Scientific research on MDMA
The use of MDMA as an aid during therapy is not new. In the middle of the last century, many experiments were conducted with psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin and MDMA to see if these substances could help with certain mental disorders. Unfortunately, new laws stopped these studies. Since the beginning of this century, the studies have slowly started up again, and with MDMA, the studies are mainly focused on trauma and PTSD. These studies are all completed very positively with mostly high success rates.
See here the overview of studies on MDMA
Why does MDMA therapy work?
Because of the release of serotonin and dopamine in particular, after taking MDMA, a lot of receptors are stimulated more than usual. Because of this change, there will be some changes in stimulus conduction in the brain, causing a number of effects that we can use to our advantage during a therapeutic session.
Better state of mind
Feelings of happiness, euphoria and contentment are relatively common when using MDMA. If during this phase of contentment you start talking about your trauma or the triggers of your PTSD the brain stores it in a different way. To the brain, it may be a little crazy. After all, you feel satisfied and safe while talking about your trauma. Also, you can be gently exposed to your triggers for anxiety as long as you are in that safe state. The brain eventually starts to connect the triggers with the positive state you find yourself in. So exposure therapy works very well under the influence of MDMA because the triggers no longer immediately result in an anxious state.
Less ego
At higher doses, it feels like you have less self-awareness and therefore things seem more connected. When you look at yourself with less self-awareness, it sometimes seems like it's about someone other than yourself. From these thoughts, it is often easier to talk honestly about yourself. So it allows for emotional openness and that can be a great benefit for processing the past but also for talk therapy, self-exploration and personal growth.
Increased empathy
Releasing trauma sometimes involves the forgiveness of the perpetrator and victim. The victim needs to forgive themselves for the situation they were in, and that requires empathy for yourself as well. Forgiving the perpetrator can also help in the process. Having more empathy for the offender without the self-protection of the ego, forgiving is often an easier process.
New insights
When using most psychedelics, the brain starts working in a different way than you are used to. New insights and cross-connections may be discovered. In advance, of course, it is impossible to imagine how this will play out. The beauty of these types of sessions is that curiosity is rewarded and people tend to remain curious about themselves, others and the world.
Starting MDMA therapy
Undergoing an MDMA session can potentially provide much improvement. Especially in persons plagued by PTSD and trauma, but precisely this group must be extra careful about possible contraindications and re-traumatization. Proper screening, personal preparation, a safe and well-guided MDMA session with room for integration contributes greatly to achieving positive results. Learn more about when and how to request an MDMA session via the following page.
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