A Psychedelic Experience Combining MDMA and 2C-B: A Report on a Trip for PTSD Relief


Table of Contents


  • Report
    • Initial Dosing and Effects
    • MDMA Experience: Onset and Early Effects
    • Nausea and Emotional Effects
    • Visual and Sensory Effects
    • Guided Meditation and Transition to 2C-B
  • Effects Analysis


Report


Background and Preparation


The purpose of this trip was to manage symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a sexual assault that had occurred a year prior. The individual, a 20-year-old female weighing 45 kg (100 lbs), had planned a trip combining two substances: 150 mg of MDMA followed by 20 mg of 2C-B four hours later. She had no previous experience with 2C-B, though she had used several other psychedelics in the past, including psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, DMT, and MDMA itself on three separate occasions. Her preparation involved reading a manual on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy by MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) to better understand the therapeutic potential of MDMA.


The subject had eaten very little the day before the trip and did not eat at all on the day of the experience. She had abstained from taking any medications or supplements in the days leading up to the experience, aside from regular cannabis use. She also confirmed the purity of the substances by using a test kit to verify that both MDMA and 2C-B were authentic.


Initial Dosing and Effects


At 3:00 pm (T+0:00), the user began the experience by insufflating 20 mg of MDMA to calm any trip anxiety. The immediate onset of relaxation was noted after about 10 minutes, and by T+0:25, 130 mg of MDMA was ingested orally in a capsule. However, the onset of the drug was delayed due to initial anxiety, which led to the decision to start the experience with a smaller dose.


MDMA Experience: Onset and Early Effects


At T+1:00, the user experienced a sudden wave of nausea, which was exacerbated by smoking butane hash oil (cannabis). Despite this, the user vomited shortly afterward, marking a turning point in the experience. After the vomiting, the user reported feeling both strange and pleasant simultaneously, describing a noticeable shift in consciousness as the MDMA "flipped a switch" in their brain.


The empathy-inducing effects of MDMA began to manifest, making the user feel more sociable and communicative without defensiveness or insecurity. The experience also led to an increased sense of empathy towards others, including more generous behavior.


Nausea and Emotional Effects


At T+1:30, the user experienced another wave of nausea followed by dry heaving for about five minutes. This was accompanied by a panic attack, which worsened over the next few minutes. To combat this, the user's sober girlfriend, Josikins, guided her through a breathing meditation exercise that significantly alleviated the anxiety and helped the user regain composure.


By T+2:50, tactile sensations were heightened to an extreme degree. The user noted an intense enjoyment of smoking menthol cigarettes and stretching their muscles, with the experience of smoking becoming profoundly enjoyable, accompanied by conceptual thoughts about the cigarette in hand.


Visual and Sensory Effects


In terms of visual effects, the MDMA heightened the user's perception of colors and clarity. The environment appeared more vibrant, with colors becoming richer and more intense. Visual distortions were also reported, such as breathing walls and symmetrical patterns and geometry appearing on the walls of the apartment. When the user closed her eyes, she saw vague geometric shapes, though they were not especially impressive.


There was also a notable increase in control over ocular movements, with the user describing an almost obsessive urge to move her eyes in rapid, unusual patterns.


Guided Meditation and Transition to 2C-B


By T+3:00, the user asked Josikins to continue guiding her through the breathing meditation. This exercise contributed to a euphoric state that was both calming and deeply relaxing. After about 30 minutes of meditation, the user experienced an internal voice urging her to take the 2C-B. Initially feeling anxious about this request, the user received reassurance from the voice that the timing was appropriate and that everything would be fine.


Following this moment of guidance, the user ceased the meditation and prepared the 2C-B dose, weighing out 20 mg.


Effects Analysis


The experience combined two powerful psychedelics, MDMA and 2C-B, which are sometimes used together for enhanced emotional and sensory experiences. MDMA is well-known for its empathogenic effects, heightening feelings of empathy, sociability, and emotional openness, while 2C-B tends to produce visual and sensory effects that can be both stimulating and introspective.


The interaction between MDMA and 2C-B in this experience was notable, with the subject's emotional state shifting through various stages of nausea, empathy, and enhanced sensory perception. The combination seemed to encourage deep introspection, emotional release, and sensory exploration, alongside some challenges, such as anxiety and nausea, which were managed with the support of a sober trip-sitter.


While the user did not complete the full dose of 2C-B during the reported experience, the overall effects were consistent with what is expected from a combination of these substances. This highlights the potential therapeutic applications of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, as suggested by previous studies and advocates in the field.