By Vincent Joralemon
Psychedelics have a public relations problem, due in part to overzealous promoters, genuine risks, and bad science. But, recent psychedelic legislation sponsored by conservative congressperson Dan Crenshaw shows minds can be changed in this space.
Public perceptions will shape efforts to reclassify, decriminalize, and make psychedelics available for therapeutic use. The most effective way to change peoples’ opinions is to highlight the success stories of those who have tried psychedelics. And, as Crenshaw’s story shows, psychedelic-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a compelling application for precisely those who harbor the most skepticism towards these drugs.
Changing Minds About Drugs
If you think psychedelics are bad, I am guessing it is for one or more of the following reasons:
- These drugs are illegal or against your religious beliefs.
- You had a negative experience with psychedelics or know someone who did.
- A drug abuse prevention program (e.g., D.A.R.E.) taught you that drugs are bad.
- You read a story or encountered a pop culture reference about someone who was harmed after consuming psychedelics.
- You heard psychedelics fry your brain (but missed when researchers said oops — they don’t).
If you like psychedelics, I am guessing it is for one or more of the following reasons:
- You had a positive personal experience on psychedelics, or know someone who did.
- You read any (1) of (2) the (3) available (4) literature (5) on (6) the therapeutic (7), spiritual (8), or consciousness-expanding (9) potential of these (10) drugs (11).
- You recognize the importance of decriminalization, reduced stigma, and harm reduction — even if you don’t advocate for these drugs.
What if you want to change someone’s mind about psychedelics? What if you think they are good but know someone who thinks they are bad? Do you send them an article? Do you try to get them to do the drugs?
This is something I often contemplate. I believe these drugs can, in the right context, really help people—so I am always looking out for stories about how people changed their opinion on psychedelics. This is why I was thrilled to read this story about someone who changed their mind about psychedelics: Dan Crenshaw.
Dan Crenshaw, Veterans, and the Case for Psychedelic Therapy
In case you don’t know, Dan Crenshaw is a Republican U.S. representative known for his conservative embrace. He used to think psychedelics, like other illicit substances, were bad. But, he changed his mind. This year, he partnered with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on a bill that supports psychedelic treatment and research for active-duty military with PTSD.
How did this unlikely collaboration come about? During a chance encounter, Crenshaw met two veterans who turned to psychedelics after unsuccessful efforts with other PTSD therapies. One attempted suicide four times until he tried MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. For a conservative like Crenshaw, that was a strong case for these drugs:
The more he looked into the issue, the more signs appeared. He started hearing from friends who either had positive experiences with psychedelics or had the desire to try them. He heard from frustrated members of the military who could drink themselves silly and be prescribed all sorts of pharmaceuticals but couldn’t even take CBD, let alone ibogaine or MDMA. With nearly 17 veterans dying by suicide each day, according to Veterans Affairs, and with some clinical trials showing promise that psychedelics could offer a meaningful reduction in symptoms of PTSD, Crenshaw decided he would do his part to help change the perception on the drugs.
There is something unique about PTSD that seems like such a winning case to win over psychedelic skeptics:
- PTSD causes debilitating symptoms that affect a tragically high number of veterans, and available treatments fail to provide relief for many.
- Regardless of their stance on military operations, most Americans sympathize with veterans burdened by these symptoms.
- MDMA is really effective at treating PTSD, especially for those who failed to achieve success with other treatments.
The most interesting thing here is how this might convince conservatives that psychedelics have something to offer. Republicans have been known for their anti-drug stance since at least Nixon’s “War on Drugs.” But, they also pride themselves on supporting veterans. And, as Crenshaw relates, PTSD remains unacceptably undertreated for those who served. You can’t claim to support veterans while denying them proper treatment for their emotional trauma.
We are already seeing the needle move. Veterans have become an active voice for expanded psychedelic access, and politicians across the aisle are having a hard time saying no. The Department of Defense (DoD) gave Transcend Therapeutics and Yale a $1 million grant to research how MDMA treats PTSD. $15 million was recently allocated for DoD-led clinical trials through two Republican-endorsed spending bills. Even Rick Perry, a former Republican presidential candidate, now supports these therapies. With MDMA slated to attain FDA approval in 2024, I think we will see a shift toward even broader approval.
Towards Universal Acceptance
When I tell people about psychedelic research and notice hesitancy, I often discuss the MDMA clinical trials for PTSD treatment. This has won over many skeptics because it usually targets a particular sympathy (i.e., “support the troops”) in groups that remain suspicious about these therapies.
I know this might seem obvious. But public perception shapes access, and the media loves, loves, loves negative psychedelic stories. Efforts to showcase success narratives of only people from particular backgrounds will fail to persuade those that advocates most need to convince. I can’t imagine that a celebrity talking about their ketamine use will win over the psychedelic-skeptic. But, even the most cynical observer would sympathize with the story of a 10-year Navy SEAL, devastated by losing multiple team members in a helicopter crash, who overcame his depression through ibogaine-assisted psychotherapy.
Shifting public opinions requires deliberate and conscientious messaging. Highlighting psychedelic PTSD therapies should be central to that strategy.
