**MDMA May Have Protected Festival Survivors**
On October 7, 2023, a music festival near the Gaza border was attacked by Hamas gunmen. Many partygoers were under the influence of recreational drugs like MDMA and LSD when the attack happened.
A study conducted by scientists at Haifa University found that people who took MDMA during the attack seemed to cope better mentally in the months that followed. The study tracked over 650 festival survivors, with two-thirds having taken recreational drugs.
The researchers believe that the pro-social hormones released by MDMA, such as oxytocin, may have helped reduce fear and boost feelings between those fleeing the attack. This could have made it easier for survivors to receive support from their loved ones when they returned home.
**Protection Against Trauma?**
The study’s preliminary results suggest that MDMA may provide some protection against trauma. The researchers are peer-reviewing the findings, which could lead to publication in the next few months.
The study’s lead author, Prof Roy Salomon, said that people who took MDMA during the attack seemed to cope better mentally than those who did not take the drug. He believes that the plasticity induced by the substance may have helped survivors process their trauma more effectively.
**MDMA-Assisted Therapy**
This is not the first time that researchers have explored the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy for treating psychological trauma. Various countries, including Australia and Israel, have conducted trials on using the drug to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
While some experts are optimistic about the findings, others are more cautious. Danny Brom, a leading figure in the industry, said that Israeli society has changed its approach to therapy and trauma following the 7th October attacks.
**A Complex Mix of Issues**
Israel’s trauma specialists face a complex mix of issues with clients who are flooding into therapy. These include collective trauma, combat trauma, and mind-altering drugs. They also have to deal with sexual assaults, hostages, survivors, and body-collectors.
The Gaza war has left a deep scar on the mental health of many people in both Israel and Gaza. The ceasefire expired last weekend, and there is little evidence that either side has achieved peace and stability.
**Survivors Still Feel the Effects**
Many survivors still feel the effects of the attacks. Michal Ohana, who was at the music festival when it was attacked, said that she goes to bed with her trauma and wakes up with it. She feels that people don’t understand what they are going through.
The study’s findings offer some hope for those affected by trauma. However, it is clear that a complex mix of issues must be addressed in order to provide proper support to survivors.
