[NEW EPISODE] Reality Check

“The mission of Mind Body Health & Politics is to expand consciousness, stimulate thought, enhance mental and physical health, and encourage community.” — Dr. Richard L. Miller

"If you're on the train tracks, you hear the horn, and you see the lights, then why wait to get run over?"

This powerful statement from my recent interview with Dr. Robert Strayhan speaks to the importance of being proactive in understanding and managing the adverse effects of psychedelics. Can a bad trip be detected, and averted, before it does lasting damage to a patient?

In our enlightening interview, Dr. Strayhan, an accomplished psychiatrist with a diverse background (including a black belt in martial arts), shares his insights on the often-overlooked topic of adverse effects in psychedelic medicine. Drawing from his extensive experience, he emphasizes the need for honesty and transparency in discussing these effects, which can impact an individual's entire physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. As we all know, side effects do not just happen on the side.

Dr. Strayhan's impressive credentials span multiple domains. He currently serves as the Psychiatry Residency Training Director at Unity Health System and holds leadership positions at CIIS and the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics. With a strong background in forensic psychiatry, Dr. Strayhan has provided expert testimony in high-profile cases and served on various committees related to mental health and offenders. His commitment to integrative medicine is evident through his diverse training in martial arts, yoga, and shamanic studies.

We explore everything from the context of clinical trials (compared with a real-world psychiatric practice), the screening process for potential psychedelic users, and the significance of adequate preparation before the psychedelic experience. Dr. Strayhan provides valuable recommendations for managing adverse effects, including the use of “rescue medications” and the potential benefits of certain drugs like Lamotrigine. He also emphasizes the value of incorporating practices like diaphragmatic breathing and yoga to help individuals become more familiar with their bodies and better navigate the psychedelic space.

But Dr. Strayhan's insights extend beyond the realm of psychedelics. We also delve into his personal health practices, discussing his keto diet, exercise routine, and the importance of maintaining muscle mass as we age. His dedication to living a healthy and fulfilling life is inspiring.

Lastly, Dr. Strayhan also recommends valuable resources for further exploration, including a mixed-methods study on extended difficulties following psychedelic use and an insightful video by Abigail Calder at the ALPS conference in Geneva Switzerland.

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Tune in for this healthy conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Show Notes

Segment 1

On this episode of Mind, Body, Health, and Politics, Dr. Miller is joined by Dr. Robert Strehan, a colonel in the military and PhD. holder. Dr. Miller is writing a book about psychedelics' adverse effects, which Robert has experience in, research-wise. Throughout the show, we will learn more about Robert’s research and work and have a deeper understanding of the reality check of psychedelics. They also discuss the risks and preparations if deciding to use psychedelics and some safety precautions he looks for before letting patients proceed with these strong substances. 

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Segment 2

Dr. Miller and Robert continue their conversation with the connection between using the substances and yoga. Robert discusses that process along with some of the benefits of practicing yoga when using psychedelics. They also discuss some supplements people can use depending on different diagnoses along with some side effects of certain supplements or psychedelics. 

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Segment 3

As the show comes to a close, Dr. Miller and Robert wrap up their conversation by discussing the anxiety and panic that can come when using psychedelics. Dr. Miller also highlights the different kinds of therapy people can take if using psychedelics. Robert enlightens this point and talks about the different kinds of therapy available for people to use if they wish to receive it. Robert also makes a point about some of the failures that can come with using psychedelics and also has a chance to advise about the subject of conversation during this portion of the interview. 

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Segment 4

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Transcript