Perspectives on the therapeutic potential of MDMA: A nation-wide exploratory survey among substance users
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 14, 2023
Source: DOAJ
Summary
Remarkably, over two-thirds of individuals facing substance and alcohol use challenges see therapeutic potential in MDMA. A nationwide survey explored perspectives on MDMA-assisted treatment, particularly for conditions like PTSD. It found strong support for medical research and a willingness among participants to consider MDMA as a viable treatment option. Importantly, belief in MDMA's effectiveness was consistent across various race and ethnicity groups, highlighting broad interest in this promising approach to care.
Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol and other substance use disorders are commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the presence of these comorbidities is associated with worse treatment outcomes. Additionally, disparities in substance and PTSD prevalence have been associated with minority races and ethnicities, and minorities have been shown to be less likely to engage in treatment. Psychedelic-assisted treatments, including 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), have shown preliminary trans-diagnostic effectiveness, however it is unknown how individuals with substance use disorders view the therapeutic potential of MDMA therapy. Previous studies have also shown that minority races and ethnicities are under-represented in the MDMA trials, leading to concerns about inequitable access to clinical treatment.MethodsTo explore demographic characteristics related to patient-level perspectives on the therapeutic potential of MDMA-assisted therapy, this study describes data from a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of 918 individuals self-reporting criteria consistent with alcohol or substance use disorders.ResultsOverall, a majority of individuals reported support for medical research of MDMA (68.1%), belief that MDMA-assisted therapy might be a useful treatment (70.1%), and willingness to try MDMA-assisted therapy if it were determined to be an appropriate treatment for them (58.8%). No race or ethnicity differences were found in support for further research or belief in effectiveness, however there were small disparities in terms of willingness to try MDMA-assisted therapy and concerns related to use of this treatment approach.ConclusionThese results provide insights and future directions as the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy seeks to provide equitable access to clinical care and to diversify research participation.