The Australian Psychedelic Society (APS) has set up a Veterans and First Responders group to share news and resources focusing on mental health support, clinical trials, job opportunities, and educational programs. Through discussions, the group aims to address issues and find solutions, with the opportunity to get involved through meetups, events, and advocacy.

The group is open to veterans and first responders, their families, friends and advocates. You can join through social media or by emailing the APS on info@psychedelicsociety.org.au 

“Despite intensive treatment in the mainstream medical system, it was not until I encountered psychedelics that I found any meaningful relief from my symptoms.”

We spoke with Steve McDonald, who is a co-founder of the not-for-profit and charitable organisation Psychedelics in Science and Medicine (PRISM). In 2020, PRISM helped to initiate an Australian clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, in collaboration with Edith Cowan University.

“As a war veteran who has also worked as a first responder in civil emergency services, I've suffered from complex PTSD and major depression. Despite intensive treatment in the mainstream medical system, it was not until I encountered psychedelics that I found any meaningful relief from my symptoms.”

The PRISM team also helped to initiate Australia’s first clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, for anxiety and depression associated with terminal illness, at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, along with a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression.

The issues faced by veterans and first responders are more than just personal, with effects felt through families and the community. The 2022 census recorded more than half a million veterans in Australia, representing 2.8 per cent of the Australian population aged 15 years and over, and equating to 1 in 20 households with at least one person who has served. 

The Australian First Responder Foundation states that in Australia there are over 120,000 employees and 240,000 volunteers in the emergency First Responder sector. We know that 33% of volunteer emergency First Responders and 39% of career emergency First Responders will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

The APS President, Samuel Douglas, said ‘Although MDMA can legally be used in Australia to treat PTSD, the scope for treatment is currently extremely limited. We have a long way to go to realise its potential.

‘It takes a community response to assist veterans, first responders and their families, and to address systemic issues. The Veterans and First Responders Group provides a great opportunity to help out and advocate for change.’