In a historic step forward for mental health treatment, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced its first federally funded study on MDMA-assisted therapy for Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This groundbreaking research marks the first VA-funded psychedelic therapy study since the 1960s and reflects a growing effort to explore innovative treatments for complex mental health conditions among Veterans.
The study, led by VA researchers in collaboration with Brown University and Yale University, will assess whether MDMA — a psychedelic compound known to promote emotional openness and reduce fear during therapy — can enhance psychotherapy outcomes for Veterans battling PTSD and AUD.
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Study Details: Breaking New Ground in Veteran Care
- Location: The clinical trial will take place at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut.
- Participants: Veterans with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder will be enrolled, with some randomly assigned to receive either MDMA-assisted therapy or an active placebo (a low-dose of MDMA).
- Safety Protocols: The study will follow strict federal guidelines for controlled substances, using pharmaceutical-grade MDMA in a closely monitored clinical setting.
- Duration and Funding: The $1.5 million grant will support the study over a five-year period, with enrollment anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2025.
Participants will undergo structured psychotherapy sessions enhanced by MDMA to explore its effects on improving emotional processing, reducing fear-driven barriers to recovery, and addressing co-occurring alcohol use challenges.
A Bold Initiative in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Veterans
This initiative is part of a broader Biden-Harris Administration effort to advance evidence-based treatments for Veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, and substance-use disorders. In January, VA launched a comprehensive strategy to gather scientific data on psychedelic therapies — including MDMA and psilocybin — to determine their safety and efficacy when paired with psychotherapy.
Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA Under Secretary for Health, underscored the importance of this research:
“VA is on the cutting edge of clinical research for Veteran health, including the investigation of psychedelics for mental health. This study will give us better insight into the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for Veterans.”
Why MDMA-Assisted Therapy?
MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), a synthetic compound classified as a psychedelic, has shown promise in recent research for its ability to:
- Reduce emotional avoidance and fear during therapy sessions.
- Enhance trust and openness, critical for addressing trauma-related conditions like PTSD.
- Promote introspection, allowing participants to process difficult experiences effectively.
This novel therapy approach may offer hope to Veterans who have not responded to traditional treatments for PTSD and AUD — two conditions that disproportionately affect the Veteran population and often occur together.
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Ensuring Safety and Responsible Treatment
While VA leads the way in psychedelic research, the department strongly discourages Veterans from self-medicating with psychedelics or other unprescribed substances. Psychedelics must be administered under controlled medical supervision to ensure safety and efficacy. Veterans are encouraged to consult their health care providers for appropriate treatment options.
Resources for Veterans
For Veterans struggling with PTSD, alcohol use, or any mental health condition, VA offers a wide range of resources, including:
- Mental health support services and substance-use treatment programs.
- Opportunities to participate in clinical research to contribute to advancing treatments.
- 24/7 confidential support through the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
To learn more about VA research or available mental health programs, visit www.research.va.gov.
This pioneering study reflects VA’s unwavering commitment to exploring innovative therapies to improve the lives of America’s Veterans. By investing in cutting-edge research, the VA is leading the charge to develop new pathways to healing for those who have served.
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