Well, folks, hold onto your hats because it seems Washington might actually be onto something useful for a change. In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, 80 members of Congress are pushing for a treatment that could genuinely help our veterans – and it’s not your grandma’s apple pie. We’re talking about MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, and before you clutch your pearls, let’s dive into why this matters and why you should keep reading.
The Push for PTSD Treatment
In a surprising twist, Democrats and Republicans are joining forces to urge President Biden and the FDA to fast-track the consideration of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. This isn’t just another bureaucratic shuffle; it’s a potential lifeline for thousands of veterans who’ve been battling the invisible wounds of war.
The numbers are stark: approximately 6,000 veterans die by suicide annually, with over 150,000 suicides since 9/11. Current PTSD treatments are falling short, leaving about 13 million U.S. adults grappling with the disorder each year. It’s clear that something needs to change, and fast.
In a show of bipartisanship, 80 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have united in letters urging Biden and the FDA to further consider studies on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD https://t.co/0loHrjaEO1
— WKBT News 8 (@news8news) August 5, 2024
The Controversy and the Clock
The FDA is set to make a decision on MDMA for PTSD treatment by August 11, but it’s not without its share of controversy. Some FDA advisers have raised questions about the integrity of the trial and missing safety data. However, the bipartisan group of lawmakers isn’t buying these concerns hook, line, and sinker.
“It is our understanding that while these critics may be well-intentioned, their criticism is not necessarily reflective of the science, but rather their personal ideological beliefs and biases related to the medicalization of substances like MDMA,” – House letter
MDMA, currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, could be on the brink of a major reclassification. This isn’t just about changing a label; it’s about potentially changing lives.
Veterans’ Voices and Political Support
Leading the charge in the House of Representatives is Rep. Jack Bergman, a retired three-star general. But he’s not alone. Veteran service organizations and individual veterans have thrown their support behind making MDMA-assisted therapy accessible.
“The evidence is clear: MDMA-AT is a safe and effective form of therapy for our veterans who suffer from invisible wounds of service.” – Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich.
Rep. Morgan Luttrell, a Texas Republican and former Navy SEAL, has even shared his personal experience with psychedelic treatments received in Mexico. This isn’t just politicians talking; it’s veterans advocating for their fellow servicemembers.
The VA is already preparing for the potential approval of MDMA-assisted therapy. It’s a sign that this isn’t just a pipe dream but a real possibility on the horizon.
Sources
- With FDA decision looming, bipartisan group of lawmakers urge support for MDMA to treat PTSD
- Why 80 lawmakers are urging Joe Biden to re-examine the medical use of MDMA
- With FDA decision looming, bipartisan group of lawmakers urge support for MDMA to treat PTSD
