A remarkable transformation has occurred in the views of a white supremacist, thanks to a single dose of MDMA, a psychedelic drug. The individual, referred to as Brendan, was once a prominent member of the white nationalist group known as the US Midwest faction of the American Identity Movement. However, after participating in a trial conducted by the University of Chicago, where he was administered 110 milligrams of MDMA, Brendan’s perspectives were profoundly altered.
The aim of the study was to examine whether MDMA could enhance the pleasantness of social touch. In Brendan’s exit questionnaire, he cryptically wrote, “This experience has helped me sort out a debilitating personal issue. Google my name. I now know what I need to do.” Researchers, led by Dr. Harriet de Wit, a prominent psychiatrist and behavioral science professor at the University of Chicago, uncovered Brendan’s past involvement with the white supremacist group, including his participation in the fatal Charlottesville protest.
After taking MDMA in the trial, Brendan, a former leader of the white supremacy movement in Chicago, experienced a shift in his mindset. He decided to renounce his previous affiliations and change his ways. MDMA is a synthetic chemical commonly distributed in tablet form as a party drug, with doses ranging from 50 to 150 milligrams. It acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic.
The group Brendan was associated with was originally called Identity Evropa but rebranded as the American Identity Movement in 2019. Two months before participating in the MDMA trial, Brendan’s identity was revealed by activists from the Chicago Antifascist Action, leading to him losing his job. During the trial, Brendan informed research assistant Mike Bremmer that he had come to the realization that love was the most important thing. He emphasized that nothing else mattered without love.
Dr. de Wit was astonished by the transformative power of MDMA, stating, “To think that a drug could change somebody’s beliefs and thoughts without any expectations – it’s mind-boggling.” MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic party drug known for its stimulating effects. It acts as both a stimulant and a psychedelic, leading to increased energy, altered perception of time, and heightened enjoyment of tactile experiences.
Dr. Harriet de Wit conducted a series of experiments to investigate whether MDMA could enhance the pleasantness of touch. When used recreationally, MDMA is commonly combined with other substances like alcohol, marijuana, or LSD. However, there are risks associated with taking MDMA, as users often don’t know the exact contents of the substance. It may contain other drugs, such as PMA, which can be fatal even in lower doses than MDMA itself.
While it has been primarily used as a party drug, MDMA has also been studied for its potential medicinal effects. Recent research suggests its potential in helping individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who struggle with flashbacks and maintaining their daily lives. MDMA is believed to rewire brain connections, dampening fear-inducing areas.
In Brendan’s case, he swiftly rose through the ranks of Identity Evropa, eventually becoming a coordinator for the Midwest region. He sought to mainstream the movement by establishing connections with other groups worldwide. However, once his identity was exposed and he lost his job, his trajectory shifted. He stumbled upon a drug trial advertisement in 2020 at the University of Chicago and decided to participate to earn extra money.
During one of the visits, Brendan unknowingly consumed a pill containing 110 milligrams of MDMA. Typically, street pills range from 50 to 150 milligrams. Although he initially regretted his past actions, it didn’t take long for Brendan to question why he had jeopardized his job and relationships. He underwent an MRI and experienced increased happiness through the sensation of touch. Brendan noticed a profound connection, leading him to understand the significance of human connections.
He expressed, “I realized I’d been fixated on things that don’t truly matter, and it’s all so messed up. I hadn’t been appreciating the joy that life offers.” Brendan reached out to the activist who exposed him and expressed his desire to change. He sought therapy, engaged in meditation, read educational books, and received support from a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant.
While cases like Brendan’s are rare, research suggests that MDMA and similar drugs can have lasting psychological effects. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University revealed that MDMA and other psychedelics such as LSD and ketamine can reopen a crucial period of brain impressionability. This heightened flexibility typically occurs in childhood, allowing for increased receptivity to new concepts. Understanding the importance of timing, Brendan believes that his profound shift was facilitated by MDMA.
He stated, “It helped me see things in a different way that no amount of therapy or antiracist literature ever would have done. I truly believe it was a breakthrough experience.” Brendan’s transformation serves as a powerful example of the potential of psychedelic substances like MDMA to catalyze significant personal growth and change.
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