MDMA Case Study. A Case for Decriminalization or Prohibition?

Essay from the year 2015 in the subject Medicine - Neurology, Psychiatry, Addiction, grade: Merit, Sheffield Hallam University (Sheffield Hallam University), course: MSc Psychology, language: English, abstract: MDMA has become one of the most popular, recreational drugs in the westernized world. Although the use of MDMA has become increasingly widespread, there exists a serious debate amongst the psychiatric researchers as to whether MDMA (ecstasy) is a potentially dangerous and lethal drug to the individual using the substance. There is however an opposing argument amongst a group of researchers that MDMA has therapeutic benefits that can be used for self-healing, alleviating social anxiety and problems with social integration in a psychotherapeutic environment. The media and state politicians in western countries have however been pursuing a discourse of promoting MDMA as the same status as cocaine and heroin, with the same psychological and physiological properties; the reason is partially political with the populist stance of political parties to be seen as tough on drugs, often referred to as the 'War on Drugs' coined by President Nixon in 1971. There is a divide therefore on the issue of MDMA as to whether this is a debate on the nature of the drug and its effects. Studies have been aimed at defining ecstasy from a premise of whether the effects are bad or good, studies leaning towards one of the observations typically rather than allowing for equal debate; the research can become political as opposed to unbiased scientific research, as Meyer's (2013) argues research into ecstasy has come from its most vociferous detractors and the most ardent supporters. The studies of beneficial effects are nonetheless increasingly limited, with little opportunity to test this proposed hypothesis. For instance in the US, the DEA has categorized MDMA as a Schedule 1 drug, a drug that through its classification is considered incredibly dangerous with high federal pen

Alexander James Syder E-mail: a.syder@yahoo.co.uk ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: Forensic Psychology (MSc) at University of Lincoln (Present). Psychology (MSc) at Sheffield Hallam University (September 2014 - June 2016). (GBC, MBPsS). Criminology and History (BA) Hons. University of Lincoln. - Master of Science (MSc) Psychology dissertation investigated autobiographical memories in relation to future decision-making using a questionnaire (qualitative and quantitative) that investigated past episodic episodes of their previous experiences. The study used a mixed methods design, primarily with a thematic analysis with three themes of investigation: 'The prevalence and impact of autobiographical memories through thematic categorical classification: their impact on self-identity and self-expression'. Firstly, autobiographical memories are primarily functions of goal construction. Secondly, those memories are congruent to the self, and likely to place the participant at the centre of all previous experiences/events. Thirdly, since it is hypothesized that there will be an egocentric element to the responses, this should coincide with increased use of pronoun density. The third thematic discourse theme has analysed selective examples of the use of (I, me and my). My dissertation received a merit overall, and was praised for its interesting premise as a study that could be adapted upon in the future (Dr. Christine Wells, Dr. Anna Di Betta, Sheffield Hallam University).