The Therapeutic Use of MDMA

Abstract

This chapter describes a method for the therapeutic administration of MDMA ((+/−), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) to humans and includes five case reports. Comparisons are made to the approach of “Twelve Step programs” for substance abuse treatment and to sacred rites of passage. The importance of the mental set of the patient and therapist and the psychological preparation of both are emphasized. Screening criteria and informed consent information are also discussed. Results from 80 patients indicate that MDMA seems to decrease the fear response to a perceived threat to a patient’s emotional integrity, leading to a corrective emotional experience that probably diminishes the pathological effects of previous traumatic experiences. The acquisition of effective skills for communicating feelings to family members also occurs. Psychological benefits were lasting up to a two-year follow-up for many patients, and relief from chronic pain and premenstrual symptoms occurred for one patient each. Double-blind controlled experiments utilizing the method presented are not feasible because the mental set is affected and the MDMA effect is easily perceived by patient and therapist. Suggestions for potential applications include the prevention and treatment of dysfunctional family relationships and of substance abuse