Maciej Lorenc speaks with Rick Doblin, one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the field of health, about the past, present, and future of using MDMA to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Future of PTSD Treatment with MDMA
Rick Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in 1986. MAPS’ main goal is to integrate psychedelics into the healthcare system and reform drug laws to allow for the legal use of these substances in various contexts, including religious ones.
„From the beginning, we have been working to integrate psychedelics into the healthcare system, but we also strive to reform drug laws so that people can legally use them outside the medical context as well,” says Doblin.
Challenges and breakthroughs in MDMA research
Doblin discusses the historical difficulties faced by MDMA research, especially after its criminalization in 1985. Despite numerous obstacles, MAPS has continually strived to resume research on this substance.
„In 1985, the issue of neurotoxicity was one of the main arguments for the urgent criminalization of this substance. So I am very pleased that this topic no longer even comes up in our conversations with the FDA about the potential use of MDMA in treating PTSD,” Doblin emphasizes.
FDA approval of MDMA therapy
Currently, MAPS is in the final stage of research on the use of MDMA to treat PTSD. The third phase of the studies has been successfully completed, and the FDA is analyzing the results. Doblin expresses hope that the therapy will be officially approved by August at the latest.
„If this happens, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be required to reclassify the substance within 90 days,” informs Doblin.
Commercialization and new challenges
Due to the need for larger funds, MAPS transformed its MAPS Public Benefit Corporation unit into Lykos Therapeutics, opening up to investors. This decision was difficult but necessary to continue research and bring the therapy to market.
„As psychedelic medicine continues to develop and commercialize, people have become less willing to donate money philanthropically. So we decided to open up to investors in order to register MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD for the benefit of patients,” explains Doblin.
Education and safety
Doblin highlights the need for education and proper preparation for therapeutic sessions using psychedelics. Safe conditions and appropriate supervision are crucial to minimizing risks and maximizing the benefits of therapy.
„The main danger associated with psychedelics is that taking them without proper preparation and without ensuring safe conditions increases the likelihood of difficult reactions, which can have long-term negative effects on well-being,” warns Doblin.
Future challenges
Doblin believes that psychedelics can play a key role in addressing future social challenges, such as climate migration and the fight for diminishing resources. He emphasizes the importance of consciousness changes, which can be supported by psychedelics used in conducive environments.
„As individuals and as humanity as a whole, we urgently need beneficial changes in consciousness, and psychedelics used in favorable conditions can help bring about these changes,” says Doblin.
Rick Doblin and MAPS continuously strive to make MDMA therapy accessible to all in need, believing in the potential of psychedelics to bring about positive social and health changes.
Read the full interview at: https://krytykapolityczna.pl/nauka/doblin-czy-mdma-wyleczy-swiat-z-traum/
