Using Drugs to Treat Drug Dependence: Exploring the Use of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Individuals with PTSD and Concurrent Substance Use
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences January 1, 2021 Brenda Tichler
Treating concurrent PTSD and substance use with psychedelics is controversial due to a lack of empirical evidence and strict substance scheduling. Traditional treatments compartmentalize these conditions, are costly, slow to take effect, and have debilitating side effects, leading to poor retention and outcomes. This manuscript explores how PTSD and substance use are linked through the Self-Medication Hypothesis and Adverse Childhood Events, and argues that MDMA-assisted therapy offers a promising integrated alternative. MDMA-assisted therapy involves a few supervised doses, is more cost-effective than traditional treatments, has virtually no adverse effects compared to psychotropic medications, and achieves positive outcomes within weeks that last years. Recommendations include rescheduling MDMA for research and clinical practice, and improving therapist training and access.