In the last few years, the dance scene has witnessed an influx of designer drugs, especially ecstasy and the purest form of MDMA: Molly. Scientists have recently begun studies on the effect MDMA has on the brain, and the beneficial factors that it may include. MDMA has already been proven to be an effective treatment for life-altering illnesses such as PTSD and high levels of anxiety.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, also known as MAPS has found a success rate of over 83% for treatment with patients suffering from PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder is often very difficult to treat, but this seems to be offering it’s victims hope. Over the course of two months of treatment, patients have been found to be PTSD free. In addition, studies have shown over the course of four years patients still remain free of PTSD symptoms.

Many of the patients that participated in the study were war veterans, 9/11 first responders, and sexual assault victims. MDMA may finally bring the emotional relief these people truly desire, and are unable to accomplish alone. Phase One of the initial testing only included a limited number of 20 participants, but Phase Two holds around 147 in total. The results of Phase Two are still pending, but MAPS is already getting ready for Phase Three of the project. Phase Three will take a total of five years to complete, but if the tests are deemed successful, MDMA could be up for approval by the FDA as early as 2021.

“I think we’re seeing many changes in how Americans think about psychedelics,” MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge said. “For the first time, clinical research results are providing hard data showing that, used carefully and in the right settings, MDMA and other psychedelics can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of therapy for PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. We’re also seeing a declining faith in the War on Drugs, and people are increasingly willing to put science before stigma when it comes to evaluating the safety and effectiveness of these powerful compounds.”