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Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca
Explores the potential of psychedelics as medicine and the intersections of politics, science, and psychedelics
• Explores the tumultuous history of psychedelic research, the efforts to restore psychedelic therapies, and the links between psychiatric drugs and mental illness
• Offers non-technical summaries of the most recent, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca
• Includes the work of Rick Doblin, Stanislav Grof, James Fadiman, Julie Holland, Dennis McKenna, David Nichols, Charles Grob, Phil Wolfson, Michael and Annie Mithoefer, Roland Griffiths, Katherine MacLean, and Robert Whitaker
Embracing the revival of psychedelic research and the discovery of new therapeutic uses, clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Louis Miller discusses what is happening today in psychedelic medicine--and what will happen in the future--with top researchers and thinkers in this field, including Rick Doblin, Stanislav Grof, James Fadiman, Julie Holland, Dennis McKenna, David Nichols, Charles Grob, Phil Wolfson, Michael and Annie Mithoefer, Roland Griffiths, Katherine MacLean, and Robert Whitaker.
Dr. Miller and his contributors cover the tumultuous history of early psychedelic research brought to a halt 50 years ago by the U.S. government as well as offering non-technical summaries of the most recent studies with MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca. They explore the biochemistry of consciousness and the use of psychedelics for self-discovery and healing. They discuss the use of psilocybin for releasing fear in the terminally ill and the potential for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD. They examine Dr. Charles Grob’s research on the indigenous use and therapeutic properties of ayahuasca and Dr. Gabor Mate’s attempt to transport this plant medicine to a clinical setting with the help of Canada’s Department of National Health.
Dr. Miller and his contributors explore the ongoing efforts to restore psychedelic therapies to the health field, the growing threat of overmedication by the pharmaceutical industry, and the links between psychiatric drugs and mental illness. They also discuss the newly shifting political climate and the push for new research, offering hope for an end to the War on Drugs and a potential renaissance of research into psychedelic medicines around the world.
• Explores the tumultuous history of psychedelic research, the efforts to restore psychedelic therapies, and the links between psychiatric drugs and mental illness
• Offers non-technical summaries of the most recent, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca
• Includes the work of Rick Doblin, Stanislav Grof, James Fadiman, Julie Holland, Dennis McKenna, David Nichols, Charles Grob, Phil Wolfson, Michael and Annie Mithoefer, Roland Griffiths, Katherine MacLean, and Robert Whitaker
Embracing the revival of psychedelic research and the discovery of new therapeutic uses, clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Louis Miller discusses what is happening today in psychedelic medicine--and what will happen in the future--with top researchers and thinkers in this field, including Rick Doblin, Stanislav Grof, James Fadiman, Julie Holland, Dennis McKenna, David Nichols, Charles Grob, Phil Wolfson, Michael and Annie Mithoefer, Roland Griffiths, Katherine MacLean, and Robert Whitaker.
Dr. Miller and his contributors cover the tumultuous history of early psychedelic research brought to a halt 50 years ago by the U.S. government as well as offering non-technical summaries of the most recent studies with MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca. They explore the biochemistry of consciousness and the use of psychedelics for self-discovery and healing. They discuss the use of psilocybin for releasing fear in the terminally ill and the potential for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of PTSD. They examine Dr. Charles Grob’s research on the indigenous use and therapeutic properties of ayahuasca and Dr. Gabor Mate’s attempt to transport this plant medicine to a clinical setting with the help of Canada’s Department of National Health.
Dr. Miller and his contributors explore the ongoing efforts to restore psychedelic therapies to the health field, the growing threat of overmedication by the pharmaceutical industry, and the links between psychiatric drugs and mental illness. They also discuss the newly shifting political climate and the push for new research, offering hope for an end to the War on Drugs and a potential renaissance of research into psychedelic medicines around the world.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2017
83 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Richard Louis Miller
15 books7 followersRichard Louis Miller is a Clinical Psychologist, owner of Wilbur Hot Springs Health Sanctuary, and broadcaster who hosts the Mind Body Health & Politics radio program, a radio talk show which airs on NPR affiliate KZYX&Z FM.
