MDMA-assisted Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Comorbid Alcohol Use Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

New strategies for the treatment of comorbid PTSD and alcohol dependence are urgently required. Recent evidence has shown strong support for trauma-focused integrated treatments (namely COPE), however, only 49% demonstrate clinically significant improvements. MDMA may be a promising approach to improve response to COPE for this population. Emerging evidence suggests that MDMA-assisted therapy may be of promise for PTSD, and has demonstrated a good safety profile and potential efficacy in alcohol dependence. This project will evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of MDMA-assisted COPE relative to a control-assisted COPE. Active control used in this study is niacin. The investigators hypothesise that MDMA treated participants will be have a reduction in PTSD symptom severity as well as heavy drinking. The trial will utilise a double blind, randomised, controlled design. A sample of 120 individuals will receive 14 weeks of treatment including 12 COPE sessions and 2 dosing sessions with MDMA (80-160mg) or control (niacin 250mg).