By Niseema Dyan Diemer LMT, SEP, BCPP
Imagine a world where people would listen to their heart, would not be afraid to be vulnerable, where toxic shame took a back seat to connection and safety in the eyes of another human. Current western culture is built on the belief that our individuality is key to our freedom. It has long been thought, in the alternative communities, that the suppression of 'medicines' long used by Shaman's, Healers, and Spiritual Leaders was a way to suppress the very thing these 'medicines' reveal - that we are all connected and have more in common than we have differences. The recreational use of what are now called Schedule I illegal substances has increased as more and more people, especially young people, throw off the demand of individuality choosing to lean towards a more global community vibe.
MDMA, a type of amphetamine, was first discovered by German Pharmacists during WWI trying to find a way to help stem the bleeding of wounded soldiers. It was recognized as a possible therapeutic medicine in 1914. It then emerged in the 1970's as a potential psychotherapeutic compound called Adam because it often returned patients to a more innocent state of mind. They witnessed that it made patients more willing to participate in therapy. Lately it has been associated with the Electronic Dance Music EDM/Rave culture and is often mixed with other substances to allow dancers to dance all night long. The drug often called Molly or Ecstasy when abused can cause kidney failure from lack of hydration.
In our talk with Charley Wininger LP, LMHC, Author ofListening to Ecstasy: The Transformative Power of MDMA and Psychotherapist with 30+ years of personal experience with MDMA and other psychedelics, we hope to lessen the fear and increase curiosity to the potential that MDMA holds for couples and individuals struggling with PTSD, social anxiety and depression. He shares his experience and valuable information about the current FDA trials that are close to legalizing MDMA for the treatment of PTSD.
His book, a personal account and brave step in "coming out the chemical closet", signals an important trend in medical and cultural communities. A trend that's moving towards harnessing the power of these medicines to open new neural pathways and new experiences to promote the healing of deep wounds and trauma. It has always been through connection that we heal. MDMA, as well as others, may be the bridge many people have been looking for.
Charley has complied valuable resources for clinicians and explorers alike on his website http://www.charleywininger.com and through his You Tube channelListening to Ecsatcy. Here are a couple of videos that support and expand on what we talk about in the interview.
MDMA IS a Gateway Drug: but to what?
https://www.charleywininger.com/youtube-videos/2019/3/21/is-mdma-a-gateway-drug-and-could-that-be-a-good-thing
Couples Sharing Good Chemistry
https://www.charleywininger.com/youtube-videos/2019/3/21/for-couples-sharing-good-chemistry