JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Food and Drug Administration held a public hearing Monday on the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, as researchers study whether the treatment could help patients who have not responded to traditional options. In a military community like Jacksonville, that conversation hits close to home for many veterans.
Seven out of every 100 military veterans will be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The FDA is taking a closer look at the use of psychedelics to treat mental health disorders and PTSD after President Trump signed an executive order in April.
Jacksonville veterans share personal perspectives
Randy Price, a Navy veteran, knows that reality well.
“The same people we served with, you know, some of them come back and they’re doing a great job, and some of them are actually struggling,” Price said.
For the Wounded Warrior Project in Jacksonville, research into psychedelic-assisted therapy has already been underway for years. John Eaton, vice president of Complex Care at Wounded Warrior Project, says the findings so far are encouraging.
“We have throughout the last five years directed research around combining evidence-based treatment with psychedelic-assisted therapy — we’re seeing really promising results,” Eaton said. “That is really driving the future of how we’re thinking about treating PTSD.”
Safety concerns remain at center of debate
Still, questions about safety linger. Research shows psychedelics like ibogaine carry strong potential for addiction, raising concerns about whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Those questions resonate deeply with veterans in the Jacksonville community. Jacqueline Price, a Navy veteran and Randy’s wife, says she’s open to exploring new options.
“The human mind is just so complex, and I think we’re all trying to figure it out still. And for that reason, I’m all about it. You know, if there’s something that’s available that can be helpful, yes, I would say yes,” she said.
Her husband Randy remains more cautious.
“You literally just don’t know how it’s going to turn out. It could go good, but it could be worse than it was when it started. So,” Randy Price said.
Eaton says that uncertainty is precisely why continued research is critical.
“You know, when it comes to the risk, that’s the benefit of investing in research. What we’re doing today is to look at, you know, what is the appropriate dose of psychedelic medication? What is the indication? Who’s a good fit? Also, what is the type of follow-on care that’s necessary?” Eaton said.
Research continues as FDA weighs next steps
Speaking at Monday’s public hearing, Eaton underscored the urgency of the issue for the veteran community.
“Veterans continue to struggle despite the expansion of available resources. Our warrior survey underscores this point — with more than 3 in 4 warriors reporting living with symptoms of PTSD, suicide or anxiety,” Eaton said.
For now, psychedelics will continue to be studied as a possible tool before gaining approval for clinical treatment. The FDA will continue evaluating evidence around psychedelic therapies, while the Department of Veterans Affairs conducts further clinical trials with select patients.
Monday’s hearing marks a potential step closer to the future of PTSD care — one that many Jacksonville veterans are watching closely.
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