$1.5 million research will explore MDMA-assisted treatment for PTSD and alcohol use disorder in veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said Dec. 3 it will fund a study on Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted, or MDMA-assisted, therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol-use disorder among Veterans.
This is the first VA-funded study for psychedelic-assisted therapy since the 1960s.
VA researchers affiliated with Brown University and Yale University will evaluate the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment option for veterans with both PTSD and alcohol-use disorder. Participants will receive psychotherapy sessions in conjunction with MDMA. Some participants will be randomly chosen to receive an active placebo, which will be a lower dose of MDMA.
The study is scheduled to take place at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island and the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut and is anticipated to begin enrollment in fiscal year 2025. The grant award is approximately $1.5 million over five years.
This funding is a part of VA’s broader effort announced in January to gather definitive scientific evidence on the potential efficacy and safety of psychedelic compounds such as MDMA and psilocybin when used in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat veterans with PTSD, depression and other related conditions.
“VA is on the cutting edge of clinical research for veteran health, including in the investigation of psychedelics for mental health,” said Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal. “This study will give us better insight into the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for veterans.”