A recent New Drug Application (NDA) for MDMA-assisted therapy requested by Lykos Therapeutics has been rejected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This news has brought disappointment to many, including other researchers and veterans living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who were eagerly waiting for this treatment to be approved.

Fortunately, there are still other viable options for PTSD treatment, which can be effectively used while veterans and others wait for more clinical trials and research on MDMA-assisted therapy. Treatment for PTSD is crucial when recovering from addiction. There are still other options for veterans to explore besides MDMA-assisted therapy.

Understanding MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy

MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a psychoactive drug that has quite a unique history in terms of therapeutic research. More commonly known as ecstasy, this drug is now classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA placed it on its emergency ban list in 1985 since club-goers and partiers used the drug for its feel-good effects.

However, in the 1970s, psychotherapist Leo Zoff and psychedelic chemist, Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin, partnered together to use MDMA for patients in psychotherapy. While Zoff successfully gave patients MDMA during treatment, today, MDMA is only used in psychotherapy during clinical trials. This means researchers closely monitor patients, and the substance is given under controlled conditions.

What Makes MDMA Different in Therapy?

When most people think of psychedelics, drugs like LSD and psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) come to mind. These substances are known for their hallucinogenic properties. People who take these drugs will often have symptoms including:

  • Visual hallucinations
  • Auditory hallucinations
  • Distorted perception of time
  • Paranoia

For this reason, these substances have a reputation for being used recreationally and are often associated with negative effects like severe psychosis. However, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is different. That’s because MDMA is considered an entactogen. Rather than causing altered perceptions or visions, MDMA creates sensations like:

  • Empathy for others
  • Enhanced emotional openness
  • Less fear when talking about difficult emotions
  • Increased awareness of bodily sensations

It’s thought that these effects can help patients open up more during MDMA-assisted therapy sessions. Doing so makes it easier to address distressing memories, emotions, and other traumatic events that cause PTSD. Breaking the barrier and allowing someone to open up makes MDMA a valuable tool for researchers and people with treatment-resistant PTSD.

Does MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Help Veterans?

Researchers continue to try and study the effects of MDMA on trauma through clinical trials. One trial showed promise for veterans and first responders with PTSD. This study on the effects of MDMA on PTSD in veterans and first responders showed that doses of 75 mg to 125 mg of MDMA combined with psychotherapy effectively and safely reduced symptoms of PTSD.

MDMA – Recreational Vs. Clinical Use

Unfortunately, MDMA, while considered non-addictive, still has a high potential to be abused. The feelings of euphoria and emotional openness that MDMA creates can be alluring to people who want an escape from their symptoms of PTSD. One study on ecstasy dependence found that misuse was directly linked to self-medicating for PTSD.

It’s important to note that all of the studies examining MDMA use did so in a clinical setting. Providers and researchers closely monitor participants to minimize the harmful effects of MDMA when taken in excess. Some of the negative effects of ecstasy include:

  • Dehydration (especially if taken while clubbing and dancing)
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heart problems
  • Liver damage

While deaths while using MDMA are rare, all of these symptoms above can prove to be dangerous if there are no rigorous safety protocols in place like during clinical studies. Additionally, MDMA is still illegal, so owning and using it can land you in serious trouble. It’s never a good idea to take any drug off the street, including MDMA and ecstasy.

PTSD Treatment for Veterans with Addiction

For veterans with substance use disorder, getting the proper dual diagnosis treatment for PTSD and substance use is essential. Dual-diagnosis treatment allows veterans, first responders, and others with mental illness to tackle the root cause of addiction. In dual-diagnosis treatment, people get treatment for their mental illness and substance use at the same time.

Dual-diagnosis treatment is always tailored to individuals. While some people with PTSD might benefit from talk therapy combined with outpatient meetings, others might need more intense treatment. Some options include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group counseling
  • Medications for PTSD and addiction (such as a combination of antidepressants and MAT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to build coping skills
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address trauma directly

There are tons of options besides MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with addiction. However, MDMA-assisted therapy is a promising option for people who have treatment-resistant PTSD. While companies like Lykos and others continue to study MDMA for PTSD, dual-diagnosis and trauma-focused treatment are vital for those living with substance use and mental health issues.

Seeking Help is Not a Sign of Weakness

Veterans with PTSD may see seeking help as a sign of weakness or vulnerability, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, seeking help shows strength and bravery, as it takes courage to recognize that you need support. There are many resources available for veterans struggling with PTSD and addiction. At American Addiction Foundation, we’re excited about the prospect of MDMA-assisted therapy. In the meantime, we’re here to help connect you to the resources and treatments you need to find healing and recovery.

Our search tool can help you find resources in your state and local area, including addiction treatment centers, dual-diagnosis treatment centers, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and more. Speak to one of our consultants today to get connected to the right resources for you. Don’t let PTSD and addiction control your life any longer – take the first step towards recovery and reach out for help today!