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The controversial remedy Lorde used to ‘cure stage fright' before Glastonbury set – it can help anxiety and PTSD too
LORDE has opened up about the unconventional therapy that helped her overcome crippling stage fright.
The Royals singer kicked off Glastonbury festival earlier today with a surprise pre-lunchtime set to a packed crowd on the Woodsies stage.
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Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week, the New Zealand pop star revealed she used MDMA - known by its street name ecstasy – to conquer her fear of performing.
Asked how she moved past it, the 28-year-old replied: 'Well, it's MDMA therapy. Truly, like, changed the game on my stage fright.'
MDMA therapy, also called MDMA-assisted therapy, involves taking a controlled dose of the drug in a supervised medical setting, alongside sessions with a trained therapist.
It's designed to help people process difficult emotions or trauma in a calm, open state.
A growing body of research shows MDMA-assisted therapy could help people with a range of psychological issues, including PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Trials exploring its potential to treat marriage problems, alcoholism and long-term grief are also underway or imminent.
In a controversial world first, since July 1, 2023, some psychiatrists in Australia have been allowed to prescribe MDMA for PTSD under strict medical supervision.
This is unlike in Lorde's New Zealand, where MDMA is still illegal for general use and is classed as a controlled drug, meaning having it without permission can lead to jail time.
Switzerland also permits limited use of MDMA in therapy, while Canada allows it through a special access programme.
In the US, it's not yet legal, with full approval for treating PTSD denied just last year over concerns it was not effective enough.
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The UK still classifies MDMA as a Class A drug, meaning it is illegal to possess, sell or prescribe, although campaigners are calling for change.
The ban is largely due to concerns over its potential for abuse and side-effects.
When used recreationally, it can lead to raised heart rate, anxiety, confusion and, in some cases, dangerous overheating, according to Talk to Frank.
There's also the risk of impure street versions.
But in a controlled medical setting, where the dose is pure and carefully monitored these risks are minimal.
The drug works by stimulating the brain's production of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline - chemicals associated with feeling good or happy.
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This creates a sense of calm and emotional safety, making it easier for people to open up during therapy sessions.
Experts say the drug helps people face painful memories or fears without becoming overwhelmed, allowing the brain to 'rewire' how it responds to stress.
Trials have shown it can be especially effective for people who haven't responded to traditional treatments.
The results were immediate
Lorde detailed how the treatment helped where other approaches had failed.
'Some of these things live very deep in the body, and you hold on to it,' she said.
'You hold on to a response like stage fright for reasons that no amount of talk therapy or brain use could get at.
"But when you bypass that and get to the body, something shifts. And that totally happened for me.'
After trying 'everything' to manage her performance anxiety, Lorde said the results were immediate.
'I was like, oh, it's over. I know it's over.'
