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Properties of MDMA

MDMA, which can be taken during MDMA therapy, is seen as a hallucinogen, although it cannot easily cause hallucinations. The chemical name MDMA stands for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₁H₁₅NO₂. MDMA is sometimes confused with XTC (ecstasy) because it also contains MDMA in addition to a substance such as speed. Only pure MDMA or similar substances (analogs) are used for therapeutic purposes.

In recent years, MDMA therapy has become increasingly known and, in addition to being used as a treatment against PTSD and trauma, it is also increasingly used during relationship therapy. This is because this drug is considered an anti-anxiety drug and it gives people more freedom to speak. You can read on this page why MDMA can be an effective tool during psychotherapy.

MDMA during therapy

Due to the increased release of serotonin and dopamine in particular, many receptors are stimulated more than normal after taking MDMA. Due to this increased activity on the receptors in the brain, there will be some changes in stimulus conduction in the brain, causing a number of effects that we can use to our advantage during a therapeutic session.

During the MDMA-assistive therapy, the MDMA therapist will use the changes below. If possible, exposure therapy can also be done to change triggers.

Better mood

Feelings of connection, happiness, euphoria and satisfaction are relatively common when using MDMA. If you start talking about your trauma or the triggers of your PTSD during this phase of satisfaction, the brain stores it in a different way. It might be a bit crazy for the brain. You feel satisfied and safe while talking about your trauma. You can also be gently exposed to your anxiety triggers while you are in that safe state. The brain will eventually associate the triggers with the positive state you are in. Exposure therapy works very well under the influence of MDMA because the triggers no longer immediately result in an anxious state.

Less ego/sense of self

With less sense of self/ego, things seem more connected because you are less likely to have to distinguish between yourself and the rest of the world. As soon as you look at yourself with less self-awareness, it sometimes seems as if it is about someone other than yourself. From these thoughts it is easier to talk honestly about yourself without an emotional blockage and there is less self-protection that can slow down the conversation. Less ego and self-consciousness can therefore lead to more openness and that can have a great advantage for processing the past, but also for conversation therapy, self-examination and personal growth.

Increased empathy

Releasing trauma often also includes forgiveness of the perpetrator and yourself as a victim. The victim must forgive themselves for the situation they were in and this also requires empathy for yourself in order to let go. Forgiving the perpetrator can also help in the process of dealing with the trauma. Greater empathy for the perpetrator without the ego's self-protection can often make forgiveness easier and more effective.

New insights

By using MDMA or an MDMA analogue, the brain will work in a different way than you are used to in a fasted state. Possible new insights can be gained, because the perspective on certain matters can temporarily shift. This effect cannot of course be predicted in advance, but changing perspective can play a role in progress. An additional advantage of these types of sessions is that curiosity for new insights is stimulated and can last long after the session.

Spiritual experience

It is more common with other psychedelics, but a spiritual experience can also occur during a session with MDMA. During the onset and peak effects of MDMA, the reduction in self-awareness can lead to a mystical experience. Spirituality can contribute to general well-being and is seen as a bonus during MDMA therapy.

Better memory

The anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect of MDMA offers many possibilities during the MDMA session. One of the advantages is that the memory can work better. Without inhibition of fear, certain difficult memories can be more easily retrieved and discussed.

Scientific research into MDMA

The use of MDMA as an aid during psychotherapy is not new. In the middle of the last century, many experiments were conducted with psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin and MDMA to see whether these substances could help with certain psychological disorders. Unfortunately, these investigations have been halted by new laws. Since the beginning of this century, research has slowly started again and with MDMA research is mainly focused on trauma and PTSD. These studies are all completed very positively with often high success rates.

MDMA therapy through an MDMA session

MDMA sessions are not for everyone

MDMA and substances similar to MDMA are not suitable for everyone. Combining certain medications and MDMA can be particularly dangerous to your health. Certain conditions can also be worsened by the use of psychedelics, including MDMA. MDMA cannot be combined with the medications, conditions and/or situations listed below.

MDMA analog interactions

Contraindications conditions/situations

Contraindications to medication

Legal MDMA therapy

In the Netherlands, MDMA is an illegal substance. We therefore work with a substance that is closely related to MDMA, the so-called MDMA analogue. In chemistry, analog means a substance that is chemically related in such a way that the structure of the molecule is the same with subtle differences. This is also the case with the MDMA analogue. The structure is almost the same and the minimal difference ensures that it is legal, provides less energy than MDMA and produces more positive and empathetic feelings. For most people, the well-known Tuesday dip that often occurs with MDMA use is less noticeable in the days after the session. In our opinion, these differences make it even more suitable for MDMA sessions. An advantage and disadvantage of the MDMA analogue is that the effects last a little longer.

MDMA crystals

Characteristics MDMA MDMA Analog
Duration of operation 4-6 hours 5-7 hours
Energy Increasing Unchanged/dreamy/relaxed
Emotional Stronger emotions (all), Empathy, Ecstasy, more social Stronger emotions (all), More empathy and euphoria than with MDMA, more social
Visual Very small chance of hallucinations Slightly more visual effects (color, geometry)
Memory Better memory Better memory
Music Stronger experience/appreciation Stronger experience/appreciation

MDMA analog information page

For more information about the MDMA analog, the legal status of this drug, the risks, break time between sessions and how the body metabolizes MDMA, please refer to the information page below.

Sign up for an MDMA session

Before a session can be booked, it is required to complete the intake in advance. Based on this intake, we can assess whether you can book a session with us due to your safety and health. In addition, we can also indicate what type of session and dosage is suitable. In addition to the intake, you will receive personal advice regarding optimal preparation for the upcoming session, including advice on nutrition and lifestyle.

Which supervisor do you choose?

Which supervisor suits you best? We have both male and female supervisors from different backgrounds. Our supervisors/therapists can make a home visit as long as it is within Dutch borders and within the range of their distance restrictions. For this on-site service you can use your own home, holiday home, private Airbnb or hotel.

 
 

Reserve an MDMA session

Reserve an MDMA session at a location of your choice. Would you like more information about our locations? Then click on one of the images to open the location page. After booking and completing the deposit you will receive further advice on how to get the most out of the MDMA session with us.

ON YOUR OWN
LOCATION

HOME/AIRBNB/HOTEL
0 Location extra charge
  • 50 cents/km travel costs
  • At your own location
  • Without food
  • Max. 6 participants

PSYCHEDELIC
LOFT

SCHIEDAM
400 Location extra charge
  • Including overnight stay
  • Eat Drink
  • Max. 6 participants
  • Marcel