It's Time To Legalize MDMA-Assisted Therapy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

It's Time To Legalize MDMA-Assisted Therapy

If this idea seems unorthodox to you, consider researching the drug's history in the seventies when it was used for psychotherapy

80
It's Time To Legalize MDMA-Assisted Therapy
www.scotland.police.uk

MDMA, it's a drug with a history as profound as its effects on the human mind. It was first synthesized in 1912 by German chemists, who were attempting to create medicines intended to stop bleeding. In 1914 it was patented as a compound that could have pharmaceutical value, by the company; Merck.

From there we move to the Cold War, where MDMA and other hallucinogenic drugs were used as weapons (under the name of a project called MK Ultra) by the U.S. army and the CIA. As a result, they were able to produce the first known toxicology reports of MDMA.

Then came the seventies, when psychiatrists began using it for psychotherapy. It was a progressive period for MDMA, which helped reveal its true medical value. 'The substance reduced anxiety and inhibitions in psychotherapy patients and quickly spread amongst psychotherapists due to its effectiveness in therapy. Inevitably, the drug leaked to the streets and caught the attention of drug enforcement. In the US, it was made illegal in 1985 and classified as a Schedule I substance.'

Unfortunately, as a result of MDMA becoming a Schedule 1 substance, there has been limited progress toward helping PTSD patients and others struggling with some form of mental illness. Although the organization, MAPS or (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) have done their best to help get it lowered to a Schedule 3 status at least (in order to allow licensed psychotherapists to use it for therapy), through their clinical trials involving PTSD patients.

There are numerous individuals in this world who are struggling with some form of mental illness. And suicide most importantly, is something we need to help prevent through any means possible. How many lives could have been saved if MDMA therapy was readily available for anyone who needed help? Sure, some might turn to the street in order to get it. But, in that case, you never know what you are truly getting. Street Ecstasy can be mixed with numerous substances; Methamphetamine, DXM, you name it. Taking that risk unfortunately, has led to fatal consequences.

Isn't it time we allow individuals seeking emotional support to have the option of having MDMA-Assisted therapy rather than turning to the streets when all other options have failed them? Antidepressants and Benzodiazepines are not always the answer for someone who has suffered from some form of emotional trauma, because in some instances they can make the problem worse. They merely suppress the symptoms, but do not solve the problem.

MDMA on the other hand is not intended to be taken long term for therapy, but when used correctly it can help patients make substantial progress towards recovery. MDMA itself does not solve the problem, but it will allow a patient to be more open and feel a stronger connection to the psychotherapist they are receiving care under. This is due to the fact that it releases Oxytocin in the brain, which helps break down the barriers in order to help them get straight to the root of the problem they have been facing. Without the aid of MDMA, this progress in psychotherapy might not be possible for some individuals, because if they have suppressed their emotions for too long, it might not be possible for them to ever feel comfortable enough to open up to anyone, even a therapist. And if they have no outlet in life, it won't be long before they implode, which unfortunately will lead to suicide in most cases.

So, if legalizing MDMA for medical reasons still seems too unorthodox to you, please give the idea a chance at least for the sake of those who may benefit from it, and for those who might have been saved if MDMA-Assisted therapy were an option available to them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198583
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19891
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461653
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28750
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments