I’ll give you that one certainly. Primate studies have demonstrated an element of neurotoxicity with dosages around on par with human recreation. However that being said, it does appear mice are far more prone to the neurotoxic effects of MDMA comparative to human counterparts. Rodent and primates, whilst similar in genetic makeup, are not the same… and thus individualistic metabolism, elimination and antioxidant profiles differ. I’m not saying ecstasy is good for you, however I’m of firm belief that low dosages of ecstasy used intermittently/occasionally (if one knows what they’re getting) is a good deal safer than alcohol/tobacco.
The thing is, we don’t have enough data… MDMA could be immensely HORRIFIC for cognitive functioning long term… or it could be harmless, studies are inconclusive, I’m of the belief there is likely a deleterious effect, similar to, but less extensive than the way even minor, acute exposure too binge drinking in adolescence induces permanent cognitive deficits (yes, there IS data to back this up… and quite a bit of it tooo). The way by which MDMA acts upon neurones would hint at the potential for dopaminergic and serotonergic toxicity developing over repeated use (or high dose use).
I’d be more worried about the cardiovascular implications repeated use of the drug can have. 2-3x/wk use over 6 years (on average) demonstrated quite a large majority of the users had clinically evident valvular heart disease… this isn’t present within occasional users, but keep using occasionally for 20 years and it’ll probably catch up too you. If the cardiotoxicity is 5ht2b receptor mediated (which it probably is as said receptors are implicated to play a large role within the progression of valvular heart disease) then LSD/psilocybin, when frequently used likely will have the same and/or a similar effect.
Why bother with either? Because humans like to experiment, take risks with unknown variables. MDMA is very risky (in Aus), the avg pill is something like 30% MDMA (don’t remember the exact statistic) and every now and then you get a batch going around contaminated with legitimate poison. PURE MDMA as I’ve said before, when used sparingly and in a reasonable context… is one of the safer drugs one can take. It’s certainly not cocaine, methamphetamine, barbiturates, NBOME etc. LSD is considered to be (from a physical harm perspective) one of the safest compounds one can take barring perhaps the possibility for HPPD)
I know, was providing both sides of the coin. However an interesting, and often overlooked parameter here is
- polydrug use (almost everyone using MDMA isn’t just using MDMA), so binge drinking, inhalants, benzodiazepines etc.
- Fluid restriction/ lack of sleep induced from raving has been known to temporarily induce cognitive deficits in itself
I get the feeling that when more research comes out, we will find this compound isn’t nearly as dangerous as many are led to believe. Will probably be more on par with alcohol, or slightly less dangerous. There has been a LOT of fear mongering regarding this substance pushed by political parties harbouring prohibitionist era ideologies that simply aren’t true/common complications.
I guess the reason people fiddle with MDMA is due to it’s unique properties. The stimulant/hallucinogenic/empathy inducing effect makes it ideal for one to dance the night away. LSD tends to be (so I’ve heard) stimulating and euphoric in nature, however the overwhelming sense of empathy induced from MDMA tends to encourage socialisation. LSD (once again, soo I’ve heard/seen) tends to be more introspective. So at a club/rave such a compound may simply be too much, the same can be said about MDMA, not everyone can handle these chemicals.
Mescaline is classified within a somewhat similar class of psychoactive substance to MDMA.