Dutch man euthanized, by his choice, to escape his alcohol use disorder

Euthanasia laws are always a hot topic issue, as much debate exists over the right for a human to choose death as a humane escape route from hopeless and terminal medical conditions. However, in this case, as with the case of another Dutch woman who experienced sexual abuse, anxiety, and depression, the assisted death of Mark Langedijk has raised flags and offended sensibilitites, especially among those in recovery. We do recover, and we do have hope, and Mr. Langedijk did not have to suffer this fate. That being said, it is easy to be indignant and protest his choice or his right to make it, yet this was absolutely his choice and legal, albeit disconcerting and sad.


Embury-Dennis, Tom. "Man in the Netherlands euthanised due to his alcohol addiction." The Independent. Web. 29 Nov 2016.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/man-holland-netherlands-dutch-euthanised-alcohol-addiction-alcoholic-netherlands-a7446256.html

MDMA approved by FDA for Phase 3 Clinical Trials to treat PTSD

Research into the use of psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, and MDMA to treat mental health conditions has gathered significant steam in the past few years. Positive outcomes have been reported repeatedly, especially when administered in microdoses under the care of a psychologist. MDMA is noted as an intense empathogen, removing psychological barriers and allowing for open and vulnerable work with a therapist. The story cites a 59% success rate upon initial administering of the chemical in a clinical setting to achieve significant treatment breakthroughs. However, FDA restrictions have limited studies of these controlled substances, just as medical research into the benefits of cannabis have been.
The FDA, now, has approved MDMA for the final phase of clinical trials, putting the chemical on pace to be legalized, clinically, in early 2017.


Philipps, Dave. (2016). "F.D.A. Agrees to New Trials for Ecstasy as Relief for PTSD Patients". New York Times. Web. 11/28/2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/29/us/ptsd-mdma-ecstasy.html