Psychedelics Today PT 599 - Sarko Diane and Rick - First to Respond
Apr 25, 2025
Sarko Gergerian, a police officer and MDMA-assisted psychotherapist, joins Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, and Diane Goldstein, former lieutenant at LEAP, to discuss the evolution of law enforcement's relationship with psychedelics. They explore how psychedelics can transform crisis response training for officers, enhance mental health support, and heal trauma among first responders. The conversation highlights the urgent need for progressive policies to promote therapeutic models and shift societal narratives around drug use.
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Police Officer's MDMA Experience
- Sarko experienced MDMA therapy under a federally sanctioned protocol with his police chief's approval.
- His mystical experience revealed deep appreciation and trauma insights, bridging police work and psychotherapy.
Religious Freedom for Psychedelics
- Sarko obtained legal religious freedom to use psychedelics with his police department's permission.
- This allowed him to deepen his understanding through a well-curated entheogenic church.
Historical Police Reform Vision
- August Vollmer advocated law enforcement avoid moralistic crime enforcement to reduce corruption and community harm.
- Over-policing drugs damages relationships and worsens community safety.