For many veterans, the battle doesn’t end when they return home. The wounds of war—both seen and unseen—can linger for years, leading many to seek relief through traditional therapies, medication or even self-medication. But for some, these methods fall short, leaving them searching for alternative paths to healing.
One such veteran, Sam Juan, found hope in an unconventional and controversial treatment: ibogaine. The dissociative psychedelic drug was first used in African spiritual rituals and has earned a reputation for its ability to curb or even eradicate opioid cravings in drug users.
Sam is just one of the many voices who are featured in DAV Mindscapes, an upcoming multimedia look at psychedelic therapies for veterans. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more content on this subject.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. It’s a time to recognize the invisible wounds many veterans carry with them long after service ends. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other brain injuries are one of the most common injuries among veterans, impacting memory, mood, mobility and daily life. DAV has been a leading voice in advocating for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve screening, treatment and long-term support for veterans living with TBI. Additionally, DAV has also fought for stronger caregiver benefits and expanded access to specialized care—because recovery doesn’t happen in isolation.
Through advocacy, outreach and direct support, DAV continues to work to ensure veterans with brain injuries are seen, understood and properly cared for. Awareness leads to action, and action leads to better lives for America’s veterans. #InvisibleWoundsFoundation #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
Happy International Women’s Day! DAV strives to ensure that women veterans receive the best healthcare possible, which is why in 2024 we released Women Veterans: The Journey to Mental Wellness, a comprehensive assessment of the unique factors contributing to the staggering rate of suicide among women veterans and how the system charged with their mental health care can and must do better.
You can help DAV raise awareness to ensure the women veterans in our country receive the highest possible care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by reading and sharing the report with your family and friends ➡️ www.womenveterans.org.
Justin Carlisle was unraveling. Years of anxiety, depression, anger, and alcohol dependence had caught up with him, and for the first time in his life, he found himself seriously questioning whether he wanted to keep going. The moment terrified him—and it pushed him toward a decision that would change everything.
Justin is just one of the many voices who are featured in DAV Mindscapes, an upcoming multimedia look at psychedelic therapies for veterans. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more content on this subject.
