I am interested in the study of drugs. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has been researching MDMA since 1992, seven years after the substance was banned. The organization was founded in 1985.
MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the few treatments designated a breakthrough by the FDA. People who have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder may struggle to stay connected in their work, families and communities. They live with symptoms like insomnia, hyper-vigilance and isolation, which can lead to substance use disorder, depression, chronic pain or heart problems. Most of the available treatments do not provide symptom relief for all of the people with the diagnosis.
Nature Medicine published the results of the most advanced trial of psychedelic therapy. In our Phase 3 trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, 85% of participants who received MDMA in conjunction with trauma-focused therapy experienced a clinically significant reduction in symptoms, and 70% of participants no longer met criteria for aPTSD diagnosis. MDMA-assisted therapy helped participants address the root cause of their trauma for the first time.
A study suggests a role for MDMA in couples therapy. The MDMA-assisted therapy protocol has been combined with Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder. The quality of relationships for six couples were improved by the results.
Studies show promise for chronic suicidal tendencies, as well as for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Legal clinics that pair therapy with the drug can help maximize the benefits and reduce the risks of the experience. Depression can be treated with sphincybin-assisted therapy. Ibogaine may be an effective treatment for opiate use disorder.
There are four systematic reviews published this year that show the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies for a number of conditions, including end of life care, brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, mood disorders, smoking cessation and addiction or dependence. Dozens of studies make a compelling case for rapid expansion of research into the use of drugs that can be used to treat mental health conditions.
There is evidence that shows that using the drug can have pro-social, personal growth benefits. Indigenous communities around the globe have used the drug for thousands of years.
The war on drugs has caused untold trauma. Is the legalization and regulation of all substances too dangerous? Simply, no. It is more dangerous not to.
The risks of drugs for most people are generally short-term and manageable through compassionate risk- reduction measures. Treatment-on-demand is more effective for those who become dependent on drugs. Drug checking can identify adulterants like fentanyl in lieu of a legal, safe supply of substances. Denver's first responders and police officers will soon be trained in peer support as an alternative to criminalization or sedation, as the method is so successful in transforming emotionally challenging experiences.
Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize the possession of most drugs and create a legal system for supervised experiences. Texas is directing state funding to research, while California, Vermont and Hawaii are considering new legal frameworks for drugs. In the face of an epidemic of veteran suicide, the US veterans administration is hosting small psychedelic-assisted therapy trials. Both sides of Congress support federal funding. Lawmakers, regulators, funders, insurance providers and therapists may be surprised to find that their fears are gone.
The people who are most marginalized by society are those who are most traumatised, have less access to a diagnosis and even less access to adequate treatment. The MAPS is working with researchers around the world to conduct studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy with refugees, trans people, first responders, people of color and more. We envision a day when a catalyst for mass mental health will come from the use of psychedelics.
