VA Funds $1.5M MDMA Study To Treat PTSD In Veterans

Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a $1.5 million grant to study MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder, marking the first VA-funded psychedelic research in over 50 years.

In January 2024, the VA first revealed plans to fund studies on the use of psychedelic compounds to treat mental health conditions in veterans. The department has now committed $1.5 million to investigate MDMA as a potential treatment for PTSD and alcohol use disorder. This funding is the first of its kind in more than five decades.

The study will take place at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut. Researchers from Brown University and Yale University will oversee the project. Enrollment is set to begin in early 2025.

Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health at the VA said, "VA is on the cutting edge of clinical research for Veteran health, including in the investigation of psychedelics for mental health." The study aims to determine whether MDMA-assisted therapy could be an effective treatment option for veterans dealing with PTSD and alcohol use disorder.

MDMA's Role In Treating PTSD

This study is part of broader efforts to explore the potential benefits of psychedelics in mental health care. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration designated MDMA as a "breakthrough therapy" for PTSD treatment. This designation has helped fuel ongoing research into the substance's ability to address mental health challenges, particularly among veterans.

The research will use pharmaceutical-grade MDMA and follow strict safety protocols in a controlled clinical environment. The study will last for five years, and VA officials expect it to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and safety of MDMA for treating PTSD and alcohol use disorder.

Moving Forward With Psychedelic Research

While interest in using psychedelics for mental health treatment is growing, the VA has emphasized that veterans should not self-medicate with MDMA or other psychedelic substances. Veterans are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers before exploring new treatment options.

This study is an important step in the ongoing effort to evaluate the use of psychedelics in mental health care, especially for veterans, and could help shape future treatment options for PTSD and other mental health issues.

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