The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, must prioritize their efforts to implement solutions for the members of the American military, both women and men, who make up the most respected institution in our country. It is alarming to see a daily increase in suicides within this small population, with 44 suicides per day, which is already an unacceptable number. Furthermore, a recent report conducted by a non-profit organization that focuses on veterans suggests that the number of veteran suicides is underreported by more than half.
Despite having complete control over everything, it can be challenging to find a veteran who has no regrets about their service. It haunts us when we realize that there is no guarantee of security, even when we should be able to sleep peacefully. America, the well-wisher of independence and freedom, still occasionally sends our military abroad to seek out and destroy monsters.
Various methods – the current solutions are not effective, we must address this unacceptable pattern. Special Operations Forces (SOF), who experienced the majority of counter-terror operations in the past 20 years, are found to have a 30% higher suicide rate than conventional military. Post-traumatic stress (PTS), substance use disorders, and isolation contribute to the likelihood of suicide, or thoughts of suicide, among the veteran population. Promising research and personal accounts have demonstrated alternative treatments for the numerous leading causes of suicide. If there is a remedy – or potential for remedy – we are obligated to implement solutions with the same determination that these service members and veterans demonstrated for our nation.
There are alternative treatments available to active-duty service members that show promise. Acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, and yoga have been used to reduce levels of PTS in service members, both those who have self-selected to be treated and those returning from deployment. It is important for us to continue pushing for more solutions to combat the current rates of suicide. Acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, and yoga have shown positive results specifically when used with naturally occurring psychedelic fungi, such as psilocybin. A recent publication by the Veterans Affairs found evidence that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and psychedelics can improve the severity of PTSD symptoms and lead to meaningful clinical remission. The VA also stated that psilocybin shows promise for assessing and positively impacting depression. The use of psychedelics, along with psychotherapy, can significantly reduce alcohol use and suicidal thoughts among patients with brain injuries or PTS. We owe it to servicemembers who have put everything on the line to treat the invisible wounds of war and to promote the science behind psychedelics, instead of perpetuating past prejudices. The Special Operations Association of America (SOAA.Org) commends Bergman and Correa Representatives for taking steps like creating the new PACT caucus, which shows leadership in breakthrough therapies.
We will continue to work with congressional partners and leaders to promote effective implementation and research aimed at reversing this alarming trend because today, fewer honorable veterans will be there when the sun sets, families will eat dinner without a loved one, and people will mourn the loss of a daughter or son, sister, brother, father, mother, or friend.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please seek help from the Veteran Crisis Line: https://www.Veteranscrisisline.Net/about/about-us/ or dial 988, then press