If PTSD feels like a shadow following you every day, don't worry, you're not alone. At Changa Institute, we completely understand how strongly trauma can impact your life. We're dedicated to guiding people towards healing with the latest research-based therapies.

In today's article, let's discuss MDMA therapy, its procedure, its benefits, who it's for, and everything you need to know. So, let's begin!

What's MDMA Therapy?

MDMA(3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), often known as ecstasy or Molly in the street world, has long been seen as a party drug for long. It's actually a psychoactive drug that acts as a stimulant.

The drug releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel energized, improve your senses, and increase emotions of self-awareness and empathy.

Probably 3.5% of U.S. adults suffer from Posttraumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. Experts have proved that MDMA Therapy is quite effective for people struggling with PTSP silently.

How MMDA Therapy Helps:

Before explaining MMDA in detail, let's briefly discuss PTSD.

PTSD, Posttraumatic stress disorder, occurs after serious traumatic events such as a tragic accident, death of a near one, sexual abuse, injury, war, or extreme injustice. Living with PTSD can feel like being stuck in a loop you didn’t ask for. The memories, the triggers, the sleepless nights they don’t just go away.

People are unable to get relief from the terrifying moments. Unfortunately, untreated severe PTSD can lead to suicide.

At the present moment, there is no medication to treat PTSD, but medicines can ease symptoms temporarily. Though therapies like talk therapy and cognitive therapy can help, almost 75% of people drop out of therapy. Result? 58% of them have PTSD symptoms after they finish!

In these struggling times, when traditional therapies fail, that's when MDMA comes in.

Actually what happens is when people with PTSD are given the required dose of MMDA in a clinical setting under the supervision of an expert, it helps them open up. They vent out and describe their fear, pain, and everything they were hiding inside. And once everything is done, they feel better, healthier, and emotionally sound.

While still under research, MDMA-assisted therapy is showing real promise for people struggling with PTSD. It’s not a miracle cure. But for those who’ve tried everything else, it might just be the turning point.

MDMA, being a recreational drug, isn't approved legally because of its harm, abuse, and addiction. But since 2017, the FDA has discovered its remarkable effects on PTSD symptoms and has declared MDMA a breakthrough therapy!

How Does MMDA Work?

MMDA ((3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) when given to the patient releases certain neurotransmitters. They are the chemical messengers of brain cells that change brain activity. Among the released neurotransmitters are feel-good hormones:

Dopamine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Oxytocin.

Some other neurotransmitters that are released after MMDA therapy include:

Prolactin
Cortisol
Vasopressin

All of these neurotransmitters, especially feel-good hormones, help people with PTSD feel relaxed and they slowly open up with the mental health expert or therapist describing their difficult emotions.

It helps the patient do more self-reflection and understand the events that trigger their condition.

Benefits of MMDA Therapy:

People after MDMA therapy feel relaxed, happy, and more energized. Some of the most noticeable effects of MDMA therapy are:

Empathy
Self-awareness
Sensory pleasure
Better energy (physical and emotional)
Less anxiety
Speak up about their traumatic experience

The results so far are promising. A Phase 3 clinical trial published in Nature Medicine in 2021 found that 67% of participants no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis after just three sessions of MDMA-assisted therapy. That's a huge win!

MMDA Therapy Procedure:

As stated already, the drug isn't legally approved because of its addiction and abuse report that's why MDMA therapy isn't something you can do on your own or at a friend's house. This treatment is done strictly under the supervision of a qualified therapist. Here's a general procedure for MMDA therapy:

Prep Sessions (2–3 sessions):
You meet with your therapist(s) to build trust, set goals, and prepare emotionally for what’s to come.
MDMA Sessions (1–3 sessions):
You receive a dose of MDMA in capsule form. The session can last 6–8 hours. You might lie down, wear an eye mask, and listen to calming music. Two therapists stay with you the entire time.
Integration Sessions (after each dose):
These shorter meetings help you reflect on what came up and guide you to apply insights to your daily life.

Most participants only undergo two or three MDMA sessions across several months, with talk therapy woven throughout

Success Rate of MMDA Therapy:

The success rate of MMDA therapy is mind-blowing. Evidence? FDA has called MMDA therapy a breakthrough therapy for PTSD which is a label reserved for treatments that show remarkable benefits over existing options.

It's not FDA-approved yet for the public, but under a strict clinical setting, the FDA has labeled MDMA-assisted therapy “Expanded Access Status”. This means experts can give this drug to certain people with severe PTSD even without clinical trials. It can also be prescribed to people for whom other therapies aren't successful and who can't be a part of phase III clinical trials.

Please note that because the treatment is given in a controlled setting, the chances of abuse are very low.

What to Know About MDMA Use for PTSD:

Well, the misuse of even the right thing can have the worst side effects. If you or your near ones are suffering from PTSD and you're looking for MMDA therapy, please keep in mind that this treatment should be done with expert help in a clinical setting only!

Don't confuse MDMA therapy with recreational ecstasy. Street drugs don't have the same therapeutic effects and you may not know their exact dose.

Moreover, researchers state that illegal ecstasy bought through street drugs may have other ingredients such as methamphetamine, ketamine, caffeine, or ephedrine. These combinations can be disastrous for your health!

So, in short, if you're interested in MDMA therapy to get rid of severe PTSD symptoms, it's important to take expert advice.

Consult our therapists at Changa Institute and they can provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

Why Choose Changa Institute for MDMA Therapy?

Changa Institute isn’t just a therapy center. It's a community grounded in integrity, science, and care.

Our team includes educators like Lisa Ginzburg, founder of the first U.S. licensed psilocybin facilitator training, and respected instructors such as Dr. Manesh Girn and Sarah Mennenga, Ph.D.

We train facilitators to meet the highest standards, and our graduates now lead licensed centers across Oregon and Colorado.

What makes us different:

Accredited, state-certified training
Trauma-informed care at every level
A socially responsible mission, including 10% equity donated to nonprofits

We are more than an institute. We are part of a growing movement to bring healing to those who have suffered in silence for too long.

Choose Changa Institute for MMDA Therapy and see the difference!

Breaking the Trauma Cycle: MDMA Therapy for PTSD | Changa Institute