Help End Addiction, Depression, and Suicide
The Tragic Cascade: A Veteran Mental Health Crisis
01 — The Silent Epidemic
Brain injuries are an invisible wound of war. From roadside bombs to rocket attacks, combat veterans face risks that cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even from seemingly minor concussions. Repeated injuries lead to cognitive decline, impacting memory, decision-making, and emotional health. Left untreated, TBIs are the most costly injuries for our veteran community, setting the stage for deeper struggles and a devastating cascade: addiction, depression, and, too often, suicide.
02 — Addiction as a Coping Mechanism
The trauma of combat and brain injuries often pushes veterans to self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or even VA-prescribed narcotics. These substances, meant to ease pain, can lead to addiction, trapping veterans in a cycle of dependency that worsens their physical and mental health.
03 — Depression and Isolation
Addiction, intertwined with PTSD, often leads to isolation and profound depression. Drugs and alcohol disrupt the body’s natural balance, intensifying mental health challenges. For even the most resilient veterans, the weight of isolation and despair can feel unbearable.
04 — Suicide’s Lasting Impact
Veterans with a history of concussions are three times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. With most combat veterans experiencing at least one concussion, the risk is alarmingly high. Suicide not only ends a veteran’s life but leaves lasting trauma for families and communities, perpetuating a cycle of pain.
05 — A Path to Healing
We believe this cycle can be broken. Through innovative treatments like psychedelic therapy, early intervention, and community support, we can address brain injuries, addiction, and depression to prevent suicide. Join us in offering hope and healing to those who served.
Veterans with concussions are 3x more likely to die by suicide.
Heal the Invisible Wounds of War
Our mission is to raise awareness, fund innovative treatments like psychedelic therapy, and build a community of support for combat veterans and their families.
Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic therapy involves the use of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin or MDMA, under controlled and supervised conditions to treat mental health disorders. This approach has shown promise in addressing conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction by facilitating profound psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs. The therapy typically combines the administration of the psychedelic compound with guided sessions led by trained professionals, ensuring safety and maximizing therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of psychedelic therapy to offer long-lasting benefits, making it a growing area of interest in both clinical research and mental health treatment.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound found in certain mushrooms, has shown promising potential in treating addiction, depression, and suicidal ideation by fundamentally altering brain function and perception. When administered in controlled, therapeutic settings, psilocybin can help break entrenched patterns of thought and behavior, offering new perspectives that enable individuals to confront and process underlying traumas and emotional pain. This profound mental reset often leads to reduced cravings, improved mood, and a renewed sense of purpose, thereby supporting lasting recovery and mental health improvements. Through guided therapy, psilocybin facilitates deeper self-awareness and emotional healing, making it a powerful tool in addressing some of the most challenging mental health crises.
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic infusion originating from the Amazon rainforest, primarily composed of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis plant, which contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT). For veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ayahuasca has shown potential benefits by facilitating deep processes of introspection and emotional healing. The active compounds in the brew may help reduce anxiety, fear, and depressive symptoms associated with PTSD, providing a therapeutic experience that promotes the integration of repressed traumas and psychological well-being. However, its use should be supervised by professionals due to its potency and intense psychedelic effects.
Ketamine
Ketamine is emerging as a promising treatment for veterans suffering from conditions such as PTSD, depression, and chronic pain, offering new hope where traditional therapies may have failed. By interacting with the brain's neurotransmitter systems, ketamine can rapidly alleviate symptoms and promote emotional healing, helping veterans regain a sense of stability and well-being. This innovative approach underscores the importance of exploring diverse treatment options to support those who have served, ultimately improving quality of life and enabling a stronger transition back to civilian life.
MDMA
MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug known primarily for its stimulant and hallucinogenic properties, producing effects such as increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth, and altered sensory perception. Commonly referred to as "ecstasy" or "molly," MDMA increases the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
Beyond its recreational use, recent research has explored MDMA's therapeutic potential, particularly in helping veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Controlled clinical studies have shown that MDMA-assisted therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms by fostering emotional openness, reducing fear responses, and enhancing the therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist. This innovative approach offers hope for veterans who have not found relief through conventional treatments, providing a path toward improved mental health and quality of life.
We strongly encourage veterans considering psychedelic therapy to seek it exclusively under the guidance of qualified medical professionals within legally regulated and controlled settings. While emerging research highlights potential therapeutic benefits, unsupervised or recreational use poses significant health risks and legal consequences. It is important to approach psychedelic treatment with informed caution, recognizing both its promise and limitations, particularly for those with trauma-related conditions. Prioritizing safety and professional care ensures the best possible outcomes.