Also known as molly or ecstasy, MDMA has the potential to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But psychedelic-assisted therapy can only be administered by a trained professional.

Without the presence of a mental health professional, you’re not engaging in MDMA-assisted therapy; you’re simply taking MDMA at home.

Anecdotally, some people report that self-administered MDMA trips have had a positive impact on their mental health, but there is little to no data on using MDMA for PTSD outside of a clinical setting.

If you decide to take MDMA outside of a clinical setting, it’s important to be aware of the risks.

The therapeutic setting plays a big role in the effectiveness and safety of MDMA-assisted therapy.

In clinical trials, MDMA is administered in a controlled environment where therapists can monitor physical and psychological responses.

This setting ensures that:

  • You have talk therapy with a professional
  • The MDMA is not diluted or “cut” with other drugs or substances, which may be harmful
  • The correct dosage of MDMA is used
  • Distressing experiences can be managed appropriately
  • You’re in a physically safe setting

Using MDMA at home lacks these safeguards, which can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful outcomes.

MDMA-assisted therapy combines the pharmacological effects of MDMA with psychotherapy sessions. This usually takes place in a clinic.

Usually, you will be given a specific dosage of MDMA under the supervision of one or two therapists.

While you wait for the drug to take effect, you’ll relax in a comfortable room. You might have talk therapy with a therapist before, during, and/or after the MDMA “trip”.

MDMA-assisted therapy usually involves several sessions, a few weeks apart. They typically last about six to eight hours.

The current research on MDMA-assisted PTSD treatment is promising. Compared to regular talk therapy, it may be:

  • More effective, including for treatment-resistant PTSD
  • Faster, with symptoms improving after one to three sessions
  • Less distressing

When you go through a traumatic event, your mind may have difficulty processing your experience. You might experience flashbacks or nightmares, which can make you feel like you’re reliving your trauma.

It’s believed that processing your trauma in a safe environment can help reduce the intensity of flashbacks and nightmares. Regular talk therapy can help you process trauma, but it can be distressing, and not everybody with PTSD experiences improvements after therapy.

This is where MDMA comes in. It can increase levels of neurotransmitters and hormones, including serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine. This may help people access and process traumatic memories with less distress.

According to research, MDMA-assisted therapy may lead to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms. In some cases, people may experience such an improvement in their symptoms that they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

While MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promise, it is not without risks. Temporary side effects may include:

  • increased heart rate
  • increased blood pressure
  • anxiety
  • jaw clenching and teeth grinding
  • nausea
  • insomnia

There are also concerns that MDMA may worsen psychiatric symptoms for some people. Heavy, constant MDMA use can also lead to long-term side effects, such as:

MDMA may be addictive, although it’s not completely clear if or how it is. Learn more about MDMA and addiction here.

In a clinical setting, you’ll have access to healthcare professionals and emergency services. If something goes wrong, they’ll be there to assist you and ensure your safety. This may reduce any anxiety about your treatment.

MDMA therapy for PTSD hasn’t yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Outside of clinical trials, it’s not easy to access MDMA-assisted therapy in the US.

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MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD should only be conducted under the supervision of trained professionals in a controlled clinical setting. Taking MDMA at home doesn’t constitute MDMA-assisted therapy, and it can be dangerous, especially if you’re alone.

If you’re considering MDMA-assisted therapy, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks. They can determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.