As historians may tell you, drugs were treated much differently ten to one hundred years ago versus how they are used today. Sometimes essential oils and medications evolved into some of the most feared and lethal substances on the planet. For example, did you know the drug crystal meth was originally a sleep medication and weight-loss supplement? Recently, scientists have confirmed that marijuana has been popular for over 10,000 years (including recreational use of the drug). Another party drug, MDMA, also has a significant history. Let’s take a closer look at the destructive history of this mind-altering drug.
Wartime Playtime
In 1912, German scientists originally developed MDMA (also known as ecstasy or Molly) as a pharmaceutical component. While experimenting with medications that could stop excessive bleeding, the scientists found a chemical called “3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,” which was revealed to produce unusual psychoactive side effects. Two years later, in 1914, Merck (pharmaceutical company) officially patented MDMA as a pharmaceutical element.
Sometime later, during the Cold War, both the U.S. Army and the CIA conducted experiments in which MDMA and other hallucinogens were utilized as weapons. Even more disturbing, in the 1950s, the CIA initiated MK-Ultra, a project that tested these dangerous drugs on unwilling subjects to enhance concepts of mind control. However, none of the subjects were human.
Medicine and the War on Drugs
In the 1970s, psychiatrists prescribed MDMA as a psychotherapeutic medication, not unlike proposed options for the drug to be used as a PTSD alleviant today. As the 1980s approached, though, ecstasy had already garnered its reputation as a nasty party drug (or club drug) and earned the nickname “yuppie psychedelic,” due to producing a milder effect than LSD. In 1985, the United State government labeled MDMA a Schedule-I drug under the Controlled Substance Act, effectively banning it. Officials argued the drug hurt rather than helped and had no pharmaceutical values whatsoever.
Nevertheless, the drug is still passed around at clubs and has maintained infamy as a part of rave culture in the United States and the world.
Always remember that deadly drugs like MDMA do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction and substance abuse troubles today.
