Digging Deep into Psychedelics and U.S. Military Veterans: Uncovering the Hidden Benefits and Risks
Psychedelic Substance Use Among U.S. Military Veterans: Findings from Recent Research
Ever since psychedelics have come under the spotlight for their potential therapeutic benefits, the U.S. military veteran community has started to take notice. A recent survey headed by Mount Sinai sheds light on the usage patterns, motivations, outcomes, and implications of psychedelics among this group of individuals, many of whom face heightened mental health challenges post-service.
The Current Landscape: Veterans and Psychedelics
A staggering 50% of U.S. veterans surveyed have experimented with psychedelics at some point in their lives, a rate much higher compared to the general population (approximately 10%). Predictably, these veterans are more likely to suffer from conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety as well as having spent extended periods in deployment.
Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin (found in "magic mushrooms"), LSD, and MDMA have captured attention thanks to their promising therapeutic potential. Despite their classification as Schedule I substances—meaning they are illegal with no accepted medical use—and lacking widespread acknowledgment within the medical community, prominent veterans and their advocates are pushing for decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.
Why do Veterans Turn to Psychedelics?
Traditional mental health treatments like antidepressants and CBT often leave veterans struggling for alternative approaches to combat their mental health issues, which can include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. When asked about their motives for using psychedelics, 84% of veterans reported experiencing benefits, including emotional healing, spiritual growth, and mental health improvements. Many veterans used psychedelics not for recreational purposes, but rather to provide a new means of managing their mental health conditions.
The topsy-turvy World of Risks and Adverse Outcomes
Despite the reported benefits, the survey also highlighted significant risks associated with unsupervised use of psychedelics. Approximately 59% of veterans who used psychedelics experienced at least one adverse outcome, with flashbacks being the most common, followed by cravings for continued use. The risk of adverse effects was heightened when psychedelics were consumed without proper guidance, in unregulated settings, or in combination with other substances like marijuana or alcohol.
Poly-substance use, including the simultaneous use of multiple psychedelics and other drugs, was reported by 39% of participants. Despite the demonstrated risks, many veterans opt to take matters into their own hands, seeking out psychedelics as a DIY treatment for their mental health struggles.
Towards a Brighter Future: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Veterans
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) holds significant promise for improving the mental health of U.S. veterans, particularly when used in controlled and supportive clinical settings. By administering psychedelics under the watchful eye of trained professionals, it is possible to significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. To date, the FDA has granted "breakthrough therapy" status to two psychedelic substances, indicating their potential to offer substantial improvements over existing treatments.
MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin psychotherapy for depression are two leading candidates poised for future approval. By offering veterans access to these therapies, researchers and mental health practitioners aim to increase engagement with mental health services among this community, which could, in turn, lead to improved outcomes and reduced instances of substance abuse and suicide.
Stepping Carefully into the Unknown: Precautions for Veterans Using Psychedelics
While PAT holds immense potential, it is crucial that veterans approach psychedelics with caution and prioritize safety, especially given the significant risks associated with uncontrolled and unsupervised use. To minimize the likelihood of adverse outcomes and maximize the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, veterans are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Obtain psychedelics from trustworthy sources
- Feel mentally and emotionally prepared for the experience
- Have a trusted individual present during sessions
- Experiment in a comfortable, safe environment
- Avoid using multiple substances simultaneously
- Seek out professional guidance on dosage and set/setting
In conclusion, the growing trend of psychedelic use among U.S. military veterans underscores the urgent need for effective mental health treatments to address the unique challenges faced by this group, such as PTSD and skyrocketing suicide rates. While the benefits of psychedelics are becoming increasingly apparent, the risks are just as real, emphasizing the need for responsible use and ongoing research to identify optimal protocols. As psychedelic-assisted therapy continues to evolve, the mental health of thousands of veterans may very well hang in the balance.
Our website is filled with fascinating insights and resources about the growing boom in psychedelic exploration, and we invite you to check it out!
Additional Insights:
Preliminary research and trials suggest that psychedelics may reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and suicidality among veterans, offering promise for alternative mental health treatments. The FDA has granted "breakthrough therapy" status to two psychedelic substances: MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin for depression. The unique intense combat experiences and multiple deployments that veterans face expose them to a high risk of PTSD, motivating the exploration of alternative treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT).
- The usage of psychedelics among U.S. veterans, particularly those dealing with mental health challenges, is significantly higher compared to the general population.
- Psychedelic substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA are gaining attention due to their potential therapeutic benefits.
- Despite their classification as Schedule I substances, veterans and their advocates are pushing for their decriminalization and legalization for therapeutic purposes.
- Traditional mental health treatments often leave veterans searching for alternative methods to address their mental health issues.
- A majority (84%) of veterans who use psychedelics report experiencing benefits, including emotional healing and improvements in mental health.
- Approximately 59% of veterans who used psychedelics experienced at least one adverse outcome, with flashbacks and cravings being the most common.
- The risks of adverse effects can be heightened by unsupervised use, consumption in unregulated settings, or combined with other substances like marijuana or alcohol.
- Poly-substance use, including the simultaneous use of multiple psychedelics and other drugs, was reported by 39% of participants.
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) offers significant potential for improving the mental health of U.S. veterans.
- FDA has granted "breakthrough therapy" status to two psychedelic substances, indicating their potential to offer substantial improvements over existing treatments.
- MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin psychotherapy for depression are two leading candidates poised for future approval.
- By offering veterans access to these therapies, researchers and mental health practitioners aim to increase engagement with mental health services and improve outcomes.
- The risks associated with uncontrolled and unsupervised use emphasize the need for responsible use and ongoing research to identify optimal protocols.
- Preliminary research suggests psychedelics may reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and suicidality among veterans, offering potential for alternative mental health treatments.
- The unique intense combat experiences and multiple deployments that veterans face expose them to a high risk of PTSD, motivating the exploration of alternative treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT).
- As psychedelic-assisted therapy continues to evolve, the mental health of thousands of veterans may significantly benefit.
- Our website offers a wealth of information about the growing explosion in psychedelic exploration and encourages further exploration of the topic.
