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.
In 1986, Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) 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, as president of MAPS, remains cautious but optimistic about the potential approval. He sees 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 views the FDA approval as a step towards his ultimate goal of global acceptance of psychedelics in mental health care.
Even as he looks forward to potential FDA approval, Doblin remains committed to advocating for the benefits of psychedelic drugs and hopes to see further progress in their acceptance and use in the years to come.
