Rick Doblin, now 70 years old, had a dream in his 20s that would change the course of his life and impact U.S. public health. He woke up believing that psychedelic drugs could be the solution to the world’s traumas. Years later, Doblin is on the brink of making this dream a reality.
Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in 1986 with the goal of convincing the medical community that MDMA, also known as ecstasy, has a place in mental health care. The drug’s ability to help people open up and process trauma has been a key focus of MAPS’ research and advocacy over the past 38 years. Now, Lykos Therapeutics, a company that emerged from MAPS’ work, has submitted an application to the FDA seeking approval for MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, which could make it the first psychedelic drug approved for medical use in the U.S.
Doblin remains cautious but optimistic about potential approval as president of MAPS. He views it as a significant milestone in his lifelong mission to promote the use of psychedelics as powerful mental health treatments. While he feels fortunate to witness this change in his lifetime, Doblin is not slowing down. He sees FDA approval as a step towards global acceptance of psychedelics in mental health care and hopes to see further progress in their acceptance and use in years to come.
Even though he has achieved so much success already with MAPS and Lykos Therapeutics, Doblin remains committed to advocating for more research on psychedelic drugs and how they can benefit mental health patients. His dream may have started out small but has become something much bigger than he ever imagined, and he is determined to see it through until its realization.
In conclusion, Rick Doblin’s dream about psychedelic drugs revolutionizing mental health care is one step closer to becoming a reality with FDA’s consideration of approving MDMA as treatment for PTSD. His tireless efforts towards promoting these drugs have paved the way for this important milestone and will continue to influence public policy around psychiatric medicine.
Lykos Therapeutics’ submission marks an exciting moment for both MAPS and Doblin himself who have worked hard towards this point over several decades of advocacy work. With hopeful expectations ahead, we look forward to seeing how this new development will shape mental healthcare practices moving forward.