Returning the "magic" - The Quest

[notts.pirate]

SWIM has always wondered how chemicals abroad differ from those here in the UK, SWIM and partner are considering a worldwide trip (no pun intended)

[Fantasian]

SWIF completed the experiment, taking 100mg of 5HTP for 2 weeks and then taking 500mg for 1 week and on the day of MDMA use taking 250mg every 4 hours upon waking from sleep. The roll was significantly stronger than without and also lasting for a longer duration. THat said something was still missing, it is interesting however that with the ST johns wort experiment i felt the other side of the roll. In other words SJW is increasing receptor availablity and 5htp making more serotonin available but one without the other provides an incomplete roll, while both were euphoric in differant ways, somehow one would have to harness both sides in order to get the "perfect roll".

Aside from this SWIF is taking some time off from drugs, time to give his body a break, at least till the summer festivals in a good few months.

Hope the info helped guys

Reputation Comments on this post:

Great job for the useful research!

[Durd1e]

I think maybe there is something to be said for the magic going becaused it is impossible to hang on to that kind of innocence for long...it is inevitable that the brain finds a way to reconstruct the inhibitions lost during the first E experiences.

[julian]

Originally Posted by Durd1e

I think maybe there is something to be said for the magic going becaused it is impossible to hang on to that kind of innocence for long...it is inevitable that the brain finds a way to reconstruct the inhibitions lost during the first E experiences.

BINGO. when swim first started doing e, it was a huge ordeal. his thoughts were consumed with intense excitement and anxiousness for weeks before taking the drug. there was so much excitement building up to the experience that swim believes it enhanced the effects 10x. that is gone for swim. he wishes he could get that excited about taking e again. swim bets that a year of abstinence, followed by a particular spontaneous event such as a rave would enduce this feeling again. maybe he will try it.

[RaverHippie]

That's very interesting about the two sides of a role explanation. It really points to one question, What if SJW and 5HTP were combined for a regimen? I went and did a quick search since I was unsure and there aren't any complications for taking the two together really.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Interesting debate

[Fantasian]

Well it's definately something to consider although you'd have to be very careful of serotonin syndrome as i believe SJW is commonly the culprit when combined with other serotogenic substances. THe best way to do it would probably be to probably start dosing the 5 HTP in the 2 weeks imbetween the SJW dosing and roll itself. It's definately worth a go but like i said SWIF is taking some time out, been bashing his brain enough for the minute gonna enjoy the sunshine abit before getting the hammer back out

[RaverHippie]

Well I had checked online when I made that post and I found a testimonial forum of people using the two combined as a homeopathic remedy for depression and they used similar dosages as SWIY's experiment entailed.

[Fantasian]

Originally Posted by RaverHippie

Well I had checked online when I made that post and I found a testimonial forum of people using the two combined as a homeopathic remedy for depression and they used similar dosages as SWIY's experiment entailed.

Sounds very promising, i know very little about the combination, id be very surprised to find anyone who'd actually tried it either. Both experiments alone were quite unpleasant in the lead up to the roll ranging from some depression all the way through to some pretty heavy nausea but i guess thats something one has to endure in order to try these things. That said im not sure how well an individual could tolerate the two together again it's something to try.

[RaverHippie]

Here's the link it gives different testimonials about experiences involving self-medication of 5HTP. A few mentioned a combination with St. John's. Wort.

http://www.depressionblog.com/archives/000043.shtml

Then there are a few here praising a company that manufactures both products. I generally never look at these comments of adding value to a product but the absence of a negative comment directed at the combination could be seen as worth mentioning

Commercial link removed

then one last link from a forum discussion on the very topic of serotonin syndrome as a result and in this discussion there is a company marketing the two ingredients together in a single concoction to battle depression.

Commercial link removed

In the end I don't think it's a dangerous combination but an unpleasant one for whatever SWIY feels like doing the next self-regimen.

[CircuitBoy]

Here are a few reasons SWIY may have encountered a "loss of magic" (that being defined by SWIM as a reduced effect from taking an e pill compared to some time ago):

- E pills SWIY is taking may be weaker these days than they were long ago, or impure. Can SWIY find a source for pure MDMA crystals, get them tested for purity, and weigh his own dose?

- SWIY may have used too much e too often and has become long-term serotonin depleted. SWIY ought to consider taking about 6 months off from using e. During the refreshing break, SWIY should practice enjoying all the things he used to enjoy on e but without it. After the break, use e at most once or twice a month.

