Netflix viewers have been left shocked after realising that MDMA is likely to become a medicine.
The subject was raised in the streamer's series How to Change Your Mind, which raises a case for negative perceptions around LSD, psilocybin, mescaline and MDMA to change.
Each of the four episodes focus on one of these substances, examining how they can be powerful tools for healing both mind and body.
Advert
Chapter three turned out to be the most surprising episode for some viewers, as it outlined how ecstasy stands out as the most likely to be legalised in the US.
Many people associate the drug with ravers and partiers, having made its way into the mainstream in the 90s.
Its effects include euphoria, increased empathy and feelings of pleasure and heightened energy – allowing users to dance all night long.
But in recent years, scientists and psychologists have been exploring the so-called love drug's benefits when treating patients suffering from mental health struggles.
In fact, one study into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is so far along, it's in the Phase 3 trial phase.
The trials, led by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), were held in the US, Canada and Israel.
They are the next step in figuring out whether the treatment is safe and effective enough to be legally prescribed to those with the mental health condition.
Last week, it was revealed that the final participant visit had been completed for the second of the two Phase 3 trials.
The findings are expected to lead to FDA evaluation of the treatment’s safety and efficacy in 2023.
As said by Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Executive Director, MAPS: "The completion of data gathering in our second Phase 3 study of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is a critical milestone in MAPS’ 36-year campaign to obtain FDA approval for the therapeutic use of MDMA.
"I’m proud of our team of therapists, staff, donors, funders, and especially the brave patients who volunteered to confront their trauma in our studies."
The exploration of the extensive research in How to Change Your Mind has been met with a positive response from viewers.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: "Watching this Netflix series How To Change Your Mind.
"Was anyone else aware that MDMA is in phase 3 trials, and will almost certainly become medicine?"
"If you haven’t watched the Netflix show How To Change Your Mind you’re missing out," said another.
"The episode on MDMA is (literally) mind blowing."
A third added: "Never knew MDMA (ecstasy) was used to treat PTSD. How To Change Your Mind on Netflix is so dope!"
Topics: Netflix, Drugs, Documentaries, TV and Film
Daisy Phillipson