Harm reduction journal
March 21, 2024
Jai Whelan, Geoff Noller, Ryan D Ward
6 citations
MDMA is widely used in Aotearoa New Zealand and is the main drug analyzed by legal drug checking services. An online survey of 915 people who use MDMA (60.7% female, ages 18-65, median 24) found that most carried out harm reduction behaviors relatively frequently, but those who reported experiencing harm from MDMA or a substance mistaken for MDMA engaged in these behaviors less often. Reagent testing was used by 42.3% of the sample, and 27% had used KnowYourStuffNZ services, with 95.9% of clients learning about harm reduction and 53.3% changing their behavior. Harm was reported by 14.4% of the sample, primarily physical or psychological, and potential MDMA dependence was apparent in 6.9%. The findings emphasize the need for greater availability of drug checking services.
Harm reduction journal
May 23, 2024
Jai Whelan, Ryan D Ward, Geoff Noller
2 citations
MDMA is less harmful than many other drugs but still causes significant harms, including deaths. Sixty people who use MDMA in southern Aotearoa New Zealand, aged 18 to 67 (median 21), shared their views on harm and harm reduction in 14 focus groups. Five themes emerged: mindset and setting matter; looking after your body and mind and not overdoing it; other substances increase risk and harm; trusted friends and peers are protective; and valid information is key for healthy self-determination, with a subtheme that drug checking is essential harm reduction. These findings aim to inform national drug policy and improve harm reduction practices for consumers and organisations.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
January 6, 2026
Tobias Erny, Elba Yatziri Cano Montenegro, Joern Barth et al.
A 52-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease who was becoming less responsive to standard treatment took daily low doses of ibogaine hydrochloride (up to 75 mg) for 80 days. After treatment, she showed substantial improvements in motor symptoms, quality of life, fatigue, and depression, as measured by validated clinical scales. However, her sleep quality declined, possibly due to ibogaine's stimulant effects. She also reported fewer freezing episodes, better mobility, more energy, and greater optimism. No adverse events occurred. This first case study using validated instruments suggests ibogaine may alleviate Parkinson's symptoms, but larger controlled trials are needed.