JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville veterans share personal perspectives<\/p>\n
Randy Price, a Navy veteran, knows that reality well.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same people we served with, you know, some of them come back and they\u2019re doing a great job, and some of them are actually struggling,\u201d Price said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have throughout the last five years directed research around combining evidence-based treatment with psychedelic-assisted therapy \u2014 we\u2019re seeing really promising results,\u201d Eaton said. \u201cThat is really driving the future of how we\u2019re thinking about treating PTSD.\u201d<\/p>\n
Safety concerns remain at center of debate<\/p>\n
Still, questions about safety linger. Research shows psychedelics like ibogaine carry strong potential for addiction, raising concerns about whether the benefits outweigh the risks.<\/p>\n
Those questions resonate deeply with veterans in the Jacksonville community. Jacqueline Price, a Navy veteran and Randy\u2019s wife, says she\u2019s open to exploring new options.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe human mind is just so complex, and I think we\u2019re all trying to figure it out still. And for that reason, I\u2019m all about it. You know, if there\u2019s something that\u2019s available that can be helpful, yes, I would say yes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Her husband Randy remains more cautious.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou literally just don\u2019t know how it\u2019s going to turn out. It could go good, but it could be worse than it was when it started. So,\u201d Randy Price said.<\/p>\n
Eaton says that uncertainty is precisely why continued research is critical.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, when it comes to the risk, that\u2019s the benefit of investing in research. What we\u2019re doing today is to look at, you know, what is the appropriate dose of psychedelic medication? What is the indication? Who\u2019s a good fit? Also, what is the type of follow-on care that\u2019s necessary?\u201d Eaton said.<\/p>\n
Research continues as FDA weighs next steps<\/p>\n
Speaking at Monday\u2019s public hearing, Eaton underscored the urgency of the issue for the veteran community.<\/p>\n
\u201cVeterans continue to struggle despite the expansion of available resources. Our warrior survey underscores this point \u2014 with more than 3 in 4 warriors reporting living with symptoms of PTSD, suicide or anxiety,\u201d Eaton said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Monday\u2019s hearing marks a potential step closer to the future of PTSD care \u2014 one that many Jacksonville veterans are watching closely.<\/p>\n
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