A history and future of psychedelics: The case of the Canadian military
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health – December 01, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling shift is underway regarding psychedelics and military personnel. Historically, drugs like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin were associated with anti-war movements or misuse. However, recent clinical evidence within Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggests these hallucinogens hold significant potential for treating mental health conditions prevalent in military psychiatry and psychology, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. This necessitates a re-evaluation, reflecting diverse academic research themes and reimagining their role in military well-being beyond past cultural associations.
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY The historical relationship between psychedelic drugs and the military has often been characterized in terms of drug misuse or the connection between drugs like d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or psilocybin (magic mushrooms) contributing to anti-war sentiments. Recent clinical evidence, however, suggests these cultural associations may be overshadowing the potential for psychedelic drug treatments for particular disorders prevalent across military personnel, including posttraumatic stress disorder. This article offers a historical overview of psychedelics and their association with anti-war activism alongside the clinical recognition of mental disorders within the military that led to the need to reimagine the relationship between psychedelics and mental illnesses within the military.