The program is known for its wide ranging discussions on politics and health, the show's format includes guest interviews, guest speakers, and listener call in.
Dr. Richard Miller is Founder & Chief Caretaker of Wilbur Hot Springs Health Sanctuary, established 1865, providing healing, prevention, and health maintenance.
Dr. Miller began the present Wilbur Hot Springs Sanctuary for the Self in 1972 combining the safety and security of the pristine Wilbur springs environment with a modern personal mind-body health philosophy emphasizing dignity and respect for all. He also revitalized the ancient healing method the Greeks called Balneology – the science of the therapeutic use of natural hot mineral waters.
As the Founder of the internationally acclaimed Cokenders Alcohol and Drug Program, Miller integrated his techniques, and philosophy, of humanistic psychology and psycho-physical fitness training with social model rehabilitation. Miller stated that chemical dependence is an opportunity for people disinterested in health, to learn about, and create, a healthy sustainable lifestyle. During the 1980s, he detoxified over 1,500 persons at Wilbur Hot Springs. Not one of these patients were medicated or hospitalized during their residential treatment. Dr. Miller believes the professionally designed program, the Wilbur ambiance and pristine environment, combined with the therapeutic medicinal qualities of the mineral hot springs were significant adjuncts to his 86% two-year success rate.
Dr. Miller’s innovative approaches to healing have been the subject of national television news reports (including segments on the news programs of Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, David Brinkley and Phil Donahue), print media (Time, Newsweek, and US News & World Report), two film documentaries, the book Gestalting Addiction and his present book, Psychedelic Medicine. In order to share information with the general public, he co-authored a weekly news column in the San Francisco Chronicle, while co-hosting a weekly syndicated radio program.
Dr. Miller has presented his work at national conferences of the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Psychotherapists and the White House Conference on Drugs.
He has spent 50 years studying, teaching, researching, administering and practicing psychology, health education, psychotherapy and Executive Consulting. His experiences include:
Fellow: United States Public Health Service
Faculty: University of Michigan and Stanford University
Founding Board of Directors: California School of Professional Psychology
Founding Board of Directors: Gestalt Institute of San Francisco
Founder and director: Cokenders Alcohol and Drug Program
Consulting psychologist: Haight Ashbury Medical Clinic
Consultant: California Assembly
Consultant: United States Department of Justice
Advisor: President's Commission on Mental Health
Advisor: California Governor's Council on Wellness and Physical Fitness
Vice President: Parkside Medical Services Corporation
Board of Directors: Redwood Practical Shooters
1st Vice President on the Board of the Mendocino Art Center
National Board of Directors, Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)
Board of Directors, Fort Bragg Senior Center
In 1990, while motorcycling, Dr Miller was hit by a recreational vehicle. In the resulting accident, the Winnebago ran over him crushing both of his legs. He kept himself alive using breathing stabilization techniques. In the emergency room he talked the attending physician out of amputating his legs which led to to a 15-hour surgery. This was the first of 6 surgeries. While in intensive care, Dr. Miller devised methods of coping with the psychological trauma, using visual imagery to aid the healing process. G
The program is known for its wide ranging discussions on politics and health, the show's format includes guest interviews, guest speakers, and listener call in.
Dr. Richard Miller is Founder & Chief Caretaker of Wilbur Hot Springs Health Sanctuary, established 1865, providing healing, prevention, and health maintenance.
Dr. Miller began the present Wilbur Hot Springs Sanctuary for the Self in 1972 combining the safety and security of the pristine Wilbur springs environment with a modern personal mind-body health philosophy emphasizing dignity and respect for all. He also revitalized the ancient healing method the Greeks called Balneology – the science of the therapeutic use of natural hot mineral waters.
