"Party Drug" Ecstacy Has New Use: Treating PTSD

MDMA or ecstasy, as it is more universally known, is an addictive, synthetic, psychoactive drug that acts as both a stimulant and a psychedelic. It produces an energizing effect, distorts time and perception and enhances enjoyment from tactile experiences.

Ecstasy is an illegal drug that became very popular in the 1980's and is used mainly by adolescents and young adults to produce euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, sexuality, and reduced inhibitions, which makes it a very popular "party drug."

Ecstasy is dangerous and potentially fatal as it interferes with its own metabolism (breakdown within the body). Dangerous levels can be reached by repeated drug use within short intervals. Many ecstasy tablets purchased on the street contain other drugs and drug combinations that can be very harmful too. Additives that have been found in ecstasy include methamphetamine, caffeine, ephedrine and cocaine. Ecstasy is rarely used alone, which is common with most drugs of abuse. Frequently, other substances such as alcohol and marijuana are also used in conjunction with ecstasy.

Recently, ecstasy has been used as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In 2008, a new and exciting use for MDMA emerged as a possible treatment for incurably traumatized post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers.

A 38-year-old-woman, the first subject in a pioneering American research program to test the effects of MDMA otherwise known as ecstasy, has been suffering tremendously from PTSD for many years. She hasn't been able to feel anything but fear for the past 10 years. The doctor gives her a tablet of ecstasy. As the medication begins to take effect, a feeling of being warm and fuzzy takes over and a floating, happy feeling overcomes her. She giggles for the first time in years. Her anxiety melts away and her guilt, anger and shame become clear. She begins to 'feel' for the first time in years.

Some physicians believe that MDMA therapy may be the key to solving deep-rooted traumas that have previously been untreatable using the standard treatment methods: antidepressants and psychotherapy.

The belief has always been that PTSD sufferers must be guided back to the pivotal moment of their trauma before healing can begin and they can move on. Many times the trauma is so insurmountable and the person is so terrified by the experience that even thinking of revisiting the event causes hysteria.

An individual with PTSD has trouble trusting anyone, especially if she has been betrayed by someone who abused her trust. MDMA has an effect of reducing fear and lowering defenses which allows more feelings of compassion for oneself and others. It allows the trauma to be revisited, and for the patient to feel the original feelings but not be re-traumatized or feel overwhelmed and have to go into a 'numb out' to cope with the feelings.

Scientists feel that the reason MDMA is showing so much success in treating PTSD is that the medication increases the level of oxytocin in the brain which stimulates emotions such as trust and connection. This results in the patient being able to open up and have more confidence in their therapist. MDMA also triggers the stress hormones cortisol and noradrenalin which are necessary to activate the emotional learning that leads to long-term reduction of fear. It is an emotional enhancer that helps the patient feel safer and more in control. She can better connect with memories and is more capable of doing the emotional processing that is necessary for healing to begin.

Ecstasy, the illegal "Party Drug," may turn out to be the light at the end of the tunnel for previously incurable traumatized post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers.

Sources:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3850302.ece

http://www.propeller.com/story/2008/05/04/is-ecstasy-mdma-the-key-to-treating-ptsd/

http://www.mdma.net/therapy/traumatic-anxiety.html