- SWIY's e-pill may contain a non-MDMA substance that is not as "lovey" such as MDA or MDEA, or may contain amphetamines, which can override the joyful feeling of the underlying, more subtle MDMA high.

- The "surprise factor" may be missing, as SWIY has gotten used to not just the e, but the kinds of things he does while on e. Maybe SWIY can create a new type of situation that would bring back the spontaneity, variety and excitement. The quality of SWIY's roll is deteremined not just by the quality and amount of e, but by SWIY himself... his interaction with friends and setting and SWIY's own generation of a good time while on the high.

Someone who isn't me found addressing these concerns to make e quite fun again after hundreds of uses over 8 years.

[Conkermon]

SWIM thinks that loss of magic is psychological and comes from having a clear idea of what constitutes good E/MDMA.

By this he means that SWIY takes E/MDMA several times and on one of these times SWIY has the best time ever (for SWIM it was when he was just rushing like mad and could feel the chemicals pumping around his body), and then whenever SWIY decides to take E/MDMA again SWIY is seeking the same feeling.

Yet because SWIY expects this feeling whereas when SWIY actually got the feeling it was totally unexpected, the expectation prevents SWIY from feeling the magic. It is no longer possible to enjoy any other feeling which would have been regarded as magic prior to the time that SWIY had the best experience ever. It is not possible to attain the same amazing feeling because from the moment SWIY drops SWIY is expecting it, it is not possible to let the rush take you.

Perhaps not very technical, but SWIM has found it to be the case with him, perhaps if he gets fucked up on ketamine or something and then takes the E/MDMA while keeping himself fucked on K, then he will be in such a confused state that the E/MDMA will unexpectedly overwhelm him and he'll have an amazing time. Worth trying he supposes.

[freshacejay]

The only thing swim does is alcohol and xtc. SWIM never felt as good as the first time being drunk and does not expect to ever feel as good as the first time on ex either. The pleasant surprise just does that first magic. What follows is fun, then habbit. SWIM turned to ex because alc just got so boring and the negative effects were far greater than the positive effects. In fact, sometimes there were no noticeble positive effects but the night and the next 2 days were ruined by the alcohol.
SWIM thinks loosing the magic has to do with you getting used to something. Therefore SWIM beleives that as soon as the magic loss has become too great, one needs to just back off and control the addiction. SWIM is addicted to both substances to a certain extent, but without disciplin, life sucks. Therefore SWIM says: establish a disciplined plan of usage and the loss of magic will be limited. Being spontaneous and overusing will deminish the effect. This is what SWIM has not only observed with drugs but with everything in life.

Swim hopes that helped.

(SWIM will not respond to post hippy "be free" and "live spontaneously" BS, thanks"

[KyleM]

The first thread in this post already takes into consideration saving for special occasions and not over using MDMA and was looking for more direct ways to bring back the effects of the drug. The whole purpose this thread was started was not to argue over whether someone can make the effects of MDMA unexpected anymore in order to reexperience their first time. With all that being said, there are no direct methods of reversing tolerance that will allow one to continuously use MDMA all the time in large doses. All "direct" methods should imply a period of abstinence to go along with. For example, taking st. john's wort or piracetam or 5-HTP for a couple weeks in addition to not using MDMA for a while as opposed to constantly taking st. john's wort or piracetam or 5-HTP in order to use MDMA all the time. SWIM thinks that people are getting the wrong idea from this thread that implies having used MDMA 100 times this year then trying to take some 5-HTP or something and suddenly one can re-experience his/her first experience. That is not what is being said nor implied. SWIM's methods listed in this thread have worked extremely well, including having experiences that were "unexpectedly" much greater than his first experience, bringing back the whole factor of surprise again. SWIM has alot of success with his methods because even though he uses these methods, he still only uses the drug a few times a year at the most.

The whole surprise factor has more to do with how the drug has worked lately. If SWIY is used to the drug not working so well, then successfuly does a tolerance reversal of some sort and has a great experience, that surprise factor can and does come back. The fact that it can be hard to remember what was so good about those first few experiences, other than the fact that they were so good can work in one's favor as the mind will learn to accociate MDMA with how it has been working recently as that is easier to remember than peaking on ecstasy one's first time. So yes that unexpected surprise of rolling hard can be achieved again, but even that should be debated in a new thread. This one is clearly meant for those who are determined to directly correct problems accociated with tolerance more along the physical aspects of tolerance. It's just getting really old everytime someone puts out a good idea that is related to the original purpose as stated in the first post on this thread and the response is something like "you can't experience your first roll again" or "SWIY's e-pill may contain a non-MDMA substance."