As the Founder of the internationally acclaimed Cokenders Alcohol and Drug Program, Miller integrated his techniques, and philosophy, of humanistic psychology and psycho-physical fitness training with social model rehabilitation. Miller stated that chemical dependence is an opportunity for people disinterested in health, to learn about, and create, a healthy sustainable lifestyle. During the 1980s, he detoxified over 1,500 persons at Wilbur Hot Springs. Not one of these patients were medicated or hospitalized during their residential treatment. Dr. Miller believes the professionally designed program, the Wilbur ambiance and pristine environment, combined with the therapeutic medicinal qualities of the mineral hot springs were significant adjuncts to his 86% two-year success rate.
Dr. Miller’s innovative approaches to healing have been the subject of national television news reports (including segments on the news programs of Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, David Brinkley and Phil Donahue), print media (Time, Newsweek, and US News & World Report), two film documentaries, the book Gestalting Addiction and his present book, Psychedelic Medicine. In order to share information with the general public, he co-authored a weekly news column in the San Francisco Chronicle, while co-hosting a weekly syndicated radio program.
Dr. Miller has presented his work at national conferences of the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Psychotherapists and the White House Conference on Drugs.
He has spent 50 years studying, teaching, researching, administering and practicing psychology, health education, psychotherapy and Executive Consulting. His experiences include:
Fellow: United States Public Health Service
Faculty: University of Michigan and Stanford University
Founding Board of Directors: California School of Professional Psychology
Founding Board of Directors: Gestalt Institute of San Francisco
Founder and director: Cokenders Alcohol and Drug Program
Consulting psychologist: Haight Ashbury Medical Clinic
Consultant: California Assembly
Consultant: United States Department of Justice
Advisor: President's Commission on Mental Health
Advisor: California Governor's Council on Wellness and Physical Fitness
Vice President: Parkside Medical Services Corporation
Board of Directors: Redwood Practical Shooters
1st Vice President on the Board of the Mendocino Art Center
National Board of Directors, Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)
Board of Directors, Fort Bragg Senior Center
In 1990, while motorcycling, Dr Miller was hit by a recreational vehicle. In the resulting accident, the Winnebago ran over him crushing both of his legs. He kept himself alive using breathing stabilization techniques. In the emergency room he talked the attending physician out of amputating his legs which led to to a 15-hour surgery. This was the first of 6 surgeries. While in intensive care, Dr. Miller devised methods of coping with the psychological trauma, using visual imagery to aid the healing process. G
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 17, 2017
A truly fascinating examination of psychedelic research and therapy, a highly contentious field, where politics and science clash over the determination of the public interest.
The format of the book is a series of interviews conducted by clinical psychologist, Dr. Richard Louis Miller with top researchers and thinkers in the field of psychedelic medication.
Whilst these interviews are most illuminating and the bedrock of the book, I didn't enjoy the question and answer style format. It leads to unavoidable repetition as his contributers invariably cover some of the same topics and research. There is also the danger of individual bias permuating the personal experience and overall bias as all the contributors are in complete support of psychedelics, with no dissenting views being proffered.
There are undoubtedly powerful arguments that are put forward in this book which are backed by well-grounded, authoritative research over many decades and I believe that this research should not be suppressed for the sake of political expedience and pharmaceutical profit margins.
The format of the book is a series of interviews conducted by clinical psychologist, Dr. Richard Louis Miller with top researchers and thinkers in the field of psychedelic medication.
Whilst these interviews are most illuminating and the bedrock of the book, I didn't enjoy the question and answer style format. It leads to unavoidable repetition as his contributers invariably cover some of the same topics and research. There is also the danger of individual bias permuating the personal experience and overall bias as all the contributors are in complete support of psychedelics, with no dissenting views being proffered.
There are undoubtedly powerful arguments that are put forward in this book which are backed by well-grounded, authoritative research over many decades and I believe that this research should not be suppressed for the sake of political expedience and pharmaceutical profit margins.
April 28, 2020
A good introduction to the subject since its an easy read but nothing really new being said on the matter. Its a poorly structured book and i found the author aggravating.
November 15, 2020
Needs more machine elves.
~~
Now seriously, this is a book composed of transcriptions of interviews. And as all transcription books it has its problems. While all the interviews are excellent by themselves, and done with top researchers in various entheogens, the book suffers a bit of repetition in style and form. The author/interviewer asks always very similar questions in each interview and this leads to repetitive answers. Still, it is extremely informative and presents incredible research both recent and historical.
