The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is initiating research into psychedelic medicine, including MDMA and psilocybin, for veterans suffering from depression, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies. This move comes after years of advocacy and promising studies in the general population showing significant benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
The announcement by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to study psychedelic medicine marks a significant shift in addressing mental health issues among veterans. With over a quarter of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans developing PTSD and an alarming rate of 17 veteran suicides per day, the need for effective treatments is urgent. Psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly with MDMA, has shown potential in treating PTSD, with more than two-thirds of participants in general population studies no longer exhibiting symptoms after three sessions.
Veterans’ PTSD often stems from prolonged exposure to unsafe environments, differing from the general public’s experience of trauma. Current “gold standard” therapies may not be as effective for veterans, who may also face additional challenges such as poverty or homelessness. The VA’s research into psychedelics aims to build on existing studies and explore their effectiveness and safety within the veteran population.
Jesse Gould, a former Army Ranger, shares his transformative experience with ayahuasca in Peru, leading him to establish the Heroic Hearts Project. This nonprofit has helped a thousand veterans undergo psychedelic therapy abroad, showing significant improvements in mental health. However, the research is still in its early stages, and more rigorous, long-term studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of psychedelic therapy for veterans.
Why It Matters: The exploration of psychedelic medicines by the VA represents a hopeful advancement in treating veterans’ mental health issues. By investigating these alternative therapies, the VA acknowledges the limitations of current treatments and the necessity of finding more effective solutions for PTSD, depression, and suicide prevention among veterans.
Potential Implications: If psychedelic medicines prove effective and safe for veterans, it could revolutionize mental health care within the military community. However, the VA faces significant challenges in implementing these therapies, including the need for extensive therapist training and managing potential demand. The research’s outcomes could also influence broader societal views on psychedelics and their therapeutic potential.
Source: National Geographic