Reputation Comments on this post:

Getting topic back on track

[CircuitBoy]

Kyle, thank you for the constructive post to refocus the discussion. Which question specifically is SWIY looking to have answered? Is SWIY's question:

"How can the experienced ecstasy user directly correct problems accociated with physical tolerance"

If so, does that mean:

"how can the experienced user not develop physical tolerance with sustained use"

or is it:

"how can the experienced user who has already developed tolerance reduce tolerance?"

Let's refocus the thread to the appropriate question.

SWIM has done many an experiment over 8 years and has determined there is no solution to that problem other than minimizing use and periodic abstinence from the substance. I can explain all the things SWIM has tried, but they certainly have not had any effect towards that goal. Only taking a break seems to bring back some of the good effects. With use, physical tolerance quickly returns. SWIM feels there is no solution.

[KyleM]

Originally Posted by CircuitBoy

Kyle, thank you for the constructive post to refocus the discussion. Which question specifically is SWIY looking to have answered? Is SWIY's question:

"How can the experienced ecstasy user directly correct problems accociated with physical tolerance"

If so, does that mean:

"how can the experienced user not develop physical tolerance with sustained use"

or is it:

"how can the experienced user who has already developed tolerance reduce tolerance?"

Let's refocus the thread to the appropriate question.

SWIM has done many an experiment over 8 years and has determined there is no solution to that problem other than minimizing use and periodic abstinence from the substance. I can explain all the things SWIM has tried, but they certainly have not had any effect towards that goal. Only taking a break seems to bring back some of the good effects. With use, physical tolerance quickly returns. SWIM feels there is no solution.

Yes actually those were the questions being asked in this thread. It was looking for replies more along the lines of experimentation, such as supplement regimens. If SWIY has experimented and not had success, that doesn't mean others have not have had success (including SWIM), or will not have success in the future if a successful regimen is performed. Now having said all that, SWIY would be more helpful by describing exactly which experiments he has done that did not work well, so that others may try something different or make changes to SWIY's regimen to try for better results

KyleM added 8 Minutes and 11 Seconds later...

Originally Posted by Panthers007

There is a cognitive solution to the problem with tolerance to MDMA. It goes like this:

MDMA takes one to a wonderful place where fears are gone about oneself. Those formerly 'dark' places in one's mind are welcoming to the explorer. The mind is clear - as though one had been re-born as who one wishes to be. There is no hurt, only acceptance and understanding. Everything is in it's proper place.

Then the drug wears off. "Where did I go? I was just where I always longed to be. This isn't fair!" And more MDMA is applied to "fix the problem."

Sound familiar? I thought it might. Now try this:

The MDMA has shown you a place that exists within yourself. It always has, and it always will. To gain access to this place can happen in many ways. Through art. Through music. Through religion. Through a drug. The drug wears off though. Taking more only makes it wear off again. And again. One undergoes heartache for the loss. Again. And again. Now you can continue to repeat the failure.

Or you can work to understand the nature of this place. The loss of fear. The laying down of defenses. The looking fearlessly deep within one's soul. It's not as easy as taking a pill - granted. But this is the only way to avoid the heartache of the seeming loss. That land was not invented by the drug. It was and is there in everyone. Many have found it without the drug. Many will. The drug provided a valuable glimpse. Thank you MDMA! Now one has to do some work to live there as the resident.

No matter how anyone wants to look at it, when one takes MDMA a chemical process happens. After that chemical process happens and only after that chemical process happens, then all the possibilities SWIY mentioned here are possible. Otherwise we could all hypothetically have MDMA-like experiences with placebo. And SWIM can guarantee that's not possible when we're talking about life changing profound experiences induced by the drug. The purpose here is to figure out how to make that "chemical process" happen to it's greatest possible potential by altering chemistry.

[CircuitBoy]

Prevailing theories for the cause of tolerance to repeated use of MDMA go something along the lines of:

1. MDMA causes the serotonin neurons to dump their store of serotonin into the synapse, resulting in the experienced high of the drug. The serotonin store is limited, and a strong dose of MDMA releases most of what is stored. Continued use results in deeper and deeper serotonin depletion. Once the stores are empty, there is no more serotonin released even with continued exposure to the drug. After stopping MDMA, the serotonin stores eventually refill, but very slowly over days, weeks and months.

