MDMA's Surprising Role in Coping with Trauma Post-Nova Attack

Fri Dec 05 2025 13:05:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A study suggests that the party drug MDMA may have helped survivors of the Nova music festival attack manage trauma, sparking discussions on drug therapy for PTSD.

Survivors of the Nova music festival attack on October 7, 2023, are part of a study suggesting that MDMA may have offered them psychological protection during and after the traumatic event. Initial findings show positive mental health effects among users, indicating a need to rethink drug treatment for PTSD.

As dawn broke on October 7, 2023, many attendees at the Nova music festival near Gaza's border were under the influence of recreational drugs like MDMA. Shortly thereafter, Hamas militants launched a deadly attack, killing 360 people and capturing more. Recent studies involving survivors indicate that MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, may have shielded some attendees from severe trauma.

Conducted by neuroscientists from Haifa University, these preliminary findings suggest those who ingested MDMA during the attacks showed better mental health outcomes in the months following. Prof. Roy Salomon, leading the research, noted that many survivors felt they coped better largely due to the drug’s effects, citing improved sleep and reduced mental distress.

The study revealed that two-thirds of the participants had taken mind-altering substances, with pure MDMA being the most beneficial. The researchers linked the drug's pro-social hormones, such as oxytocin, to lowered fear and increased feelings of support, helping survivors accept help from loved ones.

Survivors like Michal Ohana shared their experiences, claiming MDMA altered their perception of reality and spared them from freezing in fear during the attack. While challenges remain in establishing a direct connection between drug use and outcomes, many participants believe the substance played a crucial role in their survival.

The clinical community has taken note, as various countries explore MDMA for treating PTSD. Concerns about ethics and potential risks linger, yet in Israel, the research on MDMA’s therapeutic potential post-attack is gaining traction. Dr. Anna Harwood-Gross emphasized the criticality of this research for developing effective treatments, particularly for military personnel.

The overall impact of the October attacks has shifted societal perspectives on trauma in Israel. Experts argue there is a collective realization that everyone is affected and requires support. However, many survivors, like Ohana, continue struggling with daily reminders of the attack, expressing a disconnect between the expectation to "move on" and their lived realities.

As the world watches these developments, the conversation surrounding drug use, trauma, and healing evolves, highlighting the complexities of mental health in the wake of catastrophic events.