By Sadeep Wickramasinghe 
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not encourage, promote, or endorse the use of illegal substances. The content reflects a personal experience and is not medical or legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals and respect local laws before making decisions related to psychedelics or mental health.
In a landmark return to Denver, Colorado, the Psychedelic Science Conference drew thousands of scientists, clinicians, and advocates for a five-day deep dive into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. With over 500 expert speakers, the event placed a strong emphasis on the growing use of MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in mental health treatment particularly for military veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This year’s gathering saw a strategic partnership between MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, which helped shape an extensive program focused on the concept of “psychedelic healing for veterans.” The sessions underscored emerging research and real-world applications showing how psychedelics could transform PTSD care.
While PTSD can affect anyone, its impact is disproportionately high among survivors of violence, trauma, and combat. In the U.S., data suggests that nearly 7% of military veterans will face PTSD at some point in their lives. The trend is similarly troubling in the UK, where a 2024 report by King’s College London found that 11% of current and former Armed Forces personnel are living with probable PTSD up from 6% less than a decade ago.
As clinical trials and patient testimonies continue to mount, many experts believe psychedelic-assisted therapies could mark a revolutionary shift in how we treat trauma-related mental illness.