MDMA-Assisted Therapy For PTSD Shows Promising Results

Devastated by post-traumatic stress disorder, Jonathan Lubecky tried to take his own life in 2006. 

"I put a loaded nine-millimeter to my temple, and I pulled the trigger," he said. "That was the first suicide attempt that I had. I've had a total of five."

After his last attempt in 2013, the Iraq War veteran began participating in a clinical trial of MDMA — the active ingredient in ecstasy — during sessions with specially trained therapists. 

"MDMA mutes the amygdala, which is your fight or flight response," Lubecky said. "Your emotions stay in this happy medium range that they need to be in for the therapy to work." 

Lubecky says he's now living a life free from PTSD. 

"I feel normal again," Lubecky said. "My world changed. This therapy is the sole reason that my son has a father instead of a folded flag." 

Research organization MAPS Public Benefit Corporation first began clinical trials of MDMA for PTSD in 2003. It announced the findings of its latest trials this month. 

"88% of the people, had clinically significant decrease in their PTSD symptoms," said MAPS PBC CEO Amy Emerson. "67% of them lost their PTSD diagnosis." 

MAPS PBC plans to submit its latest results for publication, and, later this year, ask the Food and Drug Administration to approve MDMA as a prescription medication, in combination with therapy. 

In response to potential backlash over the use of ecstasy, a lead researcher in the study said it is being administered in a controlled environment. 

"It's being administered in a very particular manner by people that are quite well trained," said Jennifer Mitchell, MAPS PBC principal investigator, and a professor at the University of California, San Francisco. "We are not suggesting that anyone try this on their own at home, in their living room." 

Lubecky is finishing his third humanitarian mission to Ukraine after undergoing the treatment. 

"Everyone said PTSD can't be cured," he said. "I'm living proof that that isn't true." 

It is our policy to provide resources for anybody considering self-harm when reporting about a situation involving suicide or a suicide attempt. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential