Last December, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the first study on MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder among veterans.

VA researchers will evaluate the potential MDMA-assisted treatment option for veterans with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Participants will receive psychotherapy enhanced by MDMA, a psychedelic compound believed to increase emotional openness, reduce fear and promote introspection during therapy sessions.

Psychedelic drugs are a class of organically and synthetically produced substances that alter consciousness or awareness. Veterans should always consult their health care provider before making any treatment decisions and should never self-medicate with psychedelics or any other unprescribed substances.

DAV members have approved a resolution to support legislation directing the VA to research psychedelics and, if it finds these substances effective for therapy, make treatments available for veterans with mental health conditions and traumatic brain injury.

For more on DAV’s stance on psychedelic therapies, please visit dav.la/3lo and dav.la/47PqSKK.