Psychedelic Therapy for Veterans

Elaine Marshall
Psychedelic Therapy for Veterans

Veterans tell their amazing stories of healing and transformation through psychedelic-assisted therapy. They have experienced journeys through combat, the chaos of emergencies, multiple psychiatric medications, addiction, estrangement by loved ones, and career loss. But each one found their way back by facing their biggest fears and darkest shadows—and unearthing aspects of themselves they didn't know existed. Now they want to help other veterans and first responders find the same path to healing when nothing else has worked. These stories are part of a Psychedelic Story Series book project. For more info, go to https://veterans4psychedelictherapy.com/. If you'd like to support production costs for this podcast, please consider donating at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/veterans4psychedelic ... ...or https://www.buymeacoffee.com/elainemarshall -- thank you!

  1. 12/03/2023

    How MDMA-assisted Therapy and Psilocybin can Heal PTSD

    Although she's not a veteran, author Jill Sitnick shares her profound experience using MDMA to heal childhood trauma and find peace—to offer hope to veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation. From breaking down emotional barriers to reprogramming the brain, MDMA-assisted therapy offers the profound ability to help people process past trauma without triggering panic and fear. These therapies can provide hope and healing for veterans, trauma survivors, and anyone seeking a new path to emotional freedom.  Jill is the author of Rescuing Jill: How MDMA, with a Dash of Mushrooms, Healed My Childhood Trauma-Induced PTSD and the companion workbook. Her book shows why it took a year and multiple journeys to fully heal. By describing how MDMA let her view her father’s beatings and mother’s suicide attempts from her adult perspective, she gives you a front-row seat into how psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy healed her trauma and transformed her life. Time stamps 03:22 PTSD, childhood trauma, lack of control, fear, anger 09:17 Healing from trauma by speaking to body. 14:13 MDMA helped me confront my trauma after 30 years. 20:31 Therapy helped to neutralize shame and reactions. 25:34 Subconscious experience led to visualizing childhood trauma. 30:02 Subconscious communicates through imagery to heal trauma. 34:35 Ongoing healing process through therapeutic psychedelics. 41:08 Self-gaslighting, validation from violence, justice in healing. 43:15 Struggled with parental bonding, overcame childhood trauma. 50:22 Lack of stable childhood leads to dread. 57:34 Therapy helped me overcome shame and guilt. 01:00:31 Creating available trauma resources, advocating for psychedelics. 01:05:07 "Therapy information available on website and YouTube."

    1h 8m
  2. 11/26/2023

    Ketamine and Psychedelic Transformations for Veterans Unveiled

    In this episode, Nathaniel Mills, PhD, delves into the transformative power of ketamine and psychedelics for veterans' mental health. Discover how these treatments are reshaping the landscape of trauma recovery, fostering profound healing experiences, and shifting legislative perceptions. We explore the science behind these therapies, their impact on brain function, and the promising results witnessed in clinical studies.  Dr. Mills is a licensed psychologist who offers ketamine therapy at the Sacramento Institute for Psychotherapy.  Timestamps 03:02 Various psychedelics offer pharmacological benefits, including Ketamine. 04:12 Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy relates to brain adaptation. 07:10 Uncertainty about brain understanding and depression treatment. 12:39 VA studies slow, financial incentive lacking for psychedelics. 13:54 Innovative business models in growing psychedelic industry. 19:19 Ketamine: versatile, prescribed, nuanced, and potent substance. 22:28 Ketamine and psilocybin have different experiences. 23:36 Group experiences vital for veterans' reintegration. 28:37 Therapist helps with ketamine, experiences relief. 31:16 Advocating for policy change to decriminalize psychedelics. 36:35 Campaign to support proposition 109 faced challenges. 37:27 Veterans and first responders share healing stories. 43:13 13-week model for patient treatment sessions. 45:16 Adjusting doses for client's therapeutic goals. 48:54 Psychedelic Therapy For Veterans podcast, check website.

    49 min
  3. 11/19/2023

    PTSD and chronic pain: A veteran finds relief through natural medicine, psychedelics, and nature

    Jason Lane is a decorated veteran who shares his journey of healing and transformation in the face of PTSD and chronic pain resulting from his military service. He shares his struggles with conventional medications and the surprising results from natural plant medicines like THC and psychedelics. Jason shares his remarkable journey from the frontlines of war to his advocacy for natural plant medicines and his efforts to provide healing experiences for disabled veterans. He discusses the burden veterans share, highlighting the need for organizations like Outpost Healing, which he founded to connect disabled veterans with PTSD to nature, offering free camping and hiking experiences in Colorado.    Time stamps 00:58 Couple starts nonprofit for disabled veterans' healing. 07:56 Listed medications, switched to THC in program. 12:19 Struggled with emotions after Iraq, Cymbalta worsened it. 18:42 Soldiers face mental challenges during wartime. 24:55 Searched for attackers in rainy, dreary weather. 30:11 Tribal societies prioritize tribe over individual benefits. 33:21 Veterans need civilians to share their burden. 42:29 Fear of exposure leading to potential harm. 45:14 Iraq veteran experiences dangerous side effects of medication. 54:26 Psychedelics used to manage neuropathic pain levels. 56:51 Food is medicine, natural plant medicine alternatives. 01:02:52 Psychedelics help manage combat-related and health issues. 01:06:34 Dehumanizing has lasting, holistic effects on everyone. 01:13:20 Nature therapy, legal issues, free retreats for veterans. 01:20:55 People don't see link between Vietnam War, drugs. 01:24:55 Stigma of PTSD in military and first responders. 01:32:01 Psychedelics have potential for positive and negative impact. 01:35:40 Support for Ukrainian soldiers is essential for healing. 01:43:28 Wars led to prescription pills, but cannabis helps. 01:46:03 Reaching out to friend and mycologists.

