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I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

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Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

On one hand, I understand that psychedelics should be more studied than they currently are. On the other hand, I understand why they were originally banned. In a country that valued a monoculture and having a single way of life, psychedelics spurred a complete revolution with regards to social and cultural norms. It was seen as destabilizing, and a threat to the American way of life. Nowadays, our country is very dif…

Was the threat to the traditional American way of life really the reason they were made illegal? It seems more likely that it was due to the unknown and possibly dangerous nature of the drugs. As a society we have always outlawed drugs that can drastically alter perception (aside from alcohol).

There's also an article from someone high up (sorry I'm not being more specific) in the government/presidency of the 60s who said the main reason for the drug laws was so they could lock up lots of African Americans

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#32

It's a shame that it took so long before we started to truly study the positive uses/effects of drugs like MDMA and Psilocybin. I wonder how long it will take society to really drop the "DARE/DRUGS ARE BAD" mentality and start having more rational discussions about this stuff.

IIRC, DARE had a slight opposite effect in communities where it was pushed hardest.

In the studies I've seen, DARE had no measurable effect on either attitudes toward or use of drugs, and a slight effect of promotibg a positive view of law enforcement.

So, functionally, it's pro-police PR sold to parents and voters as an anti-drug program.

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#33
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Revolutions happen when people cease to give a fuck. Stop being afraid for those who govern you and stop blaming the powers who govern. Constructive alternatives exist. There is brain-interfacing equipment at my desk worth 1000 USD tops. I buy MDMA, shrooms and similair substances for a couple of EUR per Gram and don't fear the possible consequences. What I desire though, is people who responsibly join me on my ventu…

Can you expand a little more the brain interfacing device part?

Sounds like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_magnetic_stimulat..., which has a pretty extensive DIY scene.

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The sad thing is that the repressed authoritarians who want to control everyone and prohibit drug use would likely benefit greatly from some recreational psychotropic experiences under the right conditions. And society would be better off as well for their experience. Or maybe they're wound too tightly, I could be wildly optimistic.

You're confusing the public-facing values authoritarians claim to have vs what they actually believe. They use things like religion, scapegoats, and wars (on drugs, terrorism, communism, etc) to whip up support. But it's just a tool. Absolute power for themselves is all they believe in. Many of them are drug users, I'm sure.

>Many of them are drug users, I'm sure.

I should have specified a psychedelic or empathogenic drug I guess. You're probably right that they're knee-deep in depressants and stimulants.

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#35
post #21

Every time articles like this appear on Hacker News it fills me with joy. I have personally watched a much older person heal extensive personal trauma with just one MDMA session, and to this day I regard it as a miracle that seemed impossible prior to the treatment. MAPS is just entering into their Stage III research process after being granted a "breakthrough therapy" by the FDA ( https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-de…

What is an MDMA session?

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

On one hand, I understand that psychedelics should be more studied than they currently are. On the other hand, I understand why they were originally banned. In a country that valued a monoculture and having a single way of life, psychedelics spurred a complete revolution with regards to social and cultural norms. It was seen as destabilizing, and a threat to the American way of life. Nowadays, our country is very dif…

> There is a widespread sense that there is no right or wrong way to live your life, and anyone who goes against multiculturalist viewpoints is labeled as ignorant or a racist. Incredibly reductionist. There is no such thing as "no right or wrong way" everyone either chooses a way or falls into a default way of living. Everyone ought to get more introspective and conscious about their philosophies and assumptions. We…

"We have built a saturated information dystopia, taking time away from it to focus on the self is even more important and impactful."

This quote will stick with me for years to come. Cheers.

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#37
post #21

Every time articles like this appear on Hacker News it fills me with joy. I have personally watched a much older person heal extensive personal trauma with just one MDMA session, and to this day I regard it as a miracle that seemed impossible prior to the treatment. MAPS is just entering into their Stage III research process after being granted a "breakthrough therapy" by the FDA ( https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-de…

What is an MDMA session?

Controlled, therapeutic dosing of MDMA.

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#38
post #30

I feel like there has to be a good amount of people in the world who take psychedelics on a regular basis. At least more so than your average person. I'd imagine they are still broken, shattered, and lost individuals. Maybe some people have accessed some secret knowledge on their trips. But for the vast majority, I doubt that's the case. I am not saying that there is no benefit, especially for an extreme case like th…

You sound like you haven't tried either MDMA or mushrooms from reading your post. I can't speak for everyone but the stuff you think is 'all bullshit' seems to be pretty common experience even among people who don't know Terrence McKenna or George Harrison from lil Jeffy Sessions.

And psychedelic use has been deeply ingrained in various human cultures all over the world for thousands (tens of thousands? hundreds of thousands?) of years. Taking psychedelics as part of a religious ceremony or ritual to rid oneself of suffering is part of indigenous traditions in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia/Oceania.

I'd say the historical traditions and these new studies should convince even you that there is no fad involved in human psychotropic use.

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#39
post #21

Every time articles like this appear on Hacker News it fills me with joy. I have personally watched a much older person heal extensive personal trauma with just one MDMA session, and to this day I regard it as a miracle that seemed impossible prior to the treatment. MAPS is just entering into their Stage III research process after being granted a "breakthrough therapy" by the FDA ( https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-de…

What is an MDMA session?

When a patient sits with a therapist under the influence of MDMA, which typically consists of two doses (100-120mg initially, then 70mg a few hours later) spread over an 6-8 hour period. The patient is largely experiencing their own internal process, but at times the therapist is there to help guide and comfort. Before and after the session there is conventional psychotherapeutic follow-up.

Re: I was in the MAPS MDMA for PTSD study

#40
post #21

Every time articles like this appear on Hacker News it fills me with joy. I have personally watched a much older person heal extensive personal trauma with just one MDMA session, and to this day I regard it as a miracle that seemed impossible prior to the treatment. MAPS is just entering into their Stage III research process after being granted a "breakthrough therapy" by the FDA ( https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-de…

What is an MDMA session?

A guided therapy session with a licensed practitioner which involves the patient taking a small dose of MDMA
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