Psychedelic use among U.S. military veterans is an evolving area of interest for treating mental health concerns, as research continues to explore the potential benefits and risks associated with these substances for treatment. A recent exploratory survey conducted by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai sheds light on the prevalence of psychedelic use among veterans, the motivations behind their use, the outcomes, and the possible implications for mental health therapies.
The current state of psychedelic use among U.S. veterans
According to the survey, approximately 50% of U.S. veterans reported using psychedelics at some point in their lives, a significantly higher rate compared to the general population, where about 10% have used psychedelics. This high prevalence suggests that veterans are more inclined to experiment with these substances, possibly due to the heightened mental health challenges many face after their service. Veterans in the study who had used psychedelics were often older, had spent more time in deployment, and were more likely to suffer from conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety compared to those who had never used psychedelics.
Psychedelics, including psilocybin (commonly found in “magic mushrooms”), LSD, and MDMA, have gained attention for their therapeutic potential. Despite being classified as Schedule I substances, meaning they are considered illegal with no accepted medical use under U.S. law, there has been growing interest in their possible benefits for mental health. Several prominent veterans and veteran-focused organizations have begun advocating for the decriminalization or legalization of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, particularly in places where these treatments are legal or decriminalized.
Why veterans turn to psychedelics: reported benefits
Veterans often turn to psychedelics as a way to cope with mental health conditions that traditional treatments have failed to address effectively. PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are common among those who have served in the military, particularly those who have been in combat. Conventional treatments such as antidepressants or cognitive-behavioral therapy often fall short, leaving veterans searching for alternative ways to manage their symptoms.
The study revealed that a large majority (84%) of veterans who used psychedelics reported experiencing benefits, including emotional healing, spiritual growth, and improvements in mental health. Many veterans stated that they used psychedelics not for recreational purposes but to help manage their mental health conditions. These findings are consistent with other research showing that psychedelics, when used in therapeutic settings, can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Psychedelics may offer profound psychological insights, allowing veterans to confront traumatic memories or emotions in a way that feels safe and supported. Many veterans who participated in the survey reported that they would be more likely to engage with mental health services, particularly at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), if psychedelic therapies were available. This highlights a growing interest within the veteran community for alternative mental health treatments.
Risks and adverse outcomes of psychedelic use
While many veterans reported benefits from their psychedelic experiences, the study also highlighted significant risks, particularly for those who use these substances outside of controlled clinical settings. Approximately 59% of veterans who used psychedelics reported experiencing at least one adverse outcome, ranging from reactivation of psychedelic effects (commonly referred to as flashbacks) to cravings for continued use.
The most commonly reported adverse effect was flashbacks, with about one-third of participants experiencing reactivations of their psychedelic experiences. Flashbacks are rarely reported in clinical trials but may be more common when psychedelics are used in unregulated environments. Additionally, cravings and attempts to reduce psychedelic use were reported by nearly one-quarter of participants. This indicates that some veterans may develop problematic relationships with psychedelics, especially when used without proper guidance or support.
Another significant concern is the concurrent use of psychedelics with other substances, such as marijuana or alcohol. The study found that about 39% of participants used multiple psychedelics simultaneously, and nearly half combined them with marijuana. This poly-substance use increases the risk of adverse effects, including physical or psychological dependence, which was reported by about 20% and 16% of veterans, respectively.
Potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for veteran mental health
Despite the risks associated with unsupervised use, psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) holds great promise for improving the mental health of veterans. In clinical settings, where psychedelics are administered in a controlled and supportive environment, they have been shown to produce significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. PAT typically involves guided sessions with trained professionals, ensuring that the individual is mentally and emotionally prepared for the experience.
The FDA has already 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 for depression are among the leading candidates for future approval. These treatments could provide veterans with new avenues for recovery, particularly those for whom traditional treatments have been ineffective.
One of the major findings from the study is that veterans who have used psychedelics would be more likely to return to the VA for care if psychedelic therapies were offered. This suggests that making these treatments available could increase engagement with mental health services among veterans, improving overall outcomes and reducing the risk of untreated mental health conditions leading to substance abuse or suicide.
Precautions for veterans using psychedelics outside clinical settings
While psychedelic-assisted therapy shows great potential, it is crucial that veterans who use psychedelics outside clinical settings take precautions to minimize risks. The study found that many adverse outcomes could be linked to the lack of preparation, the absence of a supportive environment, or the use of multiple substances simultaneously. Veterans considering psychedelics should ensure that they obtain these substances from reliable sources, feel mentally prepared for the experience, and have a trusted individual present during their session.
Setting and mindset are critical factors in reducing risks and enhancing the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Veterans should ideally use psychedelics in a comfortable environment where they feel safe, and they should be confident in their reasons for using these substances. Furthermore, they should avoid combining psychedelics with other drugs or alcohol, as this significantly increases the likelihood of negative outcomes.
The use of psychedelics among U.S. military veterans is and will likely continue to be a growing phenomenon, driven by the need for effective mental health treatments that address conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. While many veterans report positive experiences with psychedelics, especially in terms of emotional healing and spiritual exploration, the risks of using these substances in uncontrolled settings are significant. Psychedelic-assisted therapy offers a promising path forward, providing veterans with a potential alternative to traditional mental health treatments. However, veterans should approach psychedelic use with caution, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported, whether in clinical or non-clinical environments.
