103,592 couples divorced in the UK in 2020, which was a 4.5% decrease when compared to 2019. Despite this decrease, this is still a substantial number. Prior to the divorce, couples often employ strategies such as marriage counselling. Unfortunately, a US study found counselling to have a measly 11-18% success rate, suggesting the need for alternative options for couples in need of help.
Prior to MDMA being made illegal in the 1980's in the US, Greer and Tolbert conducted a study involving MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with nearly 80 clients. The results suggesting that MDMA improved emotional communication. The recent re-introduction of MDMA into research has found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD is extremely beneficial. A 2020 FDA regulated study by Jerome et al saw two thirds of PTSD patients report improved relationships following MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
MDMA is a derivative of phenylisoproylamine. It increases the release of neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, as well as stopping the reuptake of these. Serum oxytocin, cortisol, prolactin and vasopressin are elevated by MDMA also. The method of action of MDMA is significant as oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine and serotonin are all closely associated with the experience of feeling love, which is an important part of maintaining personal relationships.
Although past and previous studies have highlighted the effectiveness of MDMA for emotional relationships as well as PTSD, it is important to recognise that MDMA is in fact an illegal drug of class A status in the UK. This is largely due to its addictiveness as well as the long-term health effects it can have on its users, such as high blood pressure, panic attacks and seizures. Whilst MDMA as a therapeutic option for preventing divorce may seem attractive, the question of when will these couples stop taking this drug and overcome their issues is posed. Masking problems with drug use is something that should not be encouraged, and therefore the boundaries of treatment and the use of MDMA in this context would be extremely important. Further and more extensive research into this concept would be required before it could be considered concretely, however it is a great and very interesting concept in theory. The idea that illegal class A drugs could have a beneficial effect on the lives of people is somewhat novel, adding an extra element of quirkiness to this research.