Local veterans find relief through psilocybin
According to the VA’s 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, there were 6,146 veteran suicides in 2020 – an average of 16.8 each day… “I know what I need for my mental health. Antidepressants are just not a part of the equation,” he said. “I know my needs better than anyone.”
After traumatic experiences during his two tours… hesitated when his friend first offered him psilocybin – more commonly known as magic mushrooms – but decided to try it. For veterans… psilocybin can put them in a contemplative state and let them interact with their thoughts, feelings and experiences – rather than relying on the assistance of a therapist. It was as if he’d put on prescription glasses after a lifetime without them. “You don’t realize how bad your vision is until you put those glasses on,” he said… “(Psilocybin) is something you can take and then can process trauma… it’s therapy, but on steroids.” …began microdosing regularly by ingesting small amounts of the psychedelic every morning with his coffee. Although using psilocybin outside of therapeutic centers is not legal in Oregon… said everything seemed a little more vibrant and he was able to think in a different way when he used them.
Original Article (Redmond Spokesman):
Local veterans find relief through psilocybin
Artwork Fair Use: Daderot
