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#440: Rick Doblin — The Psychedelic Domino That Tips All Others

Jun 12, 2020

Guest

Rick Doblin

Rick Doblin, the founder of MAPS, shares his deep insights into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, particularly MDMA. He recounts the history of MDMA from a therapeutic tool to its criminalization. The conversation highlights how MDMA aids in PTSD treatment by facilitating emotional processing and reducing fear responses. Doblin underscores the need for policy reform and discusses ongoing fundraising efforts to advance MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. He even reveals a significant $10 million funding challenge to boost psychedelic research.

01:41:52

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ANECDOTE

MAPS Origin Story

Rick Doblin founded MAPS in 1986 to bring back MDMA as a legal therapeutic drug through FDA approval.
Initially, he tried using legal means to prevent MDMA criminalization, but after failing, he realized scientific research was the only way.

insights

INSIGHT

MDMA for PTSD

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has shown remarkable results in treating chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD, with a significant percentage of participants no longer qualifying for PTSD after treatment.
This is notable given the short duration of treatment (2-3 sessions) compared to the long duration of suffering (average 17.8 years).

insights

INSIGHT

MDMA's Properties and History

MDMA is chemically between methamphetamine and mescaline, giving it both energizing and psychedelic properties.
Sasha Shulgin rediscovered its therapeutic potential, leading to its use in couples therapy and for personal growth.

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Promotional Offers and New Opportunities

01:57 • 4min

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The Evolution of MDMA: From Therapy to Ecstasy

06:27 • 26min

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Empathogens and PTSD: Transforming Trauma

32:12 • 10min

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Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of MDMA and Its Comparison to Other Psychedelics

42:39 • 3min

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Transformative Healing with MDMA

45:37 • 29min

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The Call to Support Psychedelic Research and Healing

01:14:20 • 5min

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Funding MDMA: A New Frontier in Therapy

01:19:36 • 8min

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Funding the Future of Psychedelic Research

01:27:22 • 17min

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The Secret Chief Revealed

Myron J. Stolaroff

The Secret Chief Revealed is a revised edition that explores the life and work of Leo Zeff, a pioneering figure in underground psychedelic therapy. The book includes conversations with Zeff and contributions from notable figures in the psychedelic movement, such as Albert Hofmann and Stanislav Grof. It provides insights into Zeff's contributions to the field and his personal life as a researcher and healer.

The Secret Chief Revealed

Myron J. Stolaroff

The Secret Chief Revealed is a transcription of an interview with Leo Zeff, a pioneering psychedelic therapist who conducted much of his work underground after psychedelics were declared illegal. The book provides insights into Zeff's research and practice with psychedelic-assisted therapy, along with contributions from other leaders in the psychedelic movement.

PiHKAL

A Chemical Love Story

Alexander T. Shulgin

Ann Shulgin

PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved) is a book by Alexander and Ann Shulgin that details the chemical structures and subjective effects of a wide range of psychedelic compounds. The book is known for its detailed accounts of the Shulgins' personal experiences with these substances, offering a unique perspective on the subjective effects of psychedelics. It's a significant contribution to the field of psychopharmacology, though its accessibility has also raised concerns about potential misuse of the information. The book's comprehensive approach to documenting the chemical and subjective aspects of these compounds has made it a controversial yet influential work in the field. It remains a valuable resource for researchers and those interested in the history and effects of psychedelic drugs.

TiHKAL: The Continuation by Alexander and Ann Shulgin is a comprehensive exploration of tryptamines, a family of psychoactive compounds. The book is divided into two parts: the first part is a fictionalized autobiography that continues the story from PiHKAL, while the second part provides detailed chemical synthesis and subjective effects of 55 tryptamine compounds. It offers insights into the Shulgins' personal experiences, scientific research, and societal commentary.

Rick Doblin — The Psychedelic Domino That Tips All Others | Brought to you by Helix Sleep and LinkedIn Jobs

Rick Doblin, PhD, (@rickdoblin) is the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana and his master’s thesis on a survey of oncologists about smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients. Rick was also one of the early students under the legendary Dr. Stanislav Grof.

Please listen to this entire episode, as there is a $10M surprise at the end.

If you are interested in learning more about MAPS’s critical work and Phase 3 studies to make MDMA-assisted psychotherapy an approved treatment for PTSD, please visit maps.org/capstone

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