An extended nondrug MDMA-like experience evoked through posthypnotic suggestion.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 1, 2006 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2006.10399853 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHypnotic suggestion can produce a subjective mind-body state similar to that induced by MDMA (Ecstasy). Twelve participants who had previously used MDMA received posthypnotic instructions to re-experience an MDMA-like state for one hour. Self-report measures and qualitative reports indicated the posthypnotic condition effectively mimicked an MDMA-like experience, lasting at a stable level for an hour. Participant ratings of similarity to a drug-induced experience ranged from 36% to 100%. Scores on the Tellegen Absorption Scale correlated significantly with the strength of the posthypnotic condition (Spearman rho .87). Participants successfully engaged in intentional activities during this time, such as self-reflection and walking in nature.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Participants with prior MDMA experience |
| Intervention | posthypnotic instructions to re-experience an MDMA-like state |
| Duration | One hour |
| Key finding | Posthypnotic suggestion can produce a subjective MDMA-like state lasting one hour, with similarity ratings ranging from 36% to 100%. |
Abstract
This research explored whether hypnotic suggestion could produce a subjective mindbody condition similar to that produced by the psychoactive drug methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy). Twelve participants received posthypnotic instructions to re-experience an MDMA-like state posthypnotically, similar to one in their prior experience, for one hour. Three separate self report measures and qualitative self reports showed that the posthypnotic condition effectively mimicked an MDMA-like experience, lasting an hour at a stable level. Participant ratings in real time and in retrospect ranged from 36% to 100% similarity to a drug-induced experience. The qualitative reports and rating scales enabled a phenomenological description of the subjective experience. Scores on the Tellegen Absorption Scale correlated significantly with the strength of the posthypnotic condition (Spearman rho .87, p = .0003). The participants successfully carried out various intentional activities during this time (e.g., self reflection, talking with partners about relationships, artwork, walking in nature). Applications for this technique as an adjunct to therapy and health treatments are discussed.