It sounds surprising, but new research indicates that MDMA (ecstasy) can help boost couples’ success in therapy. Starting about 45 years ago in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a few therapists were experimentally having clients use MDMA during individual, couples counseling, and group therapy sessions. However, this groundbreaking research exploring the therapeutic benefits of MDMA came to a sudden stop in 1985. That’s when the federal government changed the drug’s status to a Schedule 1 controlled substance, making it illegal. This action effectively ended research on MDMA.
Fast-forward almost 4 decades later. MDMA is once again being examined as a possible beneficial component for those struggling with relationship issues.
The Response to MDMA’s Classification as a Schedule 1 Substance
In the early 1980s, the government collected testimony as to whether MDMA should be reclassified. One psychiatrist, Richard Ingrasci, testified in a hearing, “I have seen MDMA help many couples break through longstanding communication blocks because of the safety that emerges in the session as a result of the drug.”
He went on to say, “It is difficult to convey in words how deeply moving it is to watch couples heal in this way with the help of MDMA.”
In response to being classified as an illegal substance, a group called MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) was established to advance research for how MDMA could be used for therapeutic benefits. One study focused on using MDMA to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Others have tried exploring the benefits of using MDMA in couples therapy as well.
Using MDMA to Treat PTSD in Couples Therapy
One study involved participants struggling with PTSD. It addressed their relationship concerns in couples therapy with the assistance of MDMA. The study, published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, involved couples in which one of the partners struggled with PTSD. In the study, participants use MDMA during their couples sessions. The results indicated that a combination of MDMA and therapy provided some benefit to these couples. It improved their relationships and helped those suffering from PTSD symptoms. However, since there was no control group in this study. It is clear that more research demonstrates the effectiveness of MDMA and couples therapy.
How MDMA Might Help
The author of the study, Candice Monson, discussed how MDMA use encourages empathy and connection with one another. She also noted that “PTSD in one partner can cause distress in the relationship and barriers to understanding each other.” Using MDMA in therapy can help bring those barriers down, promoting greater connectivity between partners.
Monson went on to say that, “The therapist can guide couples to talk about very difficult things that they’ve either experienced themselves or together – against the other or with the other – with a greater sense of understanding, openness, connection, and empathy.”
Additionally, the book titled “Love Drugs: The Chemical Future of Relationships” focused on the potential benefits of certain substances when directed by therapists and practitioners. In the book, the authors said “MDMA can decrease irrational fear responses to perceived emotional threats.” This is significant since eliminating or decreasing irrational fear can help increase emotional intimacy in a relationship.
Overall, while there are clear early indicators that are promising, using MDMA in therapy will require more research. I want to make it clear that I absolutely do not recommend any experimentation with MDMA or similar substances. Not until they are proven effective and deemed safe for use. However, if you are struggling in your relationship, then good old-fashioned couples counseling can help improve relationship satisfaction.