Recommended nonetheless.
~~
Now seriously, this is a book composed of transcriptions of interviews. And as all transcription books it has its problems. While all the interviews are excellent by themselves, and done with top researchers in various entheogens, the book suffers a bit of repetition in style and form. The author/interviewer asks always very similar questions in each interview and this leads to repetitive answers. Still, it is extremely informative and presents incredible research both recent and historical.
Recommended nonetheless.
July 8, 2020
Libro más bien de consulta para conocer y entender cada enteógeno.
Prácticamente todo el libro son entrevistas a expertas y expertos que explican los efectos, los estudios que se han realizado con los psicotrópicos y sus resultados, la legalidad, la historia...
Prácticamente todo el libro son entrevistas a expertas y expertos que explican los efectos, los estudios que se han realizado con los psicotrópicos y sus resultados, la legalidad, la historia...
April 10, 2019
Psychedelic medicine has a lot of interesting information. Unfortunately the format doesn't do it justice. The book is organized into several interviews from Richard Louis Miller's radio show. While it was interesting to read some of the conversations, the information could have been more straightforward and usable if the interviews had been summarized and interpreted by the author.
The interviews were a jumble of the history of psychedelic prohibition and the various studies that are being done to prove their value in today's society. The only commentary from the author, other than the interviews themselves, was the introductions of each of his guests. It gave the impression that although the author, as clinical psychologist, was interested in the healing powers of psychedelics, he had little knowledge on the specific benefits, safety, and physiological mechanisms behind them.
If you are interested in the social and political issues affecting the governmental regulation of psychedelics, you might find this book interesting. If you are looking for more information on their effects and how they function, I would recommend another author.
The interviews were a jumble of the history of psychedelic prohibition and the various studies that are being done to prove their value in today's society. The only commentary from the author, other than the interviews themselves, was the introductions of each of his guests. It gave the impression that although the author, as clinical psychologist, was interested in the healing powers of psychedelics, he had little knowledge on the specific benefits, safety, and physiological mechanisms behind them.
If you are interested in the social and political issues affecting the governmental regulation of psychedelics, you might find this book interesting. If you are looking for more information on their effects and how they function, I would recommend another author.
October 2, 2025
Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin and Ayahuasca is a very informative book about these awesome chemical compounds.
The book is divided into five chapters, one for each compound and the fifth being about prescribed psych-meds, each chapter involves a conversation taken directly from Dr. Richard Louis Miller's own shown. The conversations are between him (Dr. Richard L. Miller) & guests like Dennis McKenna, Rick Doblin, Amanda Fielding & other important figures in this community. They share their findings, talk about the history of some substances and talk about their efficacy and how safe can these substances be.
If you are interested in psychedelic science and medicine, this is an awesome book. Compared to other books within this topic, it is fairly short which is good if you don't want to spend a lot of time reading and want a quick introduction into said topic.
The book is divided into five chapters, one for each compound and the fifth being about prescribed psych-meds, each chapter involves a conversation taken directly from Dr. Richard Louis Miller's own shown. The conversations are between him (Dr. Richard L. Miller) & guests like Dennis McKenna, Rick Doblin, Amanda Fielding & other important figures in this community. They share their findings, talk about the history of some substances and talk about their efficacy and how safe can these substances be.
If you are interested in psychedelic science and medicine, this is an awesome book. Compared to other books within this topic, it is fairly short which is good if you don't want to spend a lot of time reading and want a quick introduction into said topic.
October 11, 2020
We are fast approaching what could become a revolution in the treatment of mental health conditions. Various psychedelics will likely be approved by the FDA over the next few years for multiple indications. This book includes interviews with many of the key players in the emerging psychedelic revolution including Rick Doblin, who founded the historic MAPS studies, Stan Grof one of the great pioneers of psychedelic therapy and Roland Griffiths who has led studies at John Hopkins on psylocibin, among many others. With these interviews Miller gives us a very good idea of the potential of these treatments and the controversial history of the field as well as a potent critique of our contemporary approach to the treatment of mental illness. Very worthwhile if you want to keep up with this fast approaching revolution.
