ABOUT Psychedelics & PTSD
ABOUT PTSD
Where there is war, there is trauma.
Veteran PTSD is a profound mental health challenge in the United States. Nearly 50 years after the Vietnam War, an estimated 271,000 Vietnam veterans still live with PTSD. Today, the crisis continues among the more than 600,000 veterans of the post-9/11 wars who are currently experiencing PTSD.
The toll extends far beyond the individual. PTSD is often accompanied by depression, substance use, and family strain, and trauma can ripple across generations. In fact, more U.S. veterans have died by suicide since 9/11 than were killed in the wars themselves.
Traditional treatment programs alone are not enough. While these programs provide a critical foundation for care, they are often overstretched, drop out rates are high, and relief can be temporary. Only around 30% of those who pursue traditional treatments alone experience meaningful improvement.
But there is hope.
AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT HAS EMERGED
Psychedelic Healing for PTSD
A growing body of clinical research shows that psychedelic-assisted therapies can be highly effective in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, particularly for individuals who have not found relief through traditional treatments. Studies from institutions including Johns Hopkins, NYU, Imperial College London, and others continue to demonstrate promising outcomes across a range of psychedelic therapies.
The evidence is also reflected in our own work. Independent research on the Heroic Hearts Process has found that more than 80% of participating veterans reported meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in quality of life after completing the program. As we continue to conduct and support research, we’re helping build the evidence needed to expand access to these treatments for more veterans.
THE STATS
~30%
of veterans experience meaningful remission through traditional PTSD treatments alone.
80%
of veterans reported significant improvement after participating in the Heroic Hearts Process.
+1500
Veterans and Family members supported by Heroic Hearts Project to date.
About Psychedelics
Psychedelics are a class of compounds that can produce profound changes in perception, emotion, and awareness. When used in a safe, supportive, and carefully guided setting, these experiences can help people process trauma, gain new perspectives, and reconnect with themselves in ways that may not have been possible through traditional treatments alone.
A growing body of clinical research has demonstrated the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapies for conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, particularly for people who have not found lasting relief through conventional treatments. Researchers continue to study how these therapies may help address the invisible wounds of military service.
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHEDELICS For Veterans
If you’ve been living with PTSD, depression, anxiety, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, nightmares, or a sense that traditional treatments haven’t provided the relief you hoped for, learning about psychedelic-assisted programs may be a meaningful next step. Our free introductory video series was created specifically for veterans who are new to psychedelics and want to better understand how they can help.
FAQs
Is psychedelic therapy for PTSD FDA-approved or backed by science?
Can psychedelics help with traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
How do psychedelics affect the brain and help heal trauma?
How effective are psychedelic retreat programs for veterans?
Is psychedelic therapy legal in the United States?
Are psychedelic programs for PTSD safe? What are the risks?
The Veteran’s Field Manual for Psychedelics from Heroic Hearts Project
Written by Heroic Hearts Project Founder, Jesse Gould, this book offers a deep analysis of trauma, identity, and why psychedelic medicine is uniquely effective for service-related PTSD.
