Episode Details

How could you safely use psychedelics to break out of patterns that keep you stuck?

With the help of my friend Dr. Rick Barnett, we discuss the benefits and stigma that surrounds the use of psychedelic therapy to overcome depression, disordered eating and various addictions.

We also cover the potentially powerful role psychedelics can play as effective pattern interrupters of human behavior and what treatments are currently legal in the United States.

Rick is a licensed clinical psychologist and drug and alcohol counselor practicing in Vermont. In long-term recovery himself, he is also a pioneer in the medical use of psychedelics, co-founding the Psychedelic Society of Vermont in 2021. 

From Tommy Rosen's concept of the "frequency of addiction" to powerful insights from Eckhart Tolle, Judson Brewer and Alcoholics Anonymous co-Founder Bill W, this podcast covers a lot of territory that will be useful to anyone interested in overcoming obstacles and personal transformation.

So let's get into it!

***

SHOW NOTES

(01:30) Introduction

(02:22) Rick's origin story

(03:35) Early experiences with LSD - "Seeing the world through different eyes"

(04:40) Sober at age 20

(05:10) Credits sobriety and career to psychedelic use

(06:30) Co-Founder of Alcoholics Anonymous Bill W's "white light" moment

(07:30) Bill W's later experimentation with LSD

(09:30) Spiritual experience of psychedelics can complement 12-Step work

(11:00) Tommy Rosen's concept of "the frequency of addiction"

(11:45) Compulsive thinking as a disease of addiction

(12:15) Underlying principles of the 12 Steps

(14:30) Judson Brewer's writings on addiction

(16:00) "The Pollan Effect" - How to Change Your Mind published in 2018

(17:00) True meaning of "Drop the Weight" podcast relates to "frequency of addiction"

(18:00) Value of talk therapy

(20:25) Psychedelics "by definition" change your consciousness

(21:30) Impact of Michael Pollan's book

(22:30) Destigmatizing psychedelics among healthcare practitioners

(23:15) Ketamine as the only legal psychedelic treatment in the U.S.

(25:00) Integrating psychedelics with other therapies

(27:40) Instead of saying "I'm sorry," say "Thank you"

(29:25) Who should avoid psychedelic therapy?

(30:55) People with a history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should use caution

(33:30) September 2023 Equinox psychedelic event

(35:00) New research about 5-Meo-DMT therapy in Mexico

(36:50) Psychedelics as pattern interrupters with "transdiagnostic" applications

(37:00) Treating depression, anxiety, addiction and overeating as well

(40:05) Legal and non-legal pathways for psychedelic therapy

(41:00) Ketamine, Ayahuasca, Ibogaine

(44:20) Ongoing stigma surrounding psychedelic therapy as "recreational"

***

Get Connected with Elizabeth McGann:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elizabethmcgann

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMcGannWellness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmcgann

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElizabethMcGann

***

You can learn more about Dr. Rick Barnett, his practice and the Psychedelic Society of Vermont here:

Rick's Website: https://drrickbarnett.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drrickbarnett

Psychedelic Society of Vermont Website:

Listen Now