Mind Body Health & Politics Richard L. Miller

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 setting
In 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 ther

Dear Friends,
Have you ever felt like giving up when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge?
I know I have. But what I've learned through my own experiences is that persistence and consistent effort can work wonders.
It all started with a devastating motorcycle accident that left me with both legs crushed. As I lay on the highway, I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst. But then, a voice inside me said these words:
"You can still make a contribution."
That was the moment I decided to fight for my life.
The doctors told me I'd never walk again, but I refused to accept that. After a grueling surgery, in which I had to persuade the surgeon not to amputate my legs, I set an ambitious goal for myself: to complete a triathlon within two years. It started with a single step, then two, then three. I kept pushing myself, day after day, week after week. And you know what? I did it. I completed that triathlon, even though I had to use crutches.
But my journey wasn't just about physical recovery. You see, exercise isn't just good for your body; it's also incredibly powerful for your mind. I often cite a study from Duke University, first brought to my attention by the great Robert Whitaker (author of Anatomy of an Epidemic), which found that exercise can be even more effective than medication for treating major depression.
The key is to start small and be consistent.
Whether it's a brisk walk around the block or a few push-ups during your work breaks, every little bit counts.
As I like to say, "A little something over a long period of time is a lot of something."
So, my challenge to you is this: set a small goal for yourself and stick to it. Whether it's physical, mental, or emotional, find something that you can work towards each and every day. And remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're all in this together.
I'd love to hear from you:
What small goal will you set for yourself today?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or send me a message on social media. Let's inspire each other to keep pushing forward, one step at a time.
Golden light,
Dr. Richard L. Miller
Takeaways
* Exercise can be as effective as medication for treating major depression, according to a Duke University study.
* Persistence and consistent effort are key to overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
* Setting small, achievable goals and working towards them every day can lead to significant progress over time.
* Exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental and emotional well-being.
* Sharing our experiences and supporting one another can help us stay motivated and inspired on our journeys.

Mind Body Health & Politics brings you exclusive interviews with leading scientists, researchers, and health professionals, exploring the frontiers of mind-body medicine and the politics of health. Get the latest insights in psychedelic science, integrative medicine, and beyond
Links and Resources
* Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America, by Robert Whitaker
* Duke University Study: Exercise May Be Just As Effective As Medication For Treating Major Depression



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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