanced, compassionate approach and allow this promising treatment to become accessible to those who desperately need it. Golden light,Dr. Richard Louis MillerShow Notes* Patients with terminal illnesses often face debilitating anxiety, depression, and existential distress* Psilocybin therapy has shown remarkable potential to alleviate end-of-life suffering in clinical trials* "Right to Try" laws in over 40 states allow access to experimental drugs for the terminally ill, but the DEA is blocking access to psilocybin* Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, a Seattle palliative care physician, is fighting a landmark legal case to win psilocybin access for his dying patients* Some patients resort to underground psychedelics out of desperation; clinical psilocybin therapy would be far safer and more beneficial* The case pits the DEA's scheduling of psilocybin against state laws and patient autonomy at the end of life* Eight states and D.C. have filed amicus briefs supporting Dr. Aggarwal's case, arguing the DEA has overstepped* A summer decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could be a pivotal moment for psychedelic medicine* The case highlights the need for a more compassionate, integrated approach to end-of-life care that addresses spiritual and existential dimensions* Responsible, mindful use of psychedelics may help change both how we live and how we approach deathSubscribe for ...
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    6 m
  • The Right to Die Well with Dr. Sunil Aggarwal

    The Right to Die Well with Dr. Sunil Aggarwal
    Jun 4 2024
    What if you were facing a terminal illness, wracked by anxiety and depression, and knew that a safe, promising treatment existed - but was denied to you?This is the heart-wrenching reality for many of Dr. Sunil Aggarwal's patients. A palliative care physician in Seattle, Dr. Aggarwal is fighting a landmark legal case for the right to treat his dying patients with psilocybin-assisted therapy.Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has shown remarkable potential in easing end-of-life distress. But despite the "Right to Try" laws passed in over 40 states, the DEA is blocking access - even for those with just months to live."We're slowly trying to chip away at a mentality that says there's no way forward except research," Dr. Aggarwal told me. "Psychedelic substances - we already recognize they have great utility. Everybody knows the FDA has said twice that psilocybin is a breakthrough therapy."In my latest interview, Dr. Aggarwal and I explore:* The anguish of terminal illness and the failure of medicine to adequately address existential suffering* The immense promise of psilocybin therapy to relieve anxiety, depression, and fear of death in the dying* The David vs. Goliath legal battle for patients' "right to try" psilocybin when time is running out* The evolution of psychedelics from counterculture to cutting-edge medicine* The importance of mindful, responsible use of psychedelics in a supportive clinical settingIn a life-or-death struggle that epitomizes the phrase "health is political," Dr. Aggarwal is taking on the DEA to defend his patients' right to access a treatment that could bring them peace in their final days. Eight states and D.C. have filed briefs supporting his case, but the DEA remains intransigent."When you are told you have an incurable disease, that all we can do is extend your lifespan for a certain amount of time, the psycho-spiritual toll that places on somebody's mind is very high," Dr. Aggarwal told me.Some of his patients – desperate for relief from crushing anxiety and depression – seek out psilocybin on the underground market. "I can offer harm reduction strategies, but I don't think that's good enough," he said. "We should be caring for people a little differently when death is staring them in the face."Dr. Aggarwal's own journey has taken him from the NIH to NYU to founding an integrative medicine clinic in Seattle. Trained as an MD and PhD in medical geography, he sees access to psilocybin in the context of public health, the environment, and human rights."It's heartbreaking that dying patients continue to suffer when they could be getting relief," says Kathryn Tucker, Dr. Aggarwal's attorney and director of advocacy at the National Psychedelics Association. "The DEA has interposed itself to nullify duly enacted state and federal law. It's way out of its lane."As we wait for a decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals this summer, Dr. Aggarwal hopes his case can be a tipping point. "As a society, we spend a lot of time trying to help people live well, but we also should be helping people to die well," he told me. "Psychedelics can remind us there might be a whole other vista beyond our limited vision."This week, I'm inviting my listeners to share their views: Should terminally ill patients have the "right to try" psychedelics if they may ease their suffering? Takeaways* Patients with terminal illnesses often face debilitating anxiety, depression, and existential distress* Psilocybin therapy has shown remarkable potential to alleviate end-of-life suffering in clinical trials* "Right to Try" laws in over 40 states allow access to experimental drugs for the terminally ill, but the DEA is blocking access to psilocybin* Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, a Seattle palliative care physician, is fighting a landmark legal case to win psilocybin access for his dying patients* Some patients resort to underground psychedelics out of desperation; clinical psilocybin therapy would be far safer and more beneficial* The case pits the DEA's scheduling of psilocybin against state laws and patient autonomy at the end of life* Eight states and D.C. have filed amicus briefs supporting Dr. Aggarwal's case, arguing the DEA has overstepped* A summer decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could be a pivotal moment for psychedelic medicine* The case highlights the need for a more compassionate, integrated approach to end-of-life care that addresses spiritual and existential dimensions* Responsible, mindful use of psychedelics may help change both how we live and how we approach deathSubscribe for exclusive interviews with leading scientists, researchers, and health professionals on the frontiers of mind-body medicine and the politics of health. Get the latest insights in psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and beyond.Links and ResourcesDr. Sunil Aggarwal:* AIMS Institute (Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute)* Twitter* InstagramOrganizations & Concepts:* Right ...
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