November 29, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version while in the process of overcoming some stuff, meditating, smoking some dmt, and getting some LSD.
The author interviews a couple high-level individuals in the psychedelics industry, from psychiatrists, to chemists, to biologists, to political scientists.
Most of the content revolves around the suppression of psychedelics by various governments, followed by outstanding mental results from clinical trials, along with effects that people feel when they use psychedelics recreationally, and then the amazing benefits, and low levels of adverse effects.
The audiobook continues the same narrative that's been building up in the last 5-10 years of the safe applications of psychedelics.
I look forward to doing more DMT and trying my first LSD after this.
The author interviews a couple high-level individuals in the psychedelics industry, from psychiatrists, to chemists, to biologists, to political scientists.
Most of the content revolves around the suppression of psychedelics by various governments, followed by outstanding mental results from clinical trials, along with effects that people feel when they use psychedelics recreationally, and then the amazing benefits, and low levels of adverse effects.
The audiobook continues the same narrative that's been building up in the last 5-10 years of the safe applications of psychedelics.
I look forward to doing more DMT and trying my first LSD after this.
December 12, 2021
Content - The content is on psychedelic research and therapies, focusing on LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin and Ayahuasca. It details the political drama involves in making these medications illegal. A good overview on the history of these medications and legalities, done in series of interviews. Reading others reviews, I didn't find the format as frustrating as other however I listened to the book on audible while working over a few days so didn't find it as repetitive or frustrating as reading interview format in a book.
Audio Quality - Good, listened via audible.
Overall - Was a good listen, simple to follow along with.
Recommendation - . Recommend to people wanting an understanding of psychedelics in relation to medical uses and the history of politics, and where research is heading.
Audio Quality - Good, listened via audible.
Overall - Was a good listen, simple to follow along with.
Recommendation - . Recommend to people wanting an understanding of psychedelics in relation to medical uses and the history of politics, and where research is heading.
May 2, 2022
Most of the book felt like it was just snippets from his podcast. A handful of questions were repetitive. As I have already done a lengthy bit of research on psychedelic medicine, I was disappointed not to get the details expanded upon. The most enjoyable portion was the very end. The brief history of psych meds and the stark contrast between actions done previously vs now & also the not so drastic changes, referring to progress with psychiatric help. Would say this book is more so for someone who is new to the concept of psychiatric substances being used for medicinal purposes but wouldn’t recommend for anyone who is more versed.
October 19, 2020
Great introduction into the world of medicinal psychedelics
I’m a layman, but I’ve been interested in psychology for as long as I can remember, well before my interest in psychedelics peaked. From research and lived experience I’d come to believe our understanding and treatment of mental illness is woefully insufficient. This book is an inspiring look at what’s been happening with research by the pioneers that have been doing the work for decades. A treasure trove of information for a curious person like myself.
I’m a layman, but I’ve been interested in psychology for as long as I can remember, well before my interest in psychedelics peaked. From research and lived experience I’d come to believe our understanding and treatment of mental illness is woefully insufficient. This book is an inspiring look at what’s been happening with research by the pioneers that have been doing the work for decades. A treasure trove of information for a curious person like myself.
February 22, 2022
Excellent overview of these four "household-name" psychedelic medicines—LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin and Ayahuasca.
The book as a distillation of interview transcripts with leading scientists in this field. Because of this, the book seemed to repeat information at times, but overall, as a non-scientist learning about this space, I still felt the material to be overall insightful but it is by no means comprehensive (not a knock on the book at all, it is just the nature of it). If you're already familiar with these medicines, then there may not be a lot of, if any, new information for you.
The book as a distillation of interview transcripts with leading scientists in this field. Because of this, the book seemed to repeat information at times, but overall, as a non-scientist learning about this space, I still felt the material to be overall insightful but it is by no means comprehensive (not a knock on the book at all, it is just the nature of it). If you're already familiar with these medicines, then there may not be a lot of, if any, new information for you.
