“Should MDMA Go From Party Drug to Medical Treatment” by Nina Lincoff (GOOD)
First, what is MDMA?
“MDMA alters normal perception by enhancing and boosting serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in feelings of joy, connectivity, and well, ecstasy.”
Second, a little background:
- In 1976, Alexander Shulgin recreated MDMA for testing which showed users were provided with experiences similar to psychotherapy.
- In 1986, the United States government classified it as a Schedule 1 drug. [Schedule 1 drugs are considered to be highly addictive and have no medical use; ex. Heroin]
Third, why is it useful?
Today, many medical experts find MDMA and other psychedelics to have medical and therapeutic potential.
- Ex. A controlled test performed in medical settings had positive results in treating post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans.
- Ex. Harvard and UCLA have tested MDMA’s ability to treat cancer patients suffering from end-of-life anxiety.
Lastly, why is it illegal?
“In 2007, a study published by The Lancet evaluated 20 substances based on nine criteria including addictiveness, bodily harm, and “social destructiveness.” Heroin and cocaine were rated the first and second most harmful substances, respectively. Alcohol was the fifth most harmful and tobacco the ninth. LSD was 14th, and ecstasy was near the bottom at 18th. The rankings are at odds with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s current schedule ratings, which group ecstasy and MDA with heroin, while alcohol and tobacco don’t even make a showing. It seems, however, that in terms of potential for harm, the U.S. government is confusing social acceptability with potential harm. Alcohol and tobacco might be vices, but they’re not associated with drugged-out candy-kids.”
Any drug can be dangerous when abused but in this case it appears MDMA’s bad reputation is holding it back from its medical potential.
Source:
via: http://m.good.is/post/should-mdma-go-from-party-drug-to-medical-treatment
