In today’s episode, we take on for the first time the hotly interesting topic of psychedelics.   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, eating disorders 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:   Coaching Website: http://www.ElizabethMcGann.com 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: https://vermontpsychedelic.org/