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TREATING PTSD WITH MDMA-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Learn more about treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on  or at mdmaptsd.org.
1. Landmark Long-Term Follow-Up Results Published / Headlines on CNN, The New York Times, Military.com, NBC, Reuters, Alternet, and Many More
On November 20, 2012, the Journal of Psychopharmacology published online the outstanding results of our long-term follow-up of subjects who participated in our initial proof of principle study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The long-term follow-up, conducted an average of 45 months (over 3.5 years) after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, extends the promising results of the initial study (published in 2010) which found that 83% of those receiving MDMA-assisted psychotherapy no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis two months after treatment. The long-term follow-up showed that these remarkable benefits were, on average, sustained over time. However, several subjects did relapse and experienced a return of symptoms. Learn more...
This study has been fully funded.
2. Canada: Health Canada Approves Security Measures after Fifth Pharmacy Inspection
On November 8, 2012, after five inspections and over 15 months of resulting delays, an inspector from Health Canada finally approved the security measures at the Vancouver pharmacy where the MDMA will be stored for our upcoming Canadian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. New security regulations created after the initial inspection required us to make numerous expensive changes to the pharmacy, including hiding the safe with a wooden cabinet, moving the safe and cabinet to a new room with a solid (rather than glass) door, installing multiple new alarm systems, adding bulletproof polycarbonate over the windows, and placing additional warning labels on the study drug. Learn more...
$511,000 estimated study cost / $496,000 still needed
3. Israel: Site Team Begins Collecting Inquiries for Study Participation
On November 25, 2012, the site team for our new Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD began collecting inquiries for participation in the study, beginning the screening process. In-person screening will begin on December 12, when our insurance policy goes into effect (which cost us about $8,000). This study will investigate the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in 10 people with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. While the sample size is small, the study will help us to develop our therapeutic approach, evaluate the effectiveness of the double blind, to compare the effectiveness of full (125 mg) versus active placebo (25 mg) doses of MDMA combined with psychotherapy, and to plan the design for future Phase 3 studies. View the timeline...
$381,000 estimated study cost / $381,000 still needed
4. Israeli Researcher Enrolls in Therapist Training Protocol
From December 3-8, 2012, another Israeli co-therapist enrolled in our therapist training protocol in Charleston, South Carolina, as part of training for treating subjects in our upcoming Israeli study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The protocol was designed as a Phase 1 study of the psychological effects of MDMA in healthy volunteers, with subjects limited to people in training to work on a MAPS-sponsored study. Learn More...
Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out our Student Resources page!
IBOGAINE TREATMENT FOR ADDICTION
5. New Zealand Ibogaine Study Enrolls Fifth Subject
On November 9, 2012, the fifth participant was enrolled in our ongoing observational study of ibogaine treatment for addiction in New Zealand. All participants had been receiving methadone treatment for opiate addiction and are being treated for methadone dependence at independent ibogaine clinics in New Zealand. The study was approved by the IRB on February 22, 2012, and lead investigator Dr. Geoff Noller, Ph.D., began enrollment shortly thereafter. This study is the second in our international series of observational studies of the safety and long-term effectiveness of ibogaine treatment for addiction, building on our completed study in Mexico. Learn More...
SUPPORT MAPS
6. Thank You for Helping Us Transform Psychiatry
In November, 195 individuals donated to MAPS for a total of $11,218 in gifts ranging from $5 to $3,000. In response to the last few weeks of media coverage and an email message from MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, new contributions continue coming in. It is encouraging to see such support for psychedelic research and education. Those individuals contributing their time and money to MAPS share a deep belief that our work is making an important change in the world. Thank you for your generosity. This month we also want to thank The David Rockefeller Fund for a $15,000 gift for our soon-to-start study in Boulder, Colorado, evaluating MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. The Mental Insight Foundation has awarded MAPS $50,000 for our study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in veterans suffering from PTSD.
Help us make psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines—donate today!
7. Reserve Your Exhibit Space at Psychedelic Science 2013: Limited Availability
Exhibitor spaces for Psychedelic Science 2013 are limited, and spaces are filling up quick, so reserve yours soon. The Marketplace at Psychedelic Science 2013 is a prime opportunity to connect with attendees with an interest in science, health, art, and spirituality and share information about your organization, company, or product. See our Sponsorship Brochure for full details, or contact Brian Brown at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
8. Now Seeking Promotional Partners for Psychedelic Science 2013
We would like to give a special thanks to our Psychedelic Science 2013 Promotional Partners whose support allows us to conduct our world-changing research and education projects.
