Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Psychedelics Administered to Military Veterans in Naturalistic Retreat Settings.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Military veterans are at risk of various mental health conditions, with profound implications for post-deployment quality of life. Current treatment options encounter high dropout rates and non-responsiveness, and overlook the importance of community building in veterans' holistic recovery. Preliminary research suggests psychedelics offer therapeutic benefits for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. Integrating psychedelic therapies with a communal retreat setting could provide a more holistic framework for improving veterans' well-being.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of psychedelic retreats on mental health and community reintegration in veterans.

Methods

Fifty-eight veterans attended psilocybin or ayahuasca retreats. Part

SUBMITTER: Calnan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12230355 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature