AN OPEN LETTER TO THE US PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS
DINO GARNER
2X Pulitzer Prize Nominee | Geopolitical Strategic Intelligence | NY Times Bestselling Ghostwriter/Editor | Army Ranger | Biophysicist
Subject: An Urgent Appeal to Support Comprehensive PTSD Therapies for Our Military Personnel and Veterans
Dear Mr. President and Honorable Members of Congress,
As citizens of this great nation, we are bound by a collective responsibility to honor and care for those who have selflessly served in our armed forces. Our military active-duty members and veterans have stood on the front lines, facing unimaginable horrors to safeguard the liberty we cherish. Yet, upon their return, many are left to grapple with the silent scars of war—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—often without adequate support or resources.
The Unseen Wounds of Combat
PTSD is not a condition that can be healed with time alone. It is a profound psychological and neurophysiological injury that affects the very core of an individual's being. In my Pulitzer Prize-nominated book, SILENT SCARS, BOLD REMEDIES, to be published on Veterans Day 2024, I delve into how exposure to life-threatening situations, witnessing the loss of comrades, and the constant hypervigilance required in combat zones contribute to long-lasting mental-health issues. These experiences alter brain chemistry and neural pathways, making it incredibly challenging for veterans to reintegrate into civilian life.
Consider the story of Sergeant Michael Thompson (a pseudonym to protect privacy), a decorated combat veteran who served multiple tours overseas. Upon returning home, he struggled with nightmares, flashbacks and severe anxiety. Traditional therapies offered little relief, so he continued to suffer in silence, though he contacted the VA for help via 988 . . . until one morning after walking his dog, he then went to his garage, left a goodbye note to his wife, removed a .45 pistol from his gun locker, and shot himself in the head.
Michael's story is tragic on so many levels but is not unique. It represents thousands of our beloved veterans who suffer in silence due to the stigma associated with mental health and the lack of effective treatment options.
Barriers to Seeking Help
To address these important and sensitive issues, I did extensive research, interviewed dozens of mental-health physicians and nurses, active-duty personnel, veterans and their spouses and children, and then wrote a comprehensive book: SILENT SCARS, BOLD REMEDIES: Cutting-Edge Therapy and Treatment in US Military Personnel and Veterans.
In Chapter 2: Challenges Veterans Face in Seeking Proper Treatment, I outline the systemic obstacles that prevent veterans from accessing care. Long wait times at VA facilities, bureaucratic red tape, and a shortage of mental-health professionals skilled in treating combat-related PTSD are just a few of the hurdles. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health in military culture often discourages individuals from seeking help, fearing it may be perceived as a sign of weakness or impact their careers, both while in the service and as civilians.
The Dual Diagnosis Dilemma
Complicating matters further is the prevalence of substance abuse among veterans with PTSD. Chapter 3: Navigating Dual Diagnosis—PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans highlights how many turn to alcohol and/or drugs as a coping mechanism, leading to a dangerous cycle that exacerbates their mental-health issues. Without integrated treatment plans that address both PTSD and substance abuse, recovery remains elusive, if not impossible and, sadly, more than 25 veterans a day choose to take their own lives.
A Growing Crisis: Suicide Among Veterans
Perhaps the most alarming consequence of inadequate support is the rising rate of suicide among veterans.Chapter 4: Suicide in US Military Personnel and Veterans: Risk Factors, Prevention and Hope presents sobering statistics: an estimated 25 veterans die by suicide each day. This is a national tragedy that demands immediate attention. Behind each statistic is a life lost, a family shattered, and a community in mourning. Now multiple this by a thousand and you only begin to understand the extreme grief in America, caused by a faulty system that does not adequately address these issues.
Emerging Therapies Offer Hope
Traditional treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication have been beneficial for somebut fall short for many others. Recognizing this, researchers and clinicians are exploring innovative therapies that show promise. In Chapter 5: A Shift in Treatment Paradigms: From Conventional to Emerging Approaches, I discuss the potential of treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), virtual reality exposure therapy and neurofeedback.
