MDMA in PTSD

There are increasingly frequent reports in the news that MDMA is effective in the treatment of PTSD. Partly for this reason, we are often asked whether we MDMA therapy offer. In this blog, we compare the effects of MDMA and psilocybin sessions on PTSD. v

How does MDMA therapy work?

Half an hour after ingestion, MDMA causes a temporary greatly increased release of serotonin in and it blocks the reuptake and production of new serotonin. In addition, MDMA blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and dopamine. After 1.5 hours, the peak of this effect is reached. Gradually, the effect diminishes and after 6 hours, MDMA's effect is gone. Serotonin stores in neurons are then depleted and the concentration in the brain decreases. Moreover, receptors for signalling substances withdraw into the cell, making them less sensitive.

The benefits of MDMA therapy

The benefit of MDMA during therapy is that, due to the increased activity of serotonin, feelings of depression and anxiety are pushed into the background. When processing PTSD without the overwhelming anxiety it can cause, it is easier to think in terms of solutions rather than problems. This can be beneficial when coming to terms with the past.

The disadvantages of MDMA therapy

The dip in serotonin levels is caused by serotonin depletion and by the fact that serotonin receptors become less responsive. This leads to feelings of depression, a resurgence of anxiety and, consequently, PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, MDMA is illegal, and pure MDMA is rarely encountered because it is often mixed with other substances that resemble it. High doses of MDMA can cause dehydration, kidney failure, liver damage and brain damage.

The best alternative to MDMA therapy

Based on our experience and an analysis of the biochemical reactions, we can tell you that MDMA is not the best psychedelic for treating PTSD. Psilocybin offers the same benefits as MDMA, namely increasing the activity of the 5HT2a serotonin receptor. Psilocybin can stimulate the 5HT2a receptor much more effectively than MDMA because psilocybin does not deplete the body’s own serotonin stores but acts as an additional source. Furthermore, the receptors do not downregulate, so there is no subsequent dip. Another advantage is that dopamine plays no role in the effects of psilocybin, whereas it does with MDMA. Whilst serotonin fosters a sense of togetherness, dopamine, on the other hand, makes you feel more like an individual. Partly because of this, and the fact that psilocybin can achieve a much greater stimulation of the 5HT2a receptor, it is easier to induce an ‘ego death’ with psilocybin, whereas this is almost impossible with MDMA. An ‘ego death’ can be hugely significant in processing trauma, resolving anxiety and combating depression.

Read more about the here “ego death” as a treatment

Read more about the here effect of psilocybin therapy

More than just therapy with psychedelics

We do more than just facilitate psychedelic therapy. Before the trip, we draw up a plan to prepare the individual physically for the experience through diet, supplements and exercise. The aim of this is to ensure that our clients come to realise that looking after yourself is rewarded. This insight only becomes truly clear during the trip, because the experience works more effectively then – for example, because the receptors have been made more sensitive – and because, during the trip, everything suddenly “clicks into place”. During the preparation phase, we also sometimes set tasks whose significance only becomes clear during the trip.

What a trip therapy program looks like

We believe that a healthy body provides a healthy foundation for mental health as well. We therefore do everything we can to address all facets of existence, which is why we advise our clients on nutrition, exercise, and supplements. This holistic approach to body and mind ensures the best results in the short and long term. Generally, for most clients, we use a schedule that looks as follows:

1. Report, neurotransmitter test and intake
2. Advice on nutrition exercise and supplements based on point 1
3. A period of 2-3 weeks of progress reviewing point 2
4. An individual psychedelic ceremony (unless a group offers additional benefit or preference)
5. Review of the truffle ceremony on the same day
6. After about 1-2 weeks, another follow-up discussion

Extras during the ceremony

Our psychedelic therapy A truffle ceremony includes the following extras to make the experience even better:

• Individual counselling truffle ceremony
• Aromatherapy (during trip)
• Colour therapy (during trip)
• Musical accompaniment

Possibilities of trip therapy

The greatest benefit of a trip therapy session is that, through introspection (looking within yourself), we can gently guide you to change your self-image. Many addictions, anxieties, stress, depressions, and other personal problems stem from a (negative) distorted self-image, unrealistic thoughts, or subconscious stress caused by fears in the subconscious. If you treat yourself to the best in terms of nutrition, thoughts, and exercise, this will have a positive effect during and after the trip, because these lifestyle changes are perceived as logical during the experience. Be good to your body and mind, and they will be good to you in return. You deserve to be the best version of yourself.

Read more here our working method

What others say trip therapy

A customer story can often tell more about what we do than what we write about ourselves.

Read here all reviews from our “customers”

Are you curious about what we can do for you?

Before signing up with us, it is best to learn as much as possible about trip therapy. After all, Triptherapie works best when someone is ready for it. Naturally, we are here for you if you are ready to make your life more pleasant and healthier through physical health and psychedelic therapy. You can expect the best personal service available from us.

Read more here for whom psychedelic therapy is suitable

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