Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served our country, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges veterans face when they return home. For many, the battles don’t end after service; instead, they fight against invisible wounds like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Traditional treatments don’t always offer the relief they need, which is why innovative approaches, like Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), are being explored as a source of hope.
The Struggle Beyond the Uniform
After their service, countless veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life while coping with the emotional scars left by their experiences. PTSD affects 20%+ of veterans from conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The traditional methods of therapy—talk therapy and medication—help many, but there are still too many who find themselves stuck, unable to get past the traumatic memories or the overwhelming sadness that lingers.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is one such approach being explored as a different path. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has, over recent years, gained attention as a potential tool in addressing mental health challenges. When combined with therapy, ketamine is being researched for its potential to help veterans break through barriers that may have seemed impossible to cross.
How Ketamine Therapy May Help Veterans
Ketamine works differently from typical antidepressants. Instead of merely balancing chemicals in the brain, ketamine interacts with receptors linked to mood regulation, and early research has suggested it may help reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD. Some veterans have reported feeling lighter, more connected to themselves, and capable of processing their trauma after sessions involving ketamine.
What makes Ketamine Therapy noteworthy for veterans is its potential to help them access parts of their emotional landscape that feel closed off. During a ketamine session, the dissociative effects may help individuals detach slightly from their emotions, allowing them to view traumatic memories in a less overwhelming way. This can create space for deep healing—guided by a trained therapist—that may help veterans reframe their experiences and begin to heal.
Stories of Transformation
One veteran, John, shared his story with us recently. After multiple tours overseas, John found it difficult to adjust to life back home. The nightmares were relentless, and his sense of isolation was overwhelming. Traditional therapies didn’t bring him the peace he was searching for, and he began to lose hope. It was then that he decided to try Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Within weeks, John experienced something he hadn’t in years: hope. The weight he’d been carrying started to feel manageable, and he began to see a future for himself beyond the pain.
There are so many stories like John's—veterans who feel stuck, cut off, or invisible. Ketamine Therapy isn’t a guaranteed solution, but for some, it has been the key that’s opened the door to the next chapter of their healing journey.
Moving Forward with Compassion
This Veterans Day, let’s honor our heroes by recognizing not only their sacrifices but also their resilience in the face of trauma. Ketamine Therapy is one potential way we can support our veterans in reclaiming their lives, offering them a chance to heal and thrive. At Better U, we believe that exploring innovative treatments like KAP can make a difference—transforming struggle into hope and isolation into connection.
If you or a veteran you know could benefit from learning more about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, to find out more about how we can support the healing journey. Together, we can bring light to those who’ve given so much for us.
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We’re always here to help support our veterans and anyone struggling with their mental health. If this resonates with you, or you know someone who might need this information, please share it. Let’s spread hope together.
Honoring Veterans with Innovative Healing: Exploring the Potential of Ketamine Therapy
Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served our country, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges veterans face when they return home. For many, the battles don’t end after service; instead, they fight against invisible wounds like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Traditional treatments don’t always offer the relief they need, which is why innovative approaches, like Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), are being explored as a source of hope.
The Struggle Beyond the Uniform
After their service, countless veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life while coping with the emotional scars left by their experiences. PTSD affects nearly 11-20% of veterans from conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The traditional methods of therapy—talk therapy and medication—help many, but there are still too many who find themselves stuck, unable to get past the traumatic memories or the overwhelming sadness that lingers.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is one such approach being explored as a different path. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has, over recent years, gained attention as a potential tool in addressing mental health challenges. When combined with therapy, ketamine is being researched for its potential to help veterans break through barriers that may have seemed impossible to cross.
How Ketamine Therapy May Help Veterans
Ketamine works differently from typical antidepressants. Instead of merely balancing chemicals in the brain, ketamine interacts with receptors linked to mood regulation, and early research has suggested it may help reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD. Some veterans have reported feeling lighter, more connected to themselves, and capable of processing their trauma after sessions involving ketamine.
What makes Ketamine Therapy noteworthy for veterans is its potential to help them access parts of their emotional landscape that feel closed off. During a ketamine session, the dissociative effects may help individuals detach slightly from their emotions, allowing them to view traumatic memories in a less overwhelming way. This can create space for deep healing—guided by a trained therapist—that may help veterans reframe their experiences and begin to heal.
Stories of Transformation
One veteran, Kimberly, shared her story with us recently. After her time in the military, Kimbely found it difficult to adjust to life back home. Traditional therapies didn’t bring her the peace she was needing, and she began to lose hope. It was then that she decided to try Ketamine therapy. Within weeks, Kimberly experienced something she hadn’t in years: hope. The weight she’d been carrying started to feel manageable, and she began to see a future for himself beyond the pain.
There are so many stories like Kimberly's—veterans who feel stuck, cut off, or invisible. Ketamine Therapy isn’t a silver-bullet, but for some, it has been the key that’s opened the door to the next chapter of their healing journey.
Moving Forward with Compassion
Zaid Fadul, MD FS FAAFP, our Medical Director, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to Better U. As an Air Force Flight Surgeon, Dr. Fadul has firsthand experience with the challenges veterans face. His dedication to innovative treatments, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, stems from his deep understanding of the physical and emotional toll that military service can take. Dr. Fadul is committed to exploring all avenues that can help veterans heal, and his leadership guides our mission to provide compassionate care.
This Veterans Day, let’s honor our heroes by recognizing not only their sacrifices but also their resilience in the face of trauma. Ketamine Therapy is one potential way we can support our veterans in reclaiming their lives, offering them a chance to heal and thrive. At Better U, we believe that exploring innovative treatments like KAP can make a difference—transforming struggle into hope and isolation into connection.
If you or a veteran you know could benefit from learning more about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, reach out to Better U to find out more about how we can support the healing journey. Together, we can bring light to those who’ve given so much for us.
- - -
We’re always here to help support our veterans and anyone struggling with their mental health. If this resonates with you, or you know someone who might need this information, please share it. Let’s spread hope together.
