Breaking the Stigma

More than 17 US veterans take their own lives every day in America, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. For many veterans, returning from the battlefield doesn’t end their fight. They carry invisible wounds—PTSD, depression, and trauma—that conventional treatments often fail to heal. But a new, controversial approach is changing lives. Psychedelic-assisted therapy and traditional healing ceremonies are now providing hope to veterans seeking relief.

Conventional treatments such as antidepressants and talk therapy often fall short, leaving many veterans feeling isolated and hopeless. However, a growing body of research suggests that psychedelic-assisted treatments could offer a transformative solution. As stigma fades and interest in psychedelics increases, the veteran community stands at the forefront of a mental health revolution.

The Shift in Attitudes Toward Psychedelic Therapies

As conventional therapies fall short, a paradigm shift is occurring within the veteran community and broader society alike. Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca have long been controversial due to their classification as Schedule I drugs in the United States, a label that suggests a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, this perception is rapidly changing.  The FDA has granted "breakthrough therapy" designation to psilocybin and MDMA for PTSD treatment, which expedites development and regulatory review. This move reflects growing acknowledgment of their substantial benefits for individuals unresponsive to traditional treatments. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated psychedelics' potential to alleviate symptoms of treatment-resistant conditions like PTSD, where conventional therapies often fall short.

Rick Doblin, PhD, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), argues that “MDMA and other psychedelics have shown us the incredible potential to help veterans and others heal from trauma that traditional therapies often fail to address. People deserve access to these life-saving treatments…”

Why Veterans Are Seeking Psychedelic Therapies

The limitations of traditional treatments have pushed many veterans to explore alternatives. According to the latest research by Dr. Alan Davis and colleagues, nearly 51% of surveyed veterans have tried psychedelics, primarily for healing or treatment. Approximately 85% reported significant benefits, including reduced PTSD symptoms and improved mood. Yet, the path is not without risks, as nearly 59% also reported challenging experiences. Zemon’s book addresses these complexities by emphasizing preparation and integration, ensuring veterans approach these powerful substances safely.

Veterans who have undergone psychedelic therapy often describe the experience as life-changing. Kegan Gill, a retired Navy pilot, recounted his harrowing journey with PTSD, including battles with suicidal thoughts exacerbated by medication side effects. His turning point came after a guided psilocybin retreat, where he experienced a profound reconnection with himself and the world. "It was like a fresh snowfall over the rutted tracks of my negative emotions and behaviors. With the fresh powder in place, I was able to ride new lines and get out of my habitual state of misery” he recalls, describing how the experience helped him reshape his mental state.

A New Tool for Veterans

Matt Zemon, an educator, author, and advocate for psychedelic wellness, emphasizes that psychedelics should be seen as "catalysts, not cures." His new book, The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics, offers a comprehensive framework for veterans considering these therapies. “The meaning derived from these experiences isn’t something given by the psychedelic itself,” Zemon notes. “The true healing comes from the veterans as they process their experiences and integrate the insights into their lives.”

Zemon, who holds a master's in psychology and neuroscience from King’s College London, has dedicated himself to understanding and advancing psychedelic wellness for veterans." In writing The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics, Zemon drew from nearly a year of dedicated research and fieldwork, including a trip to Peru with a group of veterans and healers from the Shipibo community.  He also collaborated with the team at Heroic Hearts Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families in overcoming the impacts of PTSD and military trauma, and worked with experts such as Ken Weingardt, PhD, a clinical psychologist with almost 20 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Weingardt has held faculty positions at Stanford and Northwestern Medical Schools and has published over 60 articles in clinical training, health services research, and implementation science. This collaboration ensured that the book was reviewed thoroughly for clinical accuracy and met the needs of veterans on this path.

In addition to this book, Zemon is the author of the best-selling Psychedelics for Everyone and Beyond The Trip, furthering his mission to make psychedelic health information and tools accessible to those in need.

