The VA Funds First Study on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Veterans Since the 1960s

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking a step forward in mental health treatment by funding its first psychedelic-assisted therapy study in over 50 years. The $1.5 million study will explore the use of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment option for Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). With enrollment expected in 2025, this study could pave the way for a new era of mental health solutions for those who have served our country.

What Will the Study Investigate?

This project, announced last week in a press release, will examine the effectiveness and safety of MDMA, when used alongside psychotherapy. Here’s what we know so far about the VA-backed study:

Research Focus: The study will evaluate MDMA’s potential to enhance emotional openness, reduce fear, and promote introspection during therapy sessions for Veterans struggling with PTSD and AUD.

Participating Institutions: The clinical trial will take place at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut.

Funding: With $1.5 million allocated over five years, the study will involve participants undergoing controlled psychotherapy sessions. Some will receive pharmaceutical-grade MDMA, while others will receive a low-dose placebo to account for “functional unblinding.”

Safety: Strict safety protocols will guide every aspect of the trial, ensuring participants’ well-being in accordance with federal guidelines for controlled substances.

Why PTSD and AUD?

While PTSD and substance use disorders often co-occur, there’s a significant gap in treatment efficiency for many individuals. Existing therapies, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and trauma-focused psychotherapy, leave nearly half of patients still grappling with symptoms or dropping out of treatment altogether. Alcohol use often serves as a coping mechanism for unaddressed trauma, presenting a dual challenge for healthcare providers.

According to VA researchers and external experts, MDMA-assisted therapy could bridge this gap by addressing the underlying emotional scars while creating a safe space for introspection and healing. Dr. Steve Sugden of the Utah Psychiatrist Association explains to KSL, “Psychedelics are potentially part of the solution; they are not the whole solution…but they provide the scaffolding, easing the lifestyle changes that patients desperately need.”

The Growing Interest in Psychedelics for Mental Health

The VA’s study is a reflection of the momentum behind psychedelics research in recent years. MDMA is currently classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule I substance, defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, a 2017 therapy designation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signaled growing interest in MDMA’s therapeutic potential.

Still, much work remains. A key application from Lykos Therapeutics for MDMA-assisted therapy was denied amid concerns over study design and health risks. Experts agree that trials like the VA’s will be essential for generating robust scientific evidence to guide future drug policies.

This isn’t the VA’s first foray into psychedelics research, but it is the first time the department is directly funding such a study since the 1960s. VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal called the funding a historic step, emphasizing the department’s commitment to cutting-edge research. “This study will give us better insight into the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for Veterans,” he said.

What Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Look Like?

MDMA and psychedelic-assisted therapy are far from a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is a controlled process that integrates psychedelic compounds with psychotherapy to maximize potential benefits. Here’s how the process typically works:

Pre-Therapy Screening: Patients are carefully selected based on their mental health history and overall readiness for the treatment.

Therapy Sessions: Under professional medical supervision, participants take MDMA in a clinical setting. The sessions last several hours and aim to help patients process repressed trauma and build emotional connections with their experiences.

Integration: Following the sessions, patients work with clinicians to integrate their insights into everyday life, making long-term behavioral and emotional adjustments.

It’s important to note that self-medicating with psychedelics is strongly discouraged due to the potential for adverse effects. Without proper medical supervision, these substances carry significant risks, including emotional distress and physical harm.

What Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Means for Veterans

The VA’s study signals hope for the millions of military Veterans living with PTSD, depression, and AUD. According to the VA, around 7% of Veterans report PTSD symptoms, though rates skyrocket to 29% among those deployed in high-conflict zones. Additionally, many Veterans face challenges such as difficulty forming connections, hypervigilance, and reliance on substances to self-medicate.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy could rewrite the narrative for these individuals. By offering a tool to confront and process their trauma, Veterans could experience a level of emotional relief that has previously been inaccessible with traditional treatments.

Dr. Sugden says the need for such therapies, stating, “Veterans are often locked into extremes of fight-or-flight responses. MDMA may work to expand their ability to find balance and build resilience in daily life.”

The VA’s commitment to psychedelic-assisted therapy research is a critical step forward in addressing long-standing gaps in PTSD and AUD treatment among Veterans. While questions remain, this study offers hope, signaling a future where innovative therapies are used to address the complex needs of those who have served.