Episode 104 Martin Polanco Dan Engle

Summary

• Tim Ferriss interviews two doctors, Martin Polanco and Dan Engle, on their work with various drugs and treatments to improve mental and emotional health
• Martin Polanco is the founder and program director of Crossroads Treatment Center in Mexico, which uses the African hallucinogen Ibogaine and the molecule 5MeODMT to help patients overcome addiction
• Dan Engle is a boardcertified psychiatrist and neurologist who combines functional medicine with integrative psychiatry to enhance health and peak performance
• Topics discussed include impulse control, selfawareness, and the use of tools such as psychedelics, plant medicines, and flotation tanks for improving psychological and emotional performance
• The interview covers "woo woo" and potentially controversial subjects, and it is emphasized that these treatments should not be pursued without proper medical supervision.
• The episode covers the use of psychedelics and hallucinogens for therapeutic purposes.
• The guests are doctors with expertise in addiction medicine and integrative psychiatry.
• They discuss the use of substances such as Ibogaine and 5MeODMT to help people overcome addiction.
• They also touch on the use of Ayahuasca and how it can bring up early traumas and help people gain a new perspective.
• The use of flotation tanks is discussed as a way to achieve some of the benefits of psychedelics without the use of drugs.
• The guests caution that proper medical supervision is necessary when using these substances.
• The episode also covers the use of Ayahuasca in group settings and how it can facilitate a sense of community and connection.
• They discuss the importance of setting and intention in the use of psychedelics.
• The use of Ibogaine is described as a "controlled death experience" that can help release the psyche from limitations.
• Martin Polanco and Dan Engle are doctors who specialize in addiction medicine and integrative psychiatry, respectively
• They discuss the use of psychedelics, such as Ayahuasca and Ibogaine, in treating addiction and improving mental health
• Ayahuasca is a plantbased psychedelic that can bring up repressed memories and emotions for the purpose of healing and selfdiscovery
• Ibogaine is a powerful hallucinogen that can help with addiction and has a longlasting effect on the brain
• The use of psychedelics in therapy should only be done under proper medical supervision
• MDMA (ecstasy) can be helpful in treating PTSD
• Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium, can be used to calm the CNS and provide a sense of safety during intense psychedelic experiences
• Iboga can have a strong CNS stimulatory effect, but the visions and experiences it produces can be so overwhelming that the stimulant effect is not noticed
• It is important to properly prepare and integrate the experiences and insights gained from psychedelic use in order to fully benefit from them.
• Ayahuasca and Iboga are two psychedelic substances that can be used to help heal psychological trauma
• Ayahuasca is a combination of a vine and a leaf, and is often used in group settings
• Iboga is a strong psychedelic that can produce intense experiences and is used to treat addiction
• LSD is a synthetic psychedelic that can have strong effects, and is not as safe as natural psychedelics like Ayahuasca or Iboga
• Psychedelic therapy is becoming more popular and is showing promise in treating addiction and posttraumatic stress disorder
• It is important to be cautious when using psychedelics and to work with trained professionals in a safe and controlled environment
• Negative experiences on psychedelics can occur and can be distressing, but proper preparation and guidance can minimize the risk of such events.
• Ayahuasca is a traditional South American psychedelic medicine made from the Ayahuasca vine and the chacruna leaf, which contains DMT
• The Ayahuasca experience can last several hours and often involves vivid visual and auditory hallucinations and introspection
• Ayahuasca can be used for spiritual growth, addiction treatment, and other therapeutic purposes
• Other psychedelics discussed include psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, and LSD
• MDMA is being studied in Phase 3 clinical trials for use in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Ibogaine, found in the Iboga plant, is effective in treating addiction, but can have dangerous side effects if not administered properly
• 5MeODMT is found in certain plants and the venom of the Sonoran Desert toad, and is known to induce mystical experiences
• 5MeODMT can be used to treat addiction and other mental health issues, but should be used with caution due to its potency
• The use of psychedelics for therapy and personal growth is becoming more accepted, but there are still challenges to overcome, including lack of funding and proper regulation.