Veterans reported lower PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation scores; researchers call for controlled trials and rigorous safety monitoring
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) today announced the publication of a study led by researchers at The Ohio State University's Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education. Published in Chronic Stress, the study followed 113 U.S. military veterans who received VETS Foundational Healing Grants and underwent treatment with both ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT in Mexico, the largest data set yet collected on these treatments.
The veterans completed surveys before treatment and at one week, three months and nine months afterward. Ninety completed the nine-month assessment. Researchers found large, statistically significant reductions in self-reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal ideation, compared with scores before treatment.
VETS grants include VETS wrap-around support such as preparation and integration coaching and optional access to various group engagements (e.g., workshops, classes, etc.) on the VETS online community platform.
The study also examined psychological flexibility: the ability to respond to difficult thoughts and feelings while acting in line with personal values. Participants reported increased flexibility after treatment. Exploratory analyses found that early gains in flexibility were associated with later improvements in PTSD symptoms, a relationship that requires testing in controlled research.
"We're encouraged by what this study shows," said Amber Capone, Co-Founder and CEO of VETS. "Following our grant recipients over nine months has given us a fuller picture of their experience after treatment, and we look forward to sharing these findings with the broader research and clinical community, while continuing to advocate for more rigorous clinical trials. Tremendous thanks to the veterans and researchers who made this study possible."
The research builds on earlier retrospective work by study lead Alan K. Davis, PhD, and colleagues. For the new study, VETS referred grant recipients to the Ohio State research team and funded the work alongside the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education.
"The nine-month follow-up gives us a clearer picture of what veterans reported after treatment, including substantial reductions in PTSD and other symptoms," said Alan K. Davis, PhD, lead author of the study. "These findings are encouraging, but controlled trials and direct medical monitoring are needed to determine what caused the improvements and assess the treatment's safety."
The findings cannot establish that the treatment caused the reported improvements. The study had no comparison group, relied on participant surveys and included a selected group of veterans seeking treatment. Nearly half reported additional psychedelic use by the nine-month follow-up. Because participants received both ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, the study also cannot determine the contribution of either substance on its own.
The researchers call for randomized trials with standardized treatment procedures, objective cardiovascular monitoring and longer-term follow-up.
About Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)
Founded in 2019, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic through three core pillars: resources, research, and advocacy. VETS provides access to psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans and their spouses, supports scientific research with leading institutions, and works with policymakers to advance evidence-based treatment options for traumatic brain injury, PTSD, addiction, and other service-related conditions. Since its founding, VETS has supported more than 1,400 veterans and spouses with treatment access and comprehensive integration support.
About the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE)
The Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) at The Ohio State University advances the study of psychedelic substances through interdisciplinary research, education, and community service. Its work aims to support responsible, accessible, and ethical approaches to psychedelic science.
Media Contact
Brad Burge, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VET)S, 1 6508636887, [email protected], https://vetsolutions.org
SOURCE Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VET)S
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