EVENTS
9. PSYCHEDELIC SCIENCE 2013: April 18-23, 2013, Oakland, CA
Early Bird rates for Psychedelic Science 2013 end on December 21, 2012. Save $75 or more and demonstrate your belief in the future—of psychedelic medicine. The three-day conference (April 19-21) features talks ranging from psilocybin's effect on mystical experiences (Roland Griffiths, Ph.D.), to how findings from psychedelic psychotherapy research have helped transform psychology (Dr. Stanislav Grof) and much more. Speakers from South America, North America, and Europe will present the latest research on psilocybin for cancer patients with anxiety; ayahuasca and ibogaine as treatments for nicotine and opiate addiction; MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD; psychedelic neuroscience; and much more. A wide range of anthropological and social scientific research will include reports from the field (Earth and Fire Erowid), ethical considerations related to the medicinal use of psychedelics (Dr. Julie Holland), and a review of ayahuasca customs and uses (Dennis McKenna, Ph.D.). Plus: Nine full-day pre- and post- conference Workshops (April 18 & 21), a Holotropic Breathwork Workshop with Dr. Stanislav Grof (April 21-23), a Sunset Cruise (April 19), a Dinner & Performance (April 20), and the Marketplace & Moonlight Plaza (entire conference).
Don't wait to make sure the world will still be spinning on December 22—register today!
MEDIA
10. The New York Times: A "Party Drug" May Help the Brain Cope With Trauma | view
by Benedict Carey / November 19, 2012
11. CNN: Experimental Treatment for PTSD: Ecstasy | view
by Caleb Hellerman / December 1, 2012
12. VIDEO: CNN: Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Ecstasy as PTSD Treatment? | view
By Dr. Sanjay Gupta / November 30, 2012
13. Military.com: PTSD Study Findings Reinforce Case for Ecstasy | view
by Bryant Jordan / November 20, 2012
14. Reuters: Researchers Say Form of Ecstasy May Heal Combat Trauma | view
by Harriet McLeod / December 5, 2012
15. Alternet: Research Points to Clear Benefits of MDMA for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | view
by Craig Comstock / November 21, 2012
16. Stars and Stripes: Ecstasy Effective in Treatment of Lingering PTSD, New Study Finds | view
by Matthew M. Burke / November 20, 2012
17. Nature: MDMA Keeps Severe Stress at Bay | view
by Arran Frood / November 20, 2012
18. Reason: New Study Confirms MDMA's Effectiveness in Psychotherapy | view
by Jacob Sullum / November 20, 2012
19. The Age: Dancing with Molly | view
by Eileen Ormsby / December 4, 2012
20. Care2: PTSD Sufferers See Long-Term Benefits From MDMA-Assisted Therapy | view
by Beth Buczynski / November 23, 2012
21. VIDEO: NBC San Diego: Scientists to Test Ecstasy for PTSD Vets | view
November 27, 2012
22. VIDEO: NBC Los Angeles: Party Drug May Help Tough Cases of PTSD | view
by Tony Shin and R. Stickney / November 27, 2012
23. VIDEO: Rick Doblin Talks About the Future of Psychedelics | view
November 28, 2012
24. PODCAST: Brad Burge Talks about MDMA and PTSD on Being Bipolar Podcast | listen
November 23, 2012
Explore MAPS in the Media for even more psychedelic and medical marijuana research news.
MORE NEWS
25. Veterans and the War on Drugs: New Report from the Drug Policy Alliance
Healing a Broken System: Veterans and the War on Drugs is a new report from the Drug Policy Alliance that examines the plight of returning veterans who struggle with incarceration and psychological wounds of war such as addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder—and suggests reforms that could improve the health and preserve the freedom of American soldiers returning from war zones and transitioning back to civilian life. This report recommends alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses, increased access to overdose prevention programs and medication-assisted therapy, and research evaluating innovative treatment modalities such as medical marijuana and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. View the issue brief.
26. Survey: Have You Had Experiences with Ibogaine?
The Ibogaine Experiences Research Group, a group of researchers not affiliated with MAPS, is interested in learning about your experience with ibogaine treatment. Researchers are conducting an online survey, which is completely anonymous, and invite anyone who has used ibogaine to participate. Researchers are based out of The School of Professional Psychology of Spalding University in Louisville, KY, USA. For more information, please click here.
27. Larry Hagman (1931-2012): LSD was "the most illuminating experience" of his life
Larry Hagman passed away on November 23, 2012, at the age 81. Larry was a famous Hollywood actor, known for his roles in Dallas and I Dream of Jeannie. He was a notable supporter of psychedelic research, as well as a generous contributor to MAPS. We thank Larry for his generosity, his support, his humor, and his friendship. Larry speaks with MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, The New York Times, and others about his personal experiences with psychedelics.
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