Ep 6. Psychedelic Healing

In season 7 episode 6 of "This is Life with Lisa Ling," titled "Psychedelic Healing," we enter the world of psychedelic psychotherapy. Ling dives into the use of psychedelic drugs like MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in treating mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Ling begins the episode by speaking with a group of veterans who have tried everything to treat their PTSD, but nothing has worked. They are now turning to MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, for a groundbreaking treatment experience. Ling follows them as they participate in an FDA-approved clinical trial where they receive a dose of MDMA and are guided through therapy to confront their PTSD. Through interviews with the veterans, their therapists, and the researchers behind the trial, Ling sheds light on this promising new therapy and the hope it offers for those suffering from PTSD.

Ling then explores the use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, in treating depression. She speaks with a woman named Tricia who, after years of struggling with treatment-resistant depression, has turned to psilocybin therapy. Ling follows Tricia through her experience with the therapy and interviews her therapists to understand the process and results.

Ling also speaks to a psychiatrist who is using ketamine infusions to treat his patients' depression. Ketamine is a strong anesthetic that, in lower doses, has been found to have antidepressant effects. Ling speaks to patients who have undergone the treatment and have seen significant improvements in their mental health.

Throughout the episode, Ling provides historical context on the use of psychedelic drugs in therapy and delves into the legal and societal barriers that have hindered research in this field. She also provides a balanced perspective on the potential risks associated with these therapies and the need for more research to fully understand their long-term effects.

Overall, "Psychedelic Healing" offers a fascinating look into a rapidly growing field of mental health treatment and the potential for psychedelic drugs to revolutionize the way we approach mental health disorders.