6 Ecstasy as Therapy
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Brian D. Earp
Abstract
Drug-supported couples therapy is not a new phenomenon. In fact, MDMA was widely used for this purpose, to good effect in many cases, into the 1980s—before it was banned for largely political reasons. This chapter discusses the history of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, making clear that MDMA is not just ‘emotional glue’ that holds romantic partners together, no matter how incompatible. Rather, professionally guided, drug-enhanced counseling may help some individuals or couples realize that they need to end their relationship, and may allow them to do so in a more loving and healthy way. The chapter asks whether MDMA poses a threat to authenticity or personal identity and raises other risks that may be associated with its use under certain conditions. It concludes with a call for careful, controlled scientific research into the potential of MDMA as an aid to couples counseling
Abstract
Drug-supported couples therapy is not a new phenomenon. In fact, MDMA was widely used for this purpose, to good effect in many cases, into the 1980s—before it was banned for largely political reasons. This chapter discusses the history of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, making clear that MDMA is not just ‘emotional glue’ that holds romantic partners together, no matter how incompatible. Rather, professionally guided, drug-enhanced counseling may help some individuals or couples realize that they need to end their relationship, and may allow them to do so in a more loving and healthy way. The chapter asks whether MDMA poses a threat to authenticity or personal identity and raises other risks that may be associated with its use under certain conditions. It concludes with a call for careful, controlled scientific research into the potential of MDMA as an aid to couples counseling
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Epigraph vii
- Contents ix
- 1 Revolution 1
- 2 Love's Dimensions 16
- 3 Human Natures 36
- 4 Little Heart-Shaped Pills 52
- 5 Good-Enough Marriages 71
- 6 Ecstasy as Therapy 82
- 7 Evolved Fragility 101
- 8 Wonder Hormone 110
- 9 Anti-love Drugs 121
- 10 Chemical Breakups 136
- 11 Avoiding Disaster 141
- 12 Choosing Love 171
- Epilogue 189
- Acknowledgements 191
- Notes 195
- Index 255
- About the Authors 267
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Epigraph vii
- Contents ix
- 1 Revolution 1
- 2 Love's Dimensions 16
- 3 Human Natures 36
- 4 Little Heart-Shaped Pills 52
- 5 Good-Enough Marriages 71
- 6 Ecstasy as Therapy 82
- 7 Evolved Fragility 101
- 8 Wonder Hormone 110
- 9 Anti-love Drugs 121
- 10 Chemical Breakups 136
- 11 Avoiding Disaster 141
- 12 Choosing Love 171
- Epilogue 189
- Acknowledgements 191
- Notes 195
- Index 255
- About the Authors 267
