From what I've heard of ecstasy, it's a formulation that can cause extremely dangerous effects and even death to users. I don't see how it could have been used in any legitimate way to treat patients in a medical or therapeutic setting.

I don't think it's a good idea. It can be hallucinogenic--- our paranoia and hallucinogens are probably two things best kept apart.

It was used in a controlled way to lower anxiety for people who have blanked out trauma, and was used to help therapy.
...I think this before they found the stuff deteriorates brainstem tissue.

I mean, it was used DURING therapy.

It's not suitable for regular use at all.

There was a medical use for the drug MDMA before people used it stupidly. It was used under a Dr's care and constant supervision. I know that some people may have strong opinions either for or against this. The drug causes extreme euphoria Here is a study from 2010 http://www.drugs.com/news/researchers-ecstasy-ptsd-25615.html I am not in any way condoning use of the illegal form because there are different chemical placed in those drugs such as heroin and cocaine. This study was done in a clinical study. As with many other controversial drugs i am sure the Europeans will use this far before we do.

From what I understand this drug gives you lots of energy. I pesonally cannot have anything that gives you energy like diet meds or drinks. They make me very aggressive and uncontrolable.

That was why the drug was done in a controlled setting, the drug makes you more emotional which is a scary thought with PTSD but in the right setting could provide a safe way to find a different perspective. i HIGHLY doubt this treatment will be made legal. But I understand the question!

You know, just today I was reading a book on mushrooms (I hunt morels) and the author had an excellent discussion on LSD and mushrooms with related compounds. It actually has been used (very effectively) to treat anxiety and PTSD, although this use is not widespread or well accepted. Because of some poorly executed trials in the 60s and 70s it was banned for a long time, but it's slowly gaining in acceptance in some medical circles. I think it's a long ways from clinical use in the US, but it might be worth following the research or even trying to get in on some research trials. Just a thought.

If you're interested the book is called, "Chantrelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares." I've never used illegal drugs either but this sounded so promising, I'll admit I'm going to keep following the research because I'm so tired of living with high anxiety.

EMDR can put you in that dream state without all of the dangerous side effects. Be cautious about things that could alter your brain chemistry for the worse.

I can get behind alternative treatments I am liberal that way. But everyone please make sure you find a Dr or shaman or healer or whatever someone who knows what they are doing with the mushrooms n such ;)

I ,definitely, don't think it is a good idea.

1. The chemical effects of ecstasy and the brain can be damagaing, and, not to mention, harmful to the body. The rapid release of serintonin can be pleasant in the moment, but the after effects can seriously mess with your brian's chemical ratio. You may relive everthing in a safe enviroment, but what happens when you go home. You will be drained, depressed, and even anxious, evenmore than before.
2. Most people dealing with PTSD are on some kind of medication to control depression or anxiety. These medications are already chemically imbalancing your brain to help stabilize your mood. The addition of Ecstasy will be less effective or damaging to the chemical makeup your anit...drugs are fixing. ( we all know that first two weeks funk we are in when we start anit....drugs. That will just happen all over again.

3. Ecstasy, has only been around for so long. The street drug has caused death, and brain hemorages. It is too risky, and hasn't been around long enough for scientists to rate the effects over time. Memory loss, or recall are major factors as well.

I could go on, but showing PTSD survivors a "happier state" and then taking it away may leave another generation homeless looking for a high they will go crazy trying to find.

Mushrooms are the only drug that are not addictive. The reason being, we build a tolerance after only one use. Psilocybin is the drug they contain and it would be impossible to ingest this daily, so what does one do the other 300 or so days of the year? Masking our problem is not the answer. We need to work through our issues and learn to master our circumstances. It is possible, I am living proof and drug free!

Working through our problems is the first goal, yes. But our brains work via chemical interactions and if some additional chemicals assist in the healing process, why not? Many of us are on prescribed drugs, no? To help with the healing (or just living) process?

I think there is serious potential for some of these drugs to be used in a therapeutic manner. I was once prescribed anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and concentration drugs. It was one of the most awful experiences of my life. But I'd be open to it again if the situation is right. And just because the FDA hasn't (yet) approved it, doesn't mean it doesn't work.

Here's the way I see it... if you follow your gut, be true to yourself and believe in what you are doing... it will work for you. No matter what "it" may be... if only an ideology.

I would not agree that drugs can work for you if you are true to yourself and believe in what you are doing. I had a friend many years ago who certainly fit that description and he got in a lot of trouble from ingesting LSD and snorting cocaine. In fact I had many friends who came to bad ends that way.

They believed what they were told about the drugs they were taking...that they were not addictive or harmful.

Maybe you've heard of Art Linkletter, one of TV's pioneers. His daughter took LSD at a music concert, climbed some scaffolding, and tried to fly. I would say he never got over that incident in his life...he was never the same after losing his daughter.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion here, I'm all for that. But it's good to have all the facts when you're forming your opinions. I hope I've helped with that.