The Promise of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies
One of the most groundbreaking areas of research is detailed in Chapter 12: Comparative Efficacy of Psychedelic and Hallucinogenic-Assisted Therapies. Substances like MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or E) and psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) have demonstrated remarkable results in clinical trials. For instance, a study published in the Journal Psychopharmacology reported that 68% of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after MDMA-assisted therapy. In short, they were healed by this therapy. These treatments work by enhancing the therapeutic process, allowing individuals to process traumatic memories without being overwhelmed by fear or anxiety.
Cannabinoids in PTSD Treatment
Similarly, Chapter 13: Integration of Cannabinoids in Conventional PTSD Treatment explores how medical cannabis can alleviate symptoms like insomnia, nightmares and anxiety. While federal regulations have hindered extensive research, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest significant benefits. Veterans like Corporal Sarah Martinez (another pseudonym), who struggled with insomnia and hyperarousal, found relief through regulated cannabinoid use, enabling her to resume a semblance of normal life. She is no longer suicidal and recently had her three children returned to her from social services.
Direct-Stimulation Techniques and Medical Interventions
Advancements in medical technology offer additional avenues for treatment. Chapter 14: Direct-Stimulation Techniques for Trauma Recovery discusses methods like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which have shown efficacy in modulating neural activity associated with PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, Chapter 15: Stellate Ganglion Block and Veterans: Five Case Studies presents compelling evidence of how a simple injection or two can provide immediate and lasting relief from anxiety and hyperarousal symptoms.
Stellate Ganglion Block and Dual Sympathetic Reset currently offer an 80% reduction in severe symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD. Some patients need to return for a second round of therapy, but the fact that its positive effects are so profound makes it a great case to have our veterans undergo this type of treatment.
Ketamine and MDMA: Fast-Acting Solutions
In Chapter 16: Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Outcomes and Best Practices, I examine how low-dose ketamine infusions can rapidly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, offering a critical window for further therapeutic intervention. Additionally, Chapter 17: Long-Term Effects of MDMA-Assisted Therapy underscores the sustained benefits observed in patients, with many reporting improved relationships, emotional regulation, and quality of life years after treatment.
Ethical Considerations and Regulatory Challenges
While these emerging therapies offer hope, they are not without controversy. Chapter 18: Ethical Considerations in HPS Treatments emphasizes the need for rigorous clinical trials, informed consent, and adherence to medical ethics to ensure patient safety. Chapter 19: Navigating Federal Regulatory Challenges outlines the obstacles posed by current drug classifications, which restrict research and access to these potentially life-saving treatments.
Calls to Action
Given the urgency and magnitude of this issue, I respectfully but firmly call upon you to take the following actions:
-Increase Funding for Research and Treatment: Allocate substantial federal funding specifically for PTSD research, focusing on emerging therapies highlighted in this letter. This includes supporting clinical trials and expanding access to treatments that have demonstrated efficacy.
-Legislative Reform: Enact legislation to reclassify certain controlled substances like MDMA and psilocybin for medical use under strict guidelines, as has been done in countries like Canada and Israel. This will facilitate research and allow for compassionate use in cases where traditional treatments have failed.
-Streamline Access to Care: Reduce bureaucratic barriers within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Implement policies that expedite the approval process for treatment plans, and ensure that veterans are not subjected to excessive wait times.
领英推荐
-Expand Training for Healthcare Professionals: As discussed in Chapter 26: Training and Education for Mental-Health and Other Healthcare Professionals, invest in programs that train clinicians in administering these emerging therapies safely and effectively.
-Promote Holistic and Alternative Therapies: Recognize and fund holistic approaches such as those in Chapter 6: Alternative Healing Therapy and Treatment and Chapter 22: Animal-Assisted Interventions: Healing Through Human-Animal Bonds. These therapies provide additional avenues for healing that resonate with many veterans.
-Support Community-Based Programs: Enhance support for local organizations as detailed in Chapter 20: Community-Based Support Systems for Veterans, which play a crucial role in reintegration and ongoing support.
-Address the Needs of Underrepresented Groups: Pay special attention to the unique challenges faced by female veterans and those from minority backgrounds, as outlined in Chapter 9: PTSD in Female Military Personnel andVeterans: Unique Challenges and Approaches.
-Tackle Predatory Practices: In line with Chapter 27: Lobbying Congress for Relief From Predatory Big Pharma Practices, take a stand against exploitative practices that prioritize profit over the wellbeing of our veterans. Ensure medications are affordable and that pharmaceutical companies are held accountable for straying outside the bounds of what is morally right and just, purely to earn more profits.
