Drug-induced social connection: both MDMA and methamphetamine increase feelings of connectedness during controlled dyadic conversations.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Placebo-controlled experimental human laboratory trials
PubMed 37740024 · doi:10.1038/s41598-023-43156-0
What was done
Researchers investigated the effects of MDMA and methamphetamine on feelings of social connection during semi-structured casual conversations with an unfamiliar partner. One experiment tested MDMA (100 mg versus placebo; N = 18), and a separate experiment tested methamphetamine (20 mg versus placebo; N = 19) to evaluate pharmacological specificity. Both studies also measured oxytocin levels alongside subjective connection.
What was found
Compared to placebo, both MDMA and methamphetamine increased subjective feelings of connection with conversation partners. Both drugs also elevated oxytocin levels, but oxytocin concentrations were correlated with feeling closer to the partner only following MDMA administration. The abstract does not provide specific numerical values, effect sizes, or p-values.
Why it matters
These findings show that acute enhancements in subjective connectedness during live dyadic interaction are not unique to MDMA, as methamphetamine produces similar effects, though oxytocin engagement tracks interpersonal closeness specifically with MDMA.
Limits
Sample sizes were small across both cohorts (N = 18 for MDMA; N = 19 for methamphetamine). The two drugs were evaluated in separate studies rather than a single head-to-head randomized crossover design, and the abstract does not report participant demographics, exact statistical values, or long-term outcomes.
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