MDMA has been around for over a hundred years.
Today, it is known as a party drug because it can cause feelings of empathy and sociability, but it is also being studied as a possible treatment for many different diseases, such as anxiety and depression. alcohol use.
One organization has been testing MDMA for decades to see if it can help patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, or MAPS, is about to receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, which means that MDMA can be used legally to treat patients with PTSD, and still be covered by insurance.
Berra Yazar-Klosinsk, chief scientific officer of the MAPS unit focused on making MDMA an approved drug, told Insider that it is important not to generalize the lab-tested MDMA, which MAPS is working on , with illegal forms of Ecstasy or Molly, which often contain other substances besides MDMA and may not produce the same effects or act on the body in the same way.
As MDMA gets closer to becoming an approved drug, Insider has put together a step-by-step look at how MDMA affects the body and brain.
In the MAPS trials, participants took MDMA during a supervised experience. Two trained professionals are present throughout the session to ensure safety and to help the participant with any complex emotions or memories. The entire experience lasts about eight hours and takes place in a controlled and calm environment.
At the six hour mark, people usually come down from the experience. At this point, they have less unusual thoughts and clearer insights. This is usually when they are inclined to talk more about the insight they have gained throughout their experience.
At around the eight hour mark, they are usually done with the session and ready to relax.