2. Continued exposure to high levels of serotonin in the synapse can result in desensitization or downgrading of the receptors. That means a given level of serotonin in the neuron results in a lower probability of receptors firing a pleasure signal than before the downgrading. This means a lowered pleasure response to the same level of serotonin, and a decreased response to MDMA, even with the same overall amount of serotonin release. Supposedly the serotonin receptors will "upgrade" themselves again after a long enough period of a lowewred response to serotonin. The details on how that works and how long it takes aren't well understood.

Basically, MDMA's mechanism of action is one of depletion of a limited brain resource, and the brain trying to compenate for imbalances by up- and down-regulating receptors.

So what SWIY would be looking for might be a supplement (or other) regimen that could compensate for these factors, perhaps by:
1) helping to quickly refill serotonin stores between doses of the drug
2) or helping to prevent or reduce downregulation of the serotonin neurons

SWIM has experimented with 1, by trying regimens based on diet and 5HTP. What SWIM has found is SWIM can make himself more comfortable after the MDMA comedown**, but no combination of diet or 5HTP has helped to shorten the time it takes for the "serotonin refill" to complete itself. It still seems to take about 2 weeks for a partial refill (enough to roll again enough to be worthwhile), 4-8 weeks for a significant refill (enough to roll again and have it feel pretty glld), and a year or more for a complete refill (enough to roll very hard again).

Swim knows of no regimens that could help prevent downregulation of the receptors, or if such a regimen could even exist.

** SWIM's regimen for maximum comfort after MDMA. Does not shorten the time it takes for the next roll to feel strong again.
1. "preloading" with 5HTP hasn't resulted in any observed difference, so that is not done.
2. "alkalinizing" has helped make the roll stronger and longer, so that regimen is used 1-2 hours before the roll
3. Roll
4. When the comedown is evident and waves of ehphoria have passed, about one hour after that point, SWIM takes 10mg of lexapro along with 50-100mg of 5HTP. For people sensitive to 5HTP (i.e. it makes one feel sick easily), then SWIM suggests skipping the 5HTP, and take just the Lexapro.
5. The Lexapro actually causes a mild secondary "high". SWIM Enjoys it. When that high starts to come down, SWIM sucks on a 25mg 5HTP sublingual losenge. That kicks the high back in a little. SWIM is careful not to take much 5HTP, because with a strong SSRI active in his system, serotonin syndrome can result (first symptom is nausea - if SWIY feels that, no more 5HTP!). SWIM just takes little doses of 5HTP to bring back a happy feeling, but no more than is needed (it's a very small amount).
6. The next day, SWIM takes 5HTP as needed through the day to feel comfortable. Lexapro is not taken other than the one comedown dose. Generally about 6-8 doses of 100mg 5HTP will be taken, spread throughout the day.
7. 5HTP is taken as needed in decreasing doses/frequency for the next 3-4 days. By the 5th day, no more 5HTP is taken.

This is what someone who isn't me has tried and found. Other ideas are more than welcome.

[Fantasian]

Originally Posted by CircuitBoy

Swim knows of no regimens that could help prevent downregulation of the receptors, or if such a regimen could even exist.

If you read up a little or read the thread as a whole you'll find alot of what you said in the last post has already been described. You are dictating stuff that has already been written no offence intended. There are things which prevent or at least reverse downregulation among other things.

That said SWIYour experience is welcome, most find that dosing on 5HTP hasnt helped but following the right dose patterns with higher doses certainly made a differance for SWIF.

[Bajeda]

Originally Posted by KyleM

No matter how anyone wants to look at it, when one takes MDMA a chemical process happens. After that chemical process happens and only after that chemical process happens, then all the possibilities SWIY mentioned here are possible. Otherwise we could all hypothetically have MDMA-like experiences with placebo. And SWIM can guarantee that's not possible when we're talking about life changing profound experiences induced by the drug. The purpose here is to figure out how to make that "chemical process" happen to it's greatest possible potential by altering chemistry.

