🧪 The MAPS Protocol

MAPS ran a landmark trial to test whether MDMA could help people with PTSD.

The results:

• 86.5% of participants experienced clinically significant improvement

• 67% no longer met criteria for PTSD after 3 MDMA sessions

• 33% entered full remission

MDMA-assisted therapy is the most effective treatment for PTSD ever demonstrated in a clinical trial.

Here’s the twist—despite groundbreaking results, the FDA recently declined to approve this treatment for use in the U.S., sparking major controversy. The best breakdown of that decision is linked here.

These impressive results were achieved by following a carefully designed, three-part protocol.

In the meantime, some people are choosing to recreate the MAPS protocol at home—working closely with a therapist and a trusted friend to mirror the structure, pacing, and safety of the clinical setting.

That’s what we are covering today!

🛋️ The Protocol, Simplified

1. Preparation (3 Sessions)

Before any MDMA was administered, participants met with their therapists three times to:

• Build trust and safety

• Set intentions

• Learn how to handle challenging emotions during the journey

This preparation was crucial—it laid the foundation for everything that followed.

2. MDMA Sessions (3, Spaced 3–5 Weeks Apart)

Each participant completed (3) full-day MDMA sessions, spaced about one month apart.

Here’s what each session looked like:

🧪 Session 1 – Lowest Dose

• Initial dose: 80 mg MDMA

• Supplemental dose: 40 mg taken 1.5–2.5 hours later

• Total: 120 mg
  

This lower starting dose helped ease participants into the experience safely.

🧪 Sessions 2 & 3 – Increased Dose

• Initial dose: 120 mg MDMA

• Supplemental dose: 60 mg taken 1.5–2.5 hours later

• Total: 180 mg

Once participants felt safe and familiar with the process, higher doses helped deepen the work.

All sessions involved:

• Eye mask and noise-isolating headphones

• Calming, continuous music (such as Music for Mushrooms by East Forest)

• A quiet environment with two therapists present

• A focus on going inward—talking was welcome but never required

🕕 Each session lasted 6 to 8 hours.

3. Integration (9 Sessions Total)

Following every MDMA session, participants completed three integration sessions to:

• Process what surfaced during the journey

• Talk about emotions or memories

• Apply their insights to everyday life

In total, each participant received 15 therapy sessions (3 prep, 3 MDMA, 9 integration) over approximately 4 months.

🗓️ Sample Timeline (MAPS Protocol)

✅ BEFORE A SESSION

• Pick a full day where you’ll be completely offline and uninterrupted

• Schedule your first of three integration sessions

• Clean and prepare your space—this signals safety to your nervous system

• Have cozy clothes, blankets, and a towel ready

• Prepare hydration (before, during, and after) and snacks (for after) ahead of time

• Choose a trusted, calm sitter to stay with you throughout the session

• Use noise-canceling headphones and a long, gentle playlist

A favorite is East Forest’s Music for Mushrooms, which was essentially designed for this purpose.

💊 DURING THE SESSION

Follow the MAPS pacing:

• Session 1: 80 mg + 40 mg after 1.5–2.5 hours

• Session 2 & 3: 120 mg + 60 mg after 1.5–2.5 hours

Lie down. Put on your eye mask and music. Let yourself go inward.

Don’t try to control it. Don’t pressure yourself to “figure things out.”

Just feel, trust, and stay open.

🌄 AFTER THE SESSION

• Shower, eat light, and rest

• Avoid phones, social media, and news

• Get a full night’s sleep

Journal, take slow walks, draw—whatever helps you stay connected to what emerged

🧬 Your Brain’s “Critical Window”

Neuroscientist Gül Dölen found that MDMA reopens a “critical period” in the brain—an emotional learning window similar to early childhood.

This window lasts about two weeks

During this time:

• You’re more emotionally flexible

• Habits and insights stick better

• You can break long-standing patterns

Treat this window with reverence. Stay intentional. Don’t drown it out with distractions.

⏳ How Often Is Too Often?

MAPS participants had only three MDMA sessions in total—one per month. That slow pacing, combined with consistent therapy, was key to their success.

Less is more. Deeper is better.

⚠️ Safety Checklist

✅ Use a reagent test kit to confirm purity
✅ Never mix MDMA with alcohol, cannabis, or antidepressants
✅ Do not attempt alone—always have a sitter
✅ Do not skip therapy—preparation and integration are not optional
✅ Rest, hydrate, and give yourself time

💬 Final Thought

You don’t need a clinic, a guru, or a retreat center.

You need:

• Clear intention

• Safe support

• Honest reflection

• Skilled integration

That’s what creates healing. That’s what makes this real.

Frequent Psychedelics Uncensored curator Stephanie Karzon Abrams has two exciting events coming up back-to-back in the next couple of weeks. Click the links to find the details for each!

🌈 The Chemistry of Joy 

Join Stephanie Karzon Abrams and Jane Garnett for an immersive online workshop exploring the intersection of neuroscience, psychedelics, and emotional well-being. This event is hosted by The Portal

📅 Date: Saturday, May 9, 2025
🕒 Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 PM
 📍 Location: The Portal Marin 

🎟️ Click Here For Tickets & Info

🌿 The Chemistry of Joy 

Experience The Chemistry of Joy in person at the historic Shulgin property in Lafayette, CA. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and delve deeper into the themes of the workshop.

📅  Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 📍 Location: Shulgin Road, Lafayette, CA

🎟️  Click Here For Tickets & Info

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