VA Funds $1.5 Million Study on Psychedelic Therapy for PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder, First in Over 50 Years

Dec 3, 2024, 05:58 PM

Recent developments in psychedelic therapy research indicate a growing interest in the use of psilocybin and MDMA for treating various mental health conditions. A new research review suggests that psilocybin therapy may effectively address both alcohol use disorder and depression simultaneously, highlighting the interconnectedness of these conditions. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a $1.5 million funding initiative for a study on psychedelic-assisted therapy, marking the first VA-funded research in over 50 years. This study will focus on MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD and alcohol use disorder. In addition, states like Oregon and Colorado are leading the way in psychedelic legalization, permitting supervised psilocybin use, although high costs ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per session limit accessibility. Other states are also considering similar legislation as bipartisan support for therapeutic use of psychedelics grows, while the FDA continues to review these substances as potential breakthrough therapies.