MDMA as well as amphetamine and alcohol increase feelings of social closeness in healthy adults.
Scientific reports December 28, 2024 Harriet de Wit, Evan Hahn, Shahd Smadi et al. 1 citation
Psychoactive drugs like alcohol and stimulants are often used in social settings, but little is known about how they alter social interactions. This study tested whether MDMA, methamphetamine, and alcohol increase feelings of connection between strangers having a conversation, and also compared conversations with deeper topics versus small talk without drugs. All four conditions—deeper conversations, MDMA, methamphetamine, and alcohol—significantly increased feelings of connection and closeness compared to control conditions (small talk or placebo). The authors suggest these feelings of connection may contribute to the rewarding effects of drugs when used socially.