US soldiers to receive ecstasy to fight combat trauma...

[RBHam]

Why not all-natural marijuana...???

THE GUARDIAN , LONDON
Friday, Feb 18, 2005,Page 7
US soldiers traumatized by fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are to be offered the drug ecstasy to help free them of flashbacks and recurring nightmares.

The US food and drug administration has given the go-ahead for the soldiers to be included in an experiment to see if MDMA, the active ingredient in ecstasy, can treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Scientists behind the trial in South Carolina think the feelings of emotional closeness reported by those taking the drug could help the soldiers talk about their experiences to therapists.

Several victims of rape and sexual abuse with post-traumatic stress disorder, for whom existing treatments are ineffective, have been given MDMA since the research began last year.

Michael Mithoefer, the psychiatrist leading the trial, said: "It's looking very promising. It's too early to draw any conclusions but in these treatment-resistant people so far the results are encouraging."

"People are able to connect more deeply on an emotional

more...

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/02/18/2003223545

[Mugweed]

1. Drugs are bad, ummkay?

I'm confused. A plant that grows like a "weed" is still Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance up there with cocaine and heroine, I've seen the numerous articles that say MDMA will damage the spinal cord or brain or something negative...and now our gummint says that MDMA use is therapy? Break out the turntables!

[Lefta Dissenter]

2. well, DUH

the drug companies can't make money off of the sale and use of pot, so they're not going to allow that!!! :eyes:

[Guy Fawkes]

3. Well, "ecstasy" was originally

developed for fighting depression. There was also extensive testing done on using it for helping PTSD related to war and other tragic events.

[RBHam]

4. Uppers for killing, downers for forgetting...

Think of the future damage...

Think of it...

[fooj]

5. OMG! All I can think of or feel is a profound sense of loss...

It's heartbreaking. These monsters MUST be stopped!

[Cleita]

6. Imagine if we hadn't started this stupid war, there would be no

need for any of this.