On a high in an f MRI:my ecstasy brain scan

摘要

My Usual pick-me-up on a Monday morning is a cup of coffee. Today if s going to be something very different. I've been up since 6 am. I've had a breath test for alcohol, a urine test for drugs and a psychological test for mental health. Then I'm handed a red pill and a glass of water. I swallow it... and I'm told to relax. Which is easier said than done when you don't know if you've just taken vitamin C or 83 milligrams of pure MDMA, Half an hour later I'm inside an fMRI brain scanner, my head clamped in place and a visor over my face, It's noisy and claustrophobic but I'm reassured by the panic button in my hand and a voice from the control room.