Expert Endorsements and Research

The increasing acceptance of psychedelics for therapeutic use is supported by endorsements from leading figures in and around the mental health field.  The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics specifically has received feedback from a numerous military leaders, researchers, veterans, and entrepreneurs.

Retired US Marine Corps Lieutenant General Martin says, "In my decades of service, I’ve seen firsthand the toll that combat takes on our soldiers, and I’ve witnessed the limits of conventional treatments for PTSD and trauma. The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics provides a real alternative for those seeking relief. This guide offers a well-informed path for veterans ready to explore new approaches to healing. It’s about giving our warriors the resources they need to recover and take back control of their lives."

Similarly, Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, highlights the unique ability of psychedelics to “…open up a space for people to experience the full range of their emotions and traumas in a way that traditional therapies often struggle to reach. In my experience, the transformations I've witnessed with MDMA-assisted therapy are unlike anything else in my career. The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics provides veterans with the knowledge and guidance to engage with these powerful tools responsibly. This guide gives them a way to access deep healing, reconnect with their bodies, and move towards a more integrated sense of self."

Clinical research has reinforced these perspectives. Studies from Johns Hopkins University, Imperial College of London, New York University, and many more reputable academic institutions  have shown that psychedelic-assisted therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and other trauma-related conditions. For veterans facing complex challenges, the evidence points to a potential paradigm shift in mental health care.

Researcher Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco and founder of the world’s first Center for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, states, ““In my work studying the effects of psychedelics on the brain, we have seen their remarkable potential to promote healing by unlocking deeply entrenched patterns of thought and behavior… The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics offers veterans the tools to prepare for, engage with, and integrate psychedelic experiences. Intentional preparation and integration is essential for those seeking to benefit from the profound therapeutic effects that psychedelics can offer.”

Navigating Risks and Ensuring Safety

Despite the promising data, psychedelics are not a panacea, and careful attention must be paid to risks, such as adverse psychological reactions or the potential for reactivating symptoms. However, experts argue that many reported difficulties can be mitigated with proper preparation, set, and setting. Zemon’s guide provides veterans with practical advice on finding reputable programs, working with experienced guides, and creating supportive environments.

Retired Navy Captain and psychiatrist Robert Koffman reminds veterans, “While the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapy is significant, it's important to acknowledge that these treatments aren't without risks. Veterans considering psychedelics should be aware of potential challenges, such as difficult psychological experiences, adverse reactions, or lingering perceptual changes… while psychedelics offer new possibilities for healing, they should be approached with the same respect and diligence as any powerful therapeutic tool.”

Dr.  Matthew W. Johnson, PhD, Senior Researcher at Sheppard Pratt Center of Excellence for Psilocybin Research and Treatment, adds "Throughout my 20-year career as a researcher in psychedelics, including for addiction, I have witnessed the profound impact these substances can have on mental health and well-being when used with support and in the right setting and I recognize that there are risks as well. While not everybody is helped by psychedelics, many are, and The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics helps veterans reduce the risks around the use of these medicines and is an excellent resource for veterans seeking alternative paths to healing.”

Organizations like Heroic Hearts Project, founded by veteran Jesse Gould, help veterans access legal psychedelic therapies abroad. Through retreats in countries where substances like ayahuasca are legally available, Heroic Hearts supports veterans in navigating these transformative experiences. The group's founder shares his own story of healing through ayahuasca, noting that while the journey was intense, it allowed him to process deep-rooted trauma and regain a sense of purpose. “Psychedelics have given me the perspective needed to see how I show up in my life and why, and to venture into new territory when old paths don’t serve me,” states Gould. “They’ve taught me that the most heroic mission I could ever embark on is the journey inward, towards healing and wholeness.”

Health Literacy: A Resource for Empowerment

As veterans increasingly seek alternatives to standard treatments, many are taking their health into their own hands. As veterans continue to lead the charge in breaking the stigma surrounding psychedelic therapies, the future of veteran mental health care looks more hopeful than ever.