I feel like you are missing part of Panther's point. You can't discard psychological aspects of the experience and focus solely on the neurochemical processes behind the experience. You may get the old sensations you are seeking to relive to some extent, but to achieve truly valuable experiences you need to pay attention to set and setting as well. And don't assume that the MDMA state is unobtainable without exogenous substances. It is a state of mind produced by external manipulation of internal neurological processes, and it would foolish to assume that non-pharmacologic circumstances could not cause similar mental states to arise. Pay attention to the chemistry and try to work around natural limitations precluding MDMA's continual efficacy, but don't forget the elements that make the experience truly worthwhile and that justify all the effort spent attempting to reobtain it. Its not just about the euphoria and lowered defences, its about what you do with it and what it means to you in the end. The drug doesn't induce the profound life-changing experience, it just helps you enter a state where it is possible to have one.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Inspiring post

[KyleM]

Originally Posted by Bajeda

I feel like you are missing part of Panther's point. You can't discard psychological aspects of the experience and focus solely on the neurochemical processes behind the experience. You may get the old sensations you are seeking to relive to some extent, but to achieve truly valuable experiences you need to pay attention to set and setting as well. And don't assume that the MDMA state is unobtainable without exogenous substances. It is a state of mind produced by external manipulation of internal neurological processes, and it would foolish to assume that non-pharmacologic circumstances could not cause similar mental states to arise. Pay attention to the chemistry and try to work around natural limitations precluding MDMA's continual efficacy, but don't forget the elements that make the experience truly worthwhile and that justify all the effort spent attempting to reobtain it. Its not just about the euphoria and lowered defences, its about what you do with it and what it means to you in the end. The drug doesn't induce the profound life-changing experience, it just helps you enter a state where it is possible to have one.

The psychological aspects are not being discarded, they are being implied, therefore it is not the direct topic of discussion and is not necessary for this thread. This was more directed at advanced users who are already well aware of how to get the most out by what they put into the experience and set/setting, so it doen't need to be discussed right now. If this was directed at newcomers to the drug then all points are valid. Right now it's literally advanced users telling other advanced users information that they already know. So let's keep as an experimental discussion, for now at least.

[Panthers007]

There is a cognitive solution to the problem with tolerance to MDMA. It goes like this:

MDMA takes one to a wonderful place where fears are gone about oneself. Those formerly 'dark' places in one's mind are welcoming to the explorer. The mind is clear - as though one had been re-born as who one wishes to be. There is no hurt, only acceptance and understanding. Everything is in it's proper place.

Then the drug wears off. "Where did I go? I was just where I always longed to be. This isn't fair!" And more MDMA is applied to "fix the problem."

Sound familiar? I thought it might. Now try this:

The MDMA has shown you a place that exists within yourself. It always has, and it always will. To gain access to this place can happen in many ways. Through art. Through music. Through religion. Through a drug. The drug wears off though. Taking more only makes it wear off again. And again. One undergoes heartache for the loss. Again. And again. Now you can continue to repeat the failure.

Or you can work to understand the nature of this place. The loss of fear. The laying down of defenses. The looking fearlessly deep within one's soul. It's not as easy as taking a pill - granted. But this is the only way to avoid the heartache of the seeming loss. That land was not invented by the drug. It was and is there in everyone. Many have found it without the drug. Many will. The drug provided a valuable glimpse. Thank you MDMA! Now one has to do some work to live there as the resident.

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Brilliant post. Thank you.
	insightful post
	Beautifully said.

[Bajeda]

These threads are read by experts, intellectuals, and novices alike. You have to keep that in mind, particularly when making tentative suggestions based on non-conclusive evidence. Don't mean to demean you or your posts in any way, just want to remind you that our audience is varied and not all will have full understanding of what they are reading. Some will still try to take action based on what they read, lack of full understanding notwithstanding. Thats why posts like that of Panthers' are so important; they help provide proper context that otherwise might be lacking.


Ok then. I haven't looked any research on this yet so it may be premature to ask about it, but I heard rumours of Ayahuasca having an effect on serotonin production (or was it up-regulation of serotonin receptors?). In lieu of having done any substantive research on this, I'm just going to ask if anyone has heard of something like this and what the possible implications could be for Ayahuasca as a potential method for helping to return serotonin levels to normal, so that future MDMA bioassays could achieve their full potential.

Any thoughts?

[KyleM]

Originally Posted by Bajeda

These threads are read by experts, intellectuals, and novices alike. You have to keep that in mind, particularly when making tentative suggestions based on non-conclusive evidence. Don't mean to demean you or your posts in any way, just want to remind you that our audience is varied and not all will have full understanding of what they are reading. Some will still try to take action based on what they read, lack of full understanding notwithstanding. Thats why posts like that of Panthers' are so important; they help provide proper context that otherwise might be lacking.


