By Dr. Lori Camper, VETS’ Programs Director
Every April, during the Month of the Military Child, we pause to honor unique challenges and sacrifices experienced by veteran families. At VETS, we understand that when veterans struggle with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and addiction, the impact extends beyond the individual—it affects the entire family unit.
Research shows that veterans are four times more likely than civilians to experience mental health challenges, including anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, and suicidal ideation (Olenick et al., 2015). These conditions can create emotional and psychological barriers, straining relationships with spouses and children.
However, numerous studies (Alahmari, 2022; Carhart et al., 2017; Cherian et al., 2024; Davis et al., 2018, 2020, 2021; Lowe et al., 2022; Nicholls, 2020; and Nutt, 2019) have shown that psychedelic-assisted therapies, such as those supported through VETS Foundational Healing Grants, are emerging as promising options for veterans with complex, treatment-resistant conditions. Among these, ibogaine has shown notable potential in helping veterans find clarity, emotional regulation, and renewed presence within their families.
How Ibogaine Treatment Strengthens Families
Mental health struggles can create distance between veterans and their loved ones. When these symptoms are reduced or managed, families can begin to heal together. Here’s how ibogaine-assisted therapy contributes to healthier family relationships:
- Improved Communication
Before Treatment: Veterans struggling with mental health often withdraw emotionally, avoid discussing their feelings, or react with irritability, making open conversations difficult.
After Treatment: Veterans may feel more comfortable expressing their emotions and thoughts, fostering deeper understanding within the family. Open communication reduces misunderstandings and strengthens emotional connections.
- Increased Emotional Availability
Before Treatment: Veterans may feel emotionally numb or detached, making it difficult to connect with their partner or children. This can lead to feelings of isolation for their loved ones.
After Treatment: With improved emotional wellbeing, veterans can engage more fully in relationships, expressing love, support, and affection.This helps strengthen bonds and create a greater sense of security for family members.
- Reduced Irritability and Aggression
Before Treatment: Mood swings and heightened irritability can create an unstable home environment, leaving family members feeling like they must walk on eggshells.
After Treatment: Veterans often experience a significant reduction in anger and emotional volatility. A calmer, more stable home environment can lead to fewer conflicts and a more peaceful family dynamic.
- Increased Patience and Empathy
Before Treatment: Emotional distance and behavioral changes may lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and strained relationships.
After Treatment: Veterans may become more understanding and patient with their loved ones. This mutual empathy fosters a more compassionate ans supportive family environment.
- Improved Parenting and Co-Parenting
Before Treatment: Some veterans may struggle to engage with their children due to emotional detachment, stress intolerance, or avoidance of family responsibilities.
After Treatment: As symptoms improve, veterans may become more present and engaged as parents, creating healthier, more consistent relationships with their children. This strengthens the overall family unit and eases the parenting load for their spouse or co-parent.
- Overall Family Stability and Well-being
Before Treatment: Poor mental health can disrupt family stability, contributing to financial stress, ongoing conflict, and emotional disconnection.
After Treatment: As veterans regain control over their mental health, the entire family benefits. A more supportive and secure home environment promotes overall well-being and resilience for all family members.
A Future of Healing and Connection
Ibogaine-assisted therapy can offer veterans more than just symptom-relief—it helps rebuild the emotional foundations of their relationships.
By fostering better communication, emotional availability, and a healthier home environment, families can heal and grow together.VETS’ Foundational Healing Grants play a critical role in restoring stability and strengthening the bonds that make military families resilient.
Join Us in Supporting the Next Generation of Military Families
This Month of the Military Child, let’s remember that when a veteran heals, families thrive. Learn how you can support VETS’ mission to provide transformative healing opportunities for veterans and their loved ones.
References
Alahmari, A. (2022, March 29). Neuroimaging documentation of psychedelic drugs effect on the brain: DMT, LSD, psilocybin, and ibogaine as examples: A mini review. International Journal of Neurobiology 4. https://doi.org/10.36266/IJN/144
Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Goodwin, G. M. (2017). The therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: Past, present, and future. Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(11), 2105-2113.
Cherian, K. N., Keynan, J. N., Anker, L., Faerman, A., Brown, R. E., Shamma, A., … & Williams, N. R. (2024). Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries. Nature medicine, 30(2), 373-381.
Davis, A. K., Barsuglia, J. P., Lancelotta, R., Grant, R. M., & Renn, E. (2018). The epidemiology of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) use: Benefits, consequences, patterns of use, subjective effects, and reasons for consumption. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(7), 779-792.
Davis, A. K., Averill, L. A., Sepeda, N. D., Barsuglia, J. P., & Amoroso, T. (2020). Psychedelic treatment for trauma-related psychological and cognitive impairment among US special operations forces veterans. Chronic Stress, 4, 2470547020939564.
Davis, A. K., Barrett, F. S., May, D. G., Cosimano, M. P., Sepeda, N. D., Johnson, M. W., … & Griffiths, R. R. (2021). Effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy on major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(5), 481-489.
Lowe, H., Toyang, N., Steele, B., Grant, J., Ali, A., Gordon, L., & Ngwa, W. (2022). Psychedelics: Alternative and potential therapeutic options for treating mood and anxiety disorders. Molecules, 27(8), 2520.
Nicholls, C. D. (2019). Innovating the craft of phenomenological research methods through mindfulness. Methodological Innovations, 12(2).
Nutt, D. (2022). Psychedelic drugs—A new era in psychiatry?. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.
Olenick, M., Flowers, M., & Diaz, V. J. (2015). US veterans and their unique issues: Enhancing health care professional awareness. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 6, 635-639.
About Dr. Lori Camper, VETS Program Director
Dr. Lori Camper has worked with Special Operations Forces (SOF) families for over a decade, focusing on solutions for the unique stressors they face. She holds a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in trauma and crisis counseling and is a certified Psychedelic Integration Coach.
For her dissertation, she conducted a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of SOF veterans undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy with ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT.