For many veterans returning from combat, the battle does not end on the battlefield. For Army Ranger Jesse Gould, the struggle manifested as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries following three deployments to Afghanistan. Faced with hyper-vigilance, depression, and a reliance on alcohol to cope, Gould found himself caught in a cycle common to many service members: a reliance on traditional “maintenance” treatments like talk therapy and daily medication that manage symptoms rather than resolving the underlying trauma.
Seeking a more permanent solution, Gould turned to psychedelics—a move that has since transformed his life and led him to launch the Heroic Hearts Project, a non-profit providing psilocybin and ayahuasca retreats specifically for veterans.
The Science of “Disrupting” Trauma
The interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy is not merely anecdotal; it is rooted in how these substances interact with the human brain. According to Joseph Zamaria, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco, psilocybin can disrupt the brain’s “default mode network.”
In practical terms, this means:
– Breaking repetitive thought patterns: Trauma often creates a “repetitive groove” in the mind where a person internalizes their experience (e.g., “I am ashamed” or “I am broken”).
– Detachment from identity: Psychedelics can allow individuals to detach from these self-referential, harmful narratives.
– Enhanced learning: The “heightened state of learning” induced by these substances may allow patients to process and integrate traumatic memories more effectively.
Recent research supports this potential. A 2025 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology involving 22 adults with PTSD suggested that psilocybin, when administered alongside psychological support, is safe, well-tolerated, and linked to symptomatic improvement.
A Legislative Tug-of-War
As the clinical evidence grows, so does a wave of legislative action across the United States. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to grant full approval for these treatments, several states are moving ahead independently:
- Legalized for therapeutic use: Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon.
- Under consideration: At least eight other states, including Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, and New York.
This movement has created a divide between grassroots advocates and medical traditionalists. On one side, lawmakers like Minnesota Representative Andy Smith argue that the current toolkit for treating PTSD and substance use disorder is insufficient for the needs of a generation shaped by the Iraq War.
On the other side, experts like Albert Garcia-Romeu of Johns Hopkins University urge caution. While acknowledging that psilocybin is relatively safe, he warns of:
– Unknown risks: Potential for psychotic or manic episodes in certain individuals.
– Lack of standardization: The danger of “clunky” state-by-state regulations rather than uniform, authoritative FDA guidelines.
The Urgency of the Crisis
The debate over whether to wait for federal approval is often framed as a choice between caution and progress. However, for advocates like Gould, the “wait and see” approach carries a human cost that is already being paid.
The urgency is driven by a grim reality: The suicide rate among U.S. veterans is more than double that of the general population. In 2023, the rate stood at 35 deaths per 100,000 veterans, according to the CDC.
To mitigate risks, organizations like the Heroic Hearts Project implement rigorous safety protocols. Gould emphasizes that their retreats are not “free-for-alls”; they utilize a robust intake process that excludes individuals with predispositions to schizophrenia or certain bipolar disorders. By focusing on screening, preparation, and integration, the project has hosted over 1,500 veterans without a single reported psychotic episode.
“I think something bad is already happening with veterans because they are taking their own lives,” says Gould. “I prefer [state-led solutions] than just saying, ‘Hey, there is no other option.'”
Conclusion
As the medical community weighs the rigorous safety of FDA approval against the immediate, life-saving potential of psychedelic therapy, the movement led by veterans suggests that for those in the midst of a mental health crisis, waiting for perfect regulation may not be an option.
