Psychedelic Medicine at the End of Life

“Miller writes personally, emotionally, wisely—unafraid to talk about dark and difficult parts of his own life and enthusiastic about every day remaining. Thoroughly grounded in his own close-to-death experiences and insights gained from his and others’ psychedelic journeys, his refreshing understanding of what dying brings to living is healthy and sane. He has given us a needed alternative to our current death-phobic and deathdenying usual narrative. He makes a strong case for benefitting from different psychedelic plants and fungi, most of which can reconnect people to the underlying unity in which some parts are being born and some dying but none are ever lost. This is a deeply uplifting, clear, and compassionate guide to dying and how psychedelics, used correctly, diminish our fears about approaching the door that opens at the end of our life.” * James Fadiman, Ph.D., microdose researcher and author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide * “A masterful overview of an area of vital importance to our modern world rapidly attracting interest and support. Through his own moving life stories and those of his friends, colleagues, and patients, Miller shares insights on how we may more effectively approach and prepare for the end of life. He wisely states that psychedelics under optimal conditions have a unique application for those mired in psychospiritual suffering and asserts that these are existential medicines of inestimable value. This book is a valuable resource and contribution to the growing field of psychedelic medicine along with our ever-present struggle to find meaning and value to our lives while we still inhabit this mortal coil.” * Charles S. Grob, M.D., professor of psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine * “From my earliest exposure to psychedelics, I have always carried the pivotal understanding that they showed to me: that death has a bad reputation but is perfectly safe. In Psychedelic Medicine at the End of Life, Miller has supported and elaborated upon that perspective, integrating his clinical expertise, his personal experiences, his appreciation for the developing body of research, and his encounters with a unified vision of reality in a book that will be instructive and inspiring to readers from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines.” * Mariavittoria Mangini, Ph.D., FNP, nurse, author, and investigator of psychedelic-assisted therapies * “Miller starts with a gripping and inspiring story and then continues to ply us with vital information. Psychedelics may offer a mini-death rehearsal, offering a glimpse of spiritual oneness, enabling us to be less afraid at the end of our lives. This peacefulness resonates with family and friends, allowing us to stay connected to loved ones throughout the process.” * Julie Holland, M.D., psychiatrist, editor of The Pot Book, and author of Good Chemistry * “This inspiring book is semi-autobiographical as Miller shares several personal brushes with death and his experiences with psychedelic substances such as morning glory seeds, LSD, DMT, and MDMA. He includes episodes and insights from his academic career and from his work as a clinical psychologist. As he relates his life story, Miller weaves in commentary from interviews with experts in psychedelic research. A captivating read for those interested in this field.” * Nicholas V. Cozzi, Ph.D., scientist and educator * “We needed a guidebook on how to face the end of our lives with the wise application of psychedelic medicine. Dr. Richard Louis Miller is the people’s psychologist. His kind voice, six decades of requisite personal and professional experience, and relentless dedication to the very best for all shines through in this book. May reading it help you and your loved ones on your journey toward transcendence.” * Sunil K. Aggarwal, M.D., Ph.D., FAAPMR, FAAHPM, codirector of AIMS Institute *