MDMA (ecstasy) produces prosocial effects such as sociability and empathy, consistent with user reports. In rodents, MDMA increases passive prosocial behavior and social reward while reducing aggression, possibly through serotonin 1A receptor-mediated oxytocin release interacting with vasopressin receptor 1A. In humans, MDMA raises plasma oxytocin, fosters feelings of social affiliation, reduces recognition of negative facial expressions (cognitive empathy), blunts responses to social rejection, and enhances responses to others' positive emotions (emotional empathy) while increasing social approach. These neurobiologically complex prosocial effects likely motivate recreational ecstasy use.
Familiarity with treatment options predicts how credible nicotine users find both standard cessation methods and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. In a survey of 534 daily nicotine users, those more familiar with a treatment rated it as more credible. Credibility, in turn, predicted interest in trying that treatment. Younger age, lower education, and prior psychedelic use were associated with greater interest in psilocybin-assisted therapy. Tailoring educational materials to increase familiarity may improve treatment engagement and outcomes.