    1h 48m
  4. 11/12/2023

    Carl Bonnett, MD

    This episode explores the use of ketamine and other psychedelics as tools to facilitate therapy and help veterans detach, remodel their thoughts, and experience relief and healing. After combat, veterans face challenges with their identity, the concept of authenticity, and fitting back into civilian life. Dr. Bonnett explains the potential benefits of ketamine therapy for veterans, dosing strategy, and the challenges of obtaining coverage for these treatments within the VA and insurance systems.    Dr. Carl J. Bonnett is the founder and Chief Medical Doctor at Klarisana. As a twenty-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Carl saw ketamine therapy as a valuable way to help others in mental and physical distress at Klarisana.  Time stamps 02:44 Ketamine reduces PTSD in burned service members. 05:55 PTSD checklist shows significant decrease in symptoms. 14:55 Exploring therapy using psychedelics for PTSD treatment. 18:24 Psychedelic experiences explore existential questions and trauma. 22:44 Ketamine opens door for personal growth opportunities. 28:05 Recovery journey leads to nonprofit work success. 32:58 Challenges of mindset shift in war zones. 41:15 Veterans experience intense, sometimes strangely cool moments. 44:18 Encouraging veterans to find purpose and heal. 51:47 Ketamine is effective for chronic pain management. 56:52 Keynote speakers at MAPS conference were influential. 58:59 Ketamine assisted therapy, monthly sessions, lasting impact. 01:03:33 Ketamine offers legal access to psychedelic therapy.

    1h 5m
  5. 08/16/2023

    A Veteran Breaks Free of Suicidal Ideation Through Psychedelic Therapy

    In this episode, Will Tovar discusses how various psychedelics such as psilocybin, 5 MEO-DMT, and ayahuasca helped him through the depths of PTSD and the suicidal ideation many veterans face. Will discovered the psychedelic path through Veterans Walk and Talk, a safe place for veterans to ask questions about PTSD, depression, and psychedelic therapy. He talks about the veteran friends he lost to suicide, and how they reappeared to him in his first journey, allowing him to transform survivor’s guilt. Will also discusses something vital — that sometimes the psychedelic experience can reopen old wounds and send an individual into the depths of their own darkness, which is why support and integration after journeys are so important. Will is also the operations manager at Fireside Project, a psychedelic peer support line. Will’s story is a powerful example of the potential for psychedelic therapy to help veterans.   [00:03:04] High hopes, easy job, then deployment. [00:04:40] Training in Italy, constant incoming fire in Iraq. [00:08:37] Rockets flown over head constantly. [00:13:45] Air Force friends bond, cope with struggles. [00:19:33] Veteran finds solace in Veterans Walk and Talk. [00:23:17] Life-changing ceremony: letting go and gratitude. [00:26:52] Intensity and chaos help him cope and thrive. [00:29:50] Ketamine didn't feel psychedelic, yet changed brain. [00:36:11] A post-psychedelic suicidal moment. [00:38:37] Cannabis meditation provided a transformative experience to heal from suicidal ideation. [00:41:20] Transformative experiences with ayahuasca and psilocybin. [00:46:07] Integration through showing up and being oneself. [00:49:19] Psychedelic peer support line for challenging journeys. [00:54:50] Trusting process, proud of work, exciting future. [00:56:53] Veterans Walk and Talk

    58 min
  6. 07/12/2023

    Combining Psychedelic Therapy with Service Dog Training for Veterans with PTSD

    On this episode, Anthony Longo of Warrior's Choice Foundation discusses animal-assisted therapy for combat veterans and his work of integrating that with psychedelic therapy. Warriors Choice uses service dogs to help veterans identify their needs and work through problems. Along with animal-assisted therapy, we explore Anthony's personal journey with psychedelics and how it has helped him find the right path for himself and through PTSD. Join us as we discuss the importance of working with service dogs and using psychedelic therapy for veterans seeking healing.   [00:01:15] School wasn't for him, joined Marines instead. [00:04:37] Infantry communication specialist assists in combat missions. [00:06:46] Re-enlistment attempt for firefighter role. [00:11:30] Mental health labels affect people unfairly. [00:14:15] Warriors Choice helps combat vets find peace. [00:19:24] Navigating psychedelics led to self-reflection and growth. [00:22:34] Relationships ebb and flow with life changes. [00:24:17] Individuals explore ceremonies, find closure & change. [00:30:16] Dog sheds coat after owner's 5 MEO-DMT journey. [00:35:06] Acceptance and psychedelics  [00:39:00] Build with dog for self pride, ownership, support [00:42:28] Tailored service dogs, user takes ownership, specific needs. [00:43:53] Select applicants based on fit. [00:49:30] Growing organization gaining traction with funding/support. [00:52:01] Training for quick response. [00:55:35] Ketamine and psychedelics for personal growth. [00:57:57] Collaboration potential with veteran psychedelic organizations.

    59 min

About

Veterans tell their amazing stories of healing and transformation through psychedelic-assisted therapy. They have experienced journeys through combat, the chaos of emergencies, multiple psychiatric medications, addiction, estrangement by loved ones, and career loss. But each one found their way back by facing their biggest fears and darkest shadows—and unearthing aspects of themselves they didn't know existed. Now they want to help other veterans and first responders find the same path to healing when nothing else has worked. These stories are part of a Psychedelic Story Series book project. For more info, go to https://veterans4psychedelictherapy.com/. If you'd like to support production costs for this podcast, please consider donating at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/veterans4psychedelic ... ...or https://www.buymeacoffee.com/elainemarshall -- thank you!

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