World's first trials of MDMA to treat alcohol addiction set to begin

Imperial College London scientists expect to give first dose in the next two months alongside psychotherapy

Doctors in Bristol are set to begin the world's first clinical study into the use of MDMA to treat alcohol addiction.

Researchers are testing whether a few doses of the drug, in conjunction with psychotherapy, could help patients overcome addiction more effectively than conventional treatments. The small trial was granted ethical approval a few weeks ago and the team expects to give the first dose of MDMA, the active ingredient in ecstasy pills, within the next two months.