Ok then. I haven't looked any research on this yet so it may be premature to ask about it, but I heard rumours of Ayahuasca having an effect on serotonin production (or was it up-regulation of serotonin receptors?). In lieu of having done any substantive research on this, I'm just going to ask if anyone has heard of something like this and what the possible implications could be for Ayahuasca as a potential method for helping to return serotonin levels to normal, so that future MDMA bioassays could achieve their full potential.

Any thoughts?

SWIM understands SWIY, but it's the fact that it was preventing discussion on active experiments (what the purpose of the thread was) because of arguing the psychological aspects of returning magic. And yes the audience is varied, but the thread was clearly aimed at those with some experience with the drug. The solution to that is to say that for now the psychological part is implied in the experimentation so we can discuss the other part (physical) and then the psychological part can be reincorporated thereafter.

With ayahuasca, the MAOI properties will most likely result in increased serotonin levels at the cost of downregulation of the 5-HT2A and the agonist effects of DMT, if present, can lead to downregulation. That being said, it could possibly enhance an MDMA experience (in possibly a dangerous way) if used concurrently, but not be used for some long term experiment because it will most likey desensitize serotonin receptors.

[medievil]

Originally Posted by KyleM

With ayahuasca, the MAOI properties will most likely result in increased serotonin levels at the cost of downregulation of the 5-HT2A and the agonist effects of DMT, if present, can lead to downregulation. That being said, it could possibly enhance an MDMA experience (in possibly a dangerous way) if used concurrently, but not be used for some long term experiment because it will most likey desensitize serotonin receptors.

yes, but i also read something about it making serotonin receptors more sensitive, its also the only substance that doesnt cause a tolerance

[Fantasian]

Originally Posted by medievil

yes, but i also read something about it making serotonin receptors more sensitive, its also the only substance that doesnt cause a tolerance

DMT's effects definately develop a tolerance in some way, but the effects tend to evolve to a differant result rather than a waning of effects as with cocaine or MDMA.

[KyleM]

You can't really compare the development of tolerance to hallucinogens to the tolerance of drugs in which most of the effects are caused by natural neurotransmitters (amphetamines/cocaine). Amphetamines and cocaine cause significant alterations in brain chemistry, hallucinogens do not. And as SWIM said in another thread, with the MDMA high (serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin), there needs to be much higher levels of receptors to produce firing of neurons that differs significantly from normal firing in addition having adequate levels of those neurotransmitters involved. Hallucinogens are probably not going to need this because the neurons are not used to having these substances bind to them all the time like serotonin, so therefore will probably not require alot of extra hallucinogen binding on each effected cell to produce firing that differs from normal firing. Extra receptors will probably result in a differnt type of hallucinogenic experience, but not prevent the drugs from working. And this is all in addition to the hallucinogens being cleared from the body at such a rapid pace.

KyleM added 0 Minutes and 40 Seconds later...

So far SWIM has had 2 very successful experiments to bring the magic back and some that were minorly successful and plenty of others that just did not work.

One successful trial involves 6000mg St. John's Wort (SJW) for 2 months followed by at least a week of abstinence from SJW and and then 2 very powerful MDMA experiences spaced a week apart. MDMA had not been used for 6 months in the meantime. And some may say the time alone would have yielded those results, but SWIM knows his body and a year of MDMA abstinence without supplementation did not work at all for him.

The other success involved 100mg 5-htp/13 days, 500mg/4 days and then 250mg/every hour on day of MDMA. This experience was done relatively early in his MDMA experiences and was unable to subsequently work, probably due to downregulation by high doses of 5-HTP for a long time. But nonetheless this was by far the most powerful experience he has had to date.

High dose piracetam (12g/day) for over a month resulted in a good turnaround, but not anywhere near as good as the turnaround from the SJW experiment.

The SJW and piracetam experiments used 6 months abstinence from drugs in the meantime.

Current trials involve a combined approach. 6000mg SJW/day, 10g piracetam/day and glycyrrhizin powder (licorice root) (inhibits enzme that breaks down cortisol) and will soon add panax ginseng (enhances secretion of ACTH resulting in higher levels of cortisol). Supplementation of SJW and piracetam for 2 months, discontinuing 1 week prior to MDMA and glycyrrhizin/ginseng for 2 weeks, discontinuing 1 week prior. A 6 month period of MDMA-abstinence is also being used. Results will be posted in early June.