Ecstasy Used to Help Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

By Ginny Estupinian

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, is one of the most debilitating mental conditions that war veterans often experience. As the latest information from the Veterans Administration continues to show, untreated veterans suffering from PTSD have committed suicide.  A new study called the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a new drug approach to treating PTSD. The study will use the drug commonly referred to as ecstasy as a way to help patients work through their crippling traumas. According to MAPS, the protocol has shown some previous positive results in helping people deal with anxiety related problems. Of course there is a significant amount of controversy surrounding the use of this drug due to its popularity as a recreational and illegal substance. However, as some researchers have stated, when it comes to medical research and finding solutions for people who suffer from PTSD, we have to be able to distinguish drug policy from medical treatment.

 

It is fantastic that research is being conducted that addresses the need to help veterans with PTSD and potentially reduce the growing suicide rate among veterans. It is important to note that the use of medication alone is not sufficient enough to help veterans integrate trauma into their normal lives. The research being conducted highlights the need to combine medication with psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Early Intervention Program Helps Prevent Suicide Deaths in Veterans

Ginny Estupinian

The Associated Press announced on February 11, 2008 that the state of Massachusetts has launched a new suicide prevention program directed to helping save the lives of veterans.  Many of you might have read some recent reports showing that Veterans who are dealing with post traumatic stress disorder are prone to suicide and the lack of sufficent resources to help these veterans. The new program called “SAVE” for Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment is designed to reach out to veterans and their families and discuss the benefits and services that are available.  In many states there are established programs to help veterans, but a common problem is the lack of awareness by those needing the services the most. The fact that the state of Massachusetts is investing in this out reach program is commendable and I sincerely hope that it will make a difference encouraging other states to follow their lead.