Mind Body Health & Politics Richard L. Miller

Why is MDMA so effective at treating PTSD?
Does microdosing LSD affect depressed individuals differently than those with a more positive outlook?
Some of us have been waiting for answers to these kinds of questions about psychedelics for more than 50 years.
As a young academic in the 1960s, I had my own life-changing experiences with psychedelics, which set me on a new career path as a clinical psychologist. But like many of my generation, I watched with dismay as these powerful tools were demonized and criminalized in the decades that followed, driven underground by a combination of political backlash and cultural stigma.
Now, we find myself in the midst of a remarkable resurgence of interest in psychedelic medicine. From the halls of academia to the pages of mainstream media, there is a growing recognition that compounds like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA may hold tremendous potential for treating a wide range of mental health conditions, from depression and addiction to PTSD and end-of-life anxiety.
Thanks to brave researchers like Dr. Harriet de Wit, we're finally getting more answers.
Dr. de Wit, a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, spent decades studying various drugs before focusing on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
However, when she first began exploring LSD microdosing, she was cautious about openly discussing her research. "I was very nervous about doing LSD research to begin with because of the stigma," she revealed.
To minimize attention, she referred to her first study as a "serotonin agonist" study, even though she still named it as LSD in the description.
The approval process for her study took nearly two years.
Her groundbreaking work has been published in prestigious journals like Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry.
In my latest interview, Dr. de Wit shares fascinating insights on:
* MDMA's unique effects on our sensitivity to negative emotions in other people’s faces
* The dose-dependent effects of LSD microdosing on mood and cognition
* The importance of controlled research to maximize benefits and minimize risks
Dr. DeWit's research shows that these compounds have the ability to reshape neural pathways and facilitate deep emotional healing.
"MDMA is technically not a psychedelic, but it does have unique effects that make it useful in therapy."
But to fully realize this potential, we will need to do more than just demonstrate their efficacy in clinical trials. We will need to develop new models of care that integrate psychedelic therapies into the broader landscape of mental health services, while ensuring that they are delivered safely, ethically, and not just for the wealthy.
We may also need to challenge long-held assumptions about the nature of mental illness and the ability to consciously control the healing process.
"Microdosing LSD under controlled conditions allows for the study of its effects without the influence of expectations." – Dr. Harriet de Wit
For Dr. DeWit, this process of integration is not only necessary but inevitable. "I would like to go on forever," she told me with a smile. "It's fascinating to ask all these questions, and there seems to be an infinite number of them."
One of the most pressing needs is for continued funding and institutional support for rigorous, well-designed studies that can provide definitive answers to the many questions that remain.
This week, I’m inviting my listeners to share their most pressing unanswered questions about psychedelics. Please share them on YouTube, or send me a Direct Message on Instagram.
While you’re there, be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss my answers.
Takeaways
* Harriet DeWit has a long and distinguished career in science, particularly in psychedelic science.
* Her research has focused on amphetamines, MDMA, and microdosing LSD.
* MDMA has unique effects, including increased sociability, empathy, and a reduction in the feeling of reject

In this special monologue episode, Dr. Richard L. Miller shares his secret to a happy life: taking control of your mind. Drawing from his 64 years of experience and personal struggles, Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of persistent practice in managing thoughts and emotions. He recounts how "mind control" and "Dog Yoga" helped him overcome physical challenges following a motorcycle accident and the recent pandemic. With his trademark wisdom and humor, Dr. Miller invites listeners to join his growing Instagram community and submit their questions for future episodes. Discover why 1.1 million viewers have already tuned in to learn how to master their minds and improve their lives.


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

Obi Kaufmann, artist, writer, and conservationist, discusses California's ecology, water management, and biodiversity. Kaufmann challenges conventional environmentalism, questioning the language used to describe nature and the paradox of trading nature to save it. He emphasizes the importance of indigenous-led ecological thought and the resilience provided by biodiversity. Kaufmann shares insights from his book "The State of Water" and his upcoming release "The State of Fire: Why California Burns."


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

I sit down with the trailblazing Dr. John McDougall, a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and the author of the groundbreaking book, "The Starch Solution." Dr. McDougall shares his decades of experience as a physician and researcher, revealing the power of a whole-food, starch-based diet in preventing and reversing chronic diseases, promoting sustainable weight loss, and optimizing overall health. Discover how shifting away from animal products and processed foods and embracing starches like rice, potatoes, and corn can transform your life and the planet. Dr. McDougall also delves into the environmental impact of our dietary choices, the role of the food industry in shaping public perception, and practical tips for adopting a plant-based lifestyle. To learn more about Dr. McDougall's work and access a wealth of resources, visit his website at www.drmcdougall.com.


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

Cathy Reisenwitz is a writer and creator of the Sex and the State substack publication. She has been featured on TV and in various publications such as TechCrunch, The Week, VICE, and Daily Beast. In this podcast episode, Cathy discusses the concept of authoritarianism and its impact on society. She explores the traits of an authoritarian personality, including a focus on conformity, lack of diversity, and a preference for in-groups. Cathy also delves into the connection between violence and authoritarianism and how it relates to social and political ideologies. The episode highlights the differences between authoritarianism and liberalism, emphasizing the pro-social nature of the latter. Overall, the discussion sheds light on the complexities of authoritarianism and its implications for society.


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Podcast Episode: David Nutt - Psychedelics and Mental Health
Guest: Professor David Nutt Short Bio: David Nutt is a psychiatrist specializing in the effects of drugs on the brain. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of how psychedelics work and their clinical applications. He co-founded the first academic psychedelic research center and has recently launched his book "Psychedelics: The Revolutionary Drugs That Could Change Your Life – A Guide from the Expert."
In the podcast episode, Professor David Nutt delves into the history of psychedelic prohibition, discussing its significant impact on research and clinical treatment. He underscores the potential of psychedelics as a potent treatment for various mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, and addiction. The conversation explores the adverse effects of psychedelics, the suppression of science, and the evolving societal attitudes towards these substances. Further, Professor Nutt shares insights about his forthcoming trial that uses psilocybin to treat heroin addiction. He believes in the power of psychedelics to assist individuals in reframing their attitudes and lifestyles.


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