May 2, 2021
Good info and great interlocutors! The interview format could have been cleaned up to avoid repetition. This book is aging rapidly. As there's a flood of new psychedelic research daily and the politics surrounding them is evolving nearly as rapidly, the reports of research contained in this book are sliding from cutting-edge to well-established. Richard Miller has some biases against recreational use, other drugs, and a facile understanding of politics that diminish otherwise good questions.
November 7, 2023
4.5
i really like how it is just a transcript of interviews with researchers, but i feel like the quality of richards interview questions/statements were lacking at times. i guess he is not a journalist so the bar shouldnt be that high but i found it frustrating when he would make statements in a way that the respondent couldnt elaborate or disagree.
that being said i learned a lot this book was amazing.
i really like how it is just a transcript of interviews with researchers, but i feel like the quality of richards interview questions/statements were lacking at times. i guess he is not a journalist so the bar shouldnt be that high but i found it frustrating when he would make statements in a way that the respondent couldnt elaborate or disagree.
that being said i learned a lot this book was amazing.
April 28, 2020
Truly enlightening collection of interviews of leading researchers in the domain of psychedelic medicine. They have discussed the history, legalization issues, potential benefits and psychiatric healing powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin and Ayahuasca.
A must read for anyone interested in a comprehensive overview on this topic!
A must read for anyone interested in a comprehensive overview on this topic!
March 20, 2021
Really good primer
This book went through the histry amd sxience of mental illness They plausibly inform and excite people about the use of psychedelics, something of which the current medical and legal paradigms that is a major resistor of breakthrough modalities of alternative medicines.
This book went through the histry amd sxience of mental illness They plausibly inform and excite people about the use of psychedelics, something of which the current medical and legal paradigms that is a major resistor of breakthrough modalities of alternative medicines.
October 16, 2021
This was an enjoyable book. It was a collection of interviews with prominent leaders in the field of psychiatric and psychological uses of psychedelics as treatments for psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a history of psychedelics in the past century and where the current scientific consensus stands.
August 1, 2022
It's literally a transcript of a talkshow. I guess maybe it might be alright as an introduction to the topic but even then there's better options which aren't written in a boring format. Every chapter talks about a different drug, but the content of each chapter is almost a carbon copy of the previous one.
March 27, 2024
Great primer on psychedelics, their efficiency, and the history, with a comparison to psychiatric pharmaceuticals. These medicines work, y’all. Don’t forget the US government has and will continue to lie to you and this is a perfect example of that. Why are medicines that are more efficacious than pharmaceuticals illegal? Hmmm…I wonder.
March 4, 2018
A fantastic set of interviews with the doctors, scientists, and leaders who are investigating the medical potential of these important chemicals. It is hard not to be inspired by their work and results.
March 3, 2022
One of the most fascinating books I have ever ready. So much great information and a huge eye opener to the mental health epidemic in our world today and how the medicines we all take to get better actually make us worse.
April 7, 2022
I found this book hard to read as it's basically a transcript of the authors podcast and all the information is 3rd hand. I wish I had known this as I would have preferred to listen to the actual podcast or find books by the guests.
July 26, 2025
The more I read about the history of psychedelic medicine, the more I am not only fascinated by it but gravely concerned about governmental interference for what appears to be a very healing modality.
October 5, 2018
An amazing description of the health and mental benefits of psychedelics with some nice history in between. The format wasn't the greatest bug the content makes up for it.
July 10, 2018
Pretty good.
December 9, 2018
Excellent information of the development and status of psychedelic medicine.
July 9, 2020
The book is kind of a mess, with long stretches of explaining the history of psychedelic research. If you are new to the theme it could be a good source of information, otherwise not very enjoyable.
May 23, 2021
Much of the information I already knew, but i would highly recommend this too someone who has little knowledge on psychedelics and the politics involved.
April 25, 2022
Very interesting information. I didn’t like the delivery.
July 14, 2022
Not a big fan of the transcript format, but otherwise informative regarding broad strokes (many of the details are unsurprisingly dated).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews