Can Ecstasy Cure Trauma? New Military Trial Says Maybe

A team of researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Emory University has secured a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to explore an emerging approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — one that could reshape current standards of care for military personnel and veterans.

A new clinical trial will explore whether a single dose of MDMA, combined with Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, can improve recovery rates for military members suffering from PTSD. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, has shown potential in earlier studies when paired with psychotherapy, and researchers believe this combination could help those who haven’t fully benefited from existing treatments. The trial, led by Dr. Alan Peterson of UT Health San Antonio’s STRONG STAR Consortium, aims to enhance PTSD treatment outcomes, particularly for military personnel and veterans.

PE therapy helps patients process traumatic memories in a safe, structured environment. The addition of MDMA is expected to boost neuroplasticity and reduce fear responses, creating a window of opportunity for more effective treatment during the two weeks following MDMA administration. The trial will track changes in PTSD symptoms, depression, suicidal thoughts, and readiness to return to duty, as well as overall psychological and relational well-being, assessing participants one and three months after treatment.

“This study could mark a turning point in how we treat trauma in military populations,” Peterson said. “By combining the best of psychotherapy and neuroscience, we have a real chance to improve lives and outcomes on a large scale.”

If successful, the approach could be adopted widely in military and VA health systems, where PE is already a standard treatment. The study could also lead to MDMA’s integration into outpatient programs, offering new avenues for treating trauma in military populations. Dr. Peterson sees this research as a potential turning point in PTSD care, combining the strengths of psychotherapy and neuroscience to create meaningful improvements in recovery.