Wes Martin
Stars and Stripes
Originally posted 23 Jan 25
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among veterans is nearly 60% higher than the general population. It is one of the leading causes of deaths among veterans under the age of 45. Post-traumatic stress disorder being left untreated or mistreated adds to the problem. PTSD leads to overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, emotional numbness and isolation. These are directly linked to suicidal ideation. Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, anger and avoidance behaviors severely disrupt daily functioning, further exacerbating depression and making recovery feel impossible. Self-medicating with substances like alcohol or drugs — common for those suffering — can further compound the issue.
A broad stroke of traditional medication and talk therapy is not enough to combat the complexities involved in this crisis. Often when addressing PTSD and other mental health related treatments, heavy pharmaceuticals will be applied. This method is rife with dangerous drug side-effects coinciding with the risk of reliance and addiction to a drug not specifically adept at correcting the misfiring brain chemistry. It can be a “wet-blanket” effect, leaving patients feeling empty or zombie-like while simply going through the motions of life.
Emerging treatments such as psychedelics are being explored with comprehensive medical evaluation as long-term recovery options. Ibogaine is one example. Derived from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga, ibogaine has been studied for its potential to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety. Recent research indicates that ibogaine can effectively reduce those symptoms in veterans with traumatic brain injuries.
Here are some thoughts:
The suicide rate among veterans is nearly 60% higher than the general population, with PTSD being a major contributor. Untreated PTSD leads to hopelessness, emotional numbness, and isolation, often exacerbated by self-medication with substances. Traditional treatments like pharmaceuticals and talk therapy are often insufficient, risking side effects and addiction without addressing root causes. Emerging treatments, such as ibogaine—a psychedelic derived from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga—show promise. Ibogaine promotes neuroplasticity and may "reset" brain pathways damaged by trauma, potentially reversing PTSD-related changes. Companies like mPath Therapeutics Corp. are developing safe, regulated ibogaine treatments. Prioritizing innovative, evidence-based therapies like ibogaine could significantly reduce PTSD, depression, and suicide rates among veterans, offering hope for long-term recovery.
