Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

About this Book

Introduction: Medicine for a New Millennium

Let X = MDMA
1. The History of MDMA
2. What Does MDMA Feel Like?
3. How MDMA Works in the Brain
4. The Chemistry of MDMA
5. MDMA Myths and Rumors Dispelled
6. The Godparents of MDMA

Risks of MDMA Use
7. Medical Risks Associated with MDMA Use
8. Mental Health Problems Associated with MDMA Use
9. Does MDMA Cause Brain Damage?
10. The Legal Status of MDMA Around the World
11. Minimizing Risk in the Dance Community

MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy
12. Using MDMA in Healing, Psychotherapy, and Spiritual Practice
13. Experience with the Interpersonal Psychedelics
14. Clinical Experience with MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy
Potential Clinical Uses for MDMA
15. Using MDMA in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
16. Using MDMA in the Treatment of Depression
17. Using MDMA in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
18. Using MDMA in Alternative Medicine

MDMA Research
19. Clinical Research with MDMA: A Worldwide Review
20. Giving MDMA to Human Volunteers in Switzerland
21. Giving MDMA to Human Volunteers in the United States

MDMA and Society
22. Ecstasy: Prescription for Cultural Renaissance
23. MDMA and Spirituality
24. MDMA's Promise as a Prescription Medicine

Appendices

History Timeline - Julie Holland, M.D.
Statistics Timeline - Julie Holland, M.D.
Table I: Studies of Long-term Behavioral or Functional Changes After MDMA in Animals - Matthew Baggot and John Mendelson, M.D.
Table II: Reported Neurofunctional Differences Between Ecstasy Users and Nonusers - Matthew Baggot and John Mendelson, M.D.
Table III: Memory Studies of Ecstasy Users vs. Nonusers - Harry Sumnall

References

Contributors

Index

About the Author

Julie Holland, M.D., is a psychiatrist who specializes in psycho-pharmacology and a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine. A recognized expert on street drugs, Dr. Holland has discussed Ecstasy in the Lancet, Harper’s, and the Washington Post and has provided expert perspective on the drug for numerous television programs, including the MTV series True Life. Other contributors to the book include Ralph Metzner, author of Maps Consciousness and Green Psychology; Andrew Weil, author of eight books including 8 Weeks to Optimum Health and Spontaneous Healing; Douglas Rushkoff, author of Cyberia and Ecstasy Club; Rabbi Zalman Schachter, author of From Age-ing To Sageing; and Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Royalties from the book will be donated to fund clinical MDMA research.

Reviews

"MDMA is a unique compound with great potential for positive use. This is the most complete book about it, with much information to help people realize that potential as well as reduce any possible harm."
*Andrew Weil, M.D., author of 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, and Spontaneous Healing*

"Ecstasy: The Complete Guide offers a thoroughly engaging, multifaceted look at a very controversial substance. Well done."
*Spalding Gray, actor, performer, and author of Morning, Noon, and Night and Impossible Vacation*

"This is the best contemporary overview of MDMA, one which simultaneously succeeds for popular and scientific audiences. Encyclopedic in its scope, it is at the same time most readable."
*Lester Grinspoon, M.D., professor emeritus, Harvard Medical School and author of Marijuana: The Forb*

". . . this volume makes a strong case for studying and legalizing MDMA for therapeutic purposes, without minimizing the potential dangers of abuse. An important contribution to the literature on illegal drugs."
*Eris Weaver, Library Journal, September 15, 2001*

"In an important addition to the literature, a psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital who is an expert on street drugs has gathered papers from numerous experts that discuss hazards of the drug and ways to mitigate them."
*Library Journal, May 1, 2002*

"A comprehensive tome, this book offers something for nearly anyone interested in substance use and abuse, regardless of their perspective. Overall, a good addition to a comprehensive collection on psychoactive drugs that appear to have both therapeutic and abuse potentials."
*T.D. DeLapp, Choice, May 2002*

"The most thorough book about MDMA around, with contributions from a host of physicians, chemists and research scientists. A marvelous, original book undertaken with great care and with a precise scientific appreciation of what chemicals can do when used under the proper conditions and by the proper, sympathetic professionals."
*The Book Reader, Spring/Summer 2002*

"It's heartening to read such a thorough and balanced book."
*Jon Hanna, High Times, February 2002 v*

"The audience that the author is targeting is mostly those in the expert medical field and even users of MDMA/Ecstasy. She states that she doesn't encourage people to use it, but would rather promote its use for mental and physical safety. She feels as if it should be used as a prescription medicine. However, for those that are recreational users, she wants to inform them of the danger from the drug Ecstasy sold in clubs and raves where the buyer doesn't know what is truly being ingested."
*Mercede's Blog, Feb 2009*