Restoring Faith and Upholding Honor
Our nation prides itself on being a global leader, yet we lag in providing adequate healthcare for those who have sacrificed the most. This discrepancy not only tarnishes our international standing but erodes trust within our own borders. By implementing these actions, we can begin to restore faith in our institutions and reaffirm our commitment to those who have served.
Personalizing the Crisis
Allow me to share the journey of Patrick O'Neill (pseudonym), as chronicled in Chapter 34: Patrick's Saga: A Journey Through Battle and Healing. Patrick returned from deployment haunted by the atrocities he witnessed. Traditional therapy offered little solace. It was only after participating in a program that combined MDMA-assisted therapy with mindfulness practices that he began to heal. Today, Patrick is an advocate for veterans' mental health, but his path to recovery was fraught with unnecessary obstacles that could have been mitigated with better policies and support.
The Toll on Families
PTSD doesn't just affect the individual. It reverberates through families and communities. Chapter 10: Military and Veteran Family and Social Impact of PTSD: The Toll on Relationships and the Path to Recovery illustrates how spouses, children and loved ones bear the emotional burden. Marriages dissolve, parent-child relationships strain, and support networks crumble under the weight of untreated PTSD.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies
Innovation is at the heart of American progress. Chapter 29: Exploring the Role of Emerging Technologies in PTSD Treatment discusses how artificial intelligence, virtual reality and biofeedback devices are being leveraged to create personalized treatment plans and immersive therapy environments. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize mental healthcare but require investment and regulatory support to reach their full potential.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Chapter 30: Future Trends in PTSD Care—Where is PTSD Treatment Heading in the Next 10-20 Years? envisions a future where mental healthcare is proactive, personalized and accessible. By embracing interdisciplinary approaches and creating collaboration among government agencies, private sector innovators and healthcare providers, we can make this vision a reality.
Spiritual and Cultural Dimensions of Healing
Healing is not solely a medical process but also a spiritual and cultural journey. Chapter 21: Spirituality and Faith in the Healing Process emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and integrating a veteran's belief systems into their recovery plan. This holistic approach has been shown to enhance treatment outcomes and provide a deeper sense of peace and purpose.
From Trauma to Triumph
Ultimately, my goal is to transform suffering into strength. Chapter 25: Post-Traumatic Growth: Turning Struggle into Strength showcases stories of veterans who have not only recovered but thrived, channeling their experiences into positive contributions to society. With the right support, this can be the norm rather than the exception.
Taking Action Now is a Moral Imperative
This is more than a policy issue. It is a moral imperative. The practice of sending our citizens into harm's way without a robust plan for their return is untenable and unconscionable. We have the knowledge, resources and capability to enact meaningful change. What is required now is the political will and commitment to do so.
By addressing the needs outlined in my letter, you will be taking definitive steps toward rectifying long-standing injustices and setting a precedent for how America honors our heroes. The eyes of the nation—and indeed, the world—are upon you, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let us seize this moment to lead with compassion, integrity and courage.
I stand ready to support these initiatives and work collaboratively to ensure their success. Our veterans deserve nothing less.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my proposal.
Respectfully and urgently,
Dino Garner
-Former Biophysicist
-US Army Airborne Ranger, 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
-New York Times Bestselling Ghostwriter and Editor of more than 50 books
-Author of the two Pulitzer Prize-nominated books: AEROMASTERS: Celebrating a Century of the American Fighter Pilot and SILENT SCARS, BOLD REMEDIES: Cutting-Edge Therapy and Treatment for PTSD in US Military Personnel and Veterans.
#PTSD #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteransSupport #MilitaryMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #VeteransCare #EmergingTherapies #TraumaHealing #PostTraumaticStressDisorder #MilitaryVeterans #CombatPTSD #VeteranWellness #VeteransAffairs #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyForVeterans #PTSDTreatment #AlternativeTherapies #MilitarySupport #MDMAMentalHealth #PsychedelicTherapy #Neurofeedback #VeteranAdvocacy #MentalHealthForHeroes #CannabisForPTSD #MentalHealthReform #CombatStress #VeteranSuicidePrevention #HolisticHealing #TraumaRecovery #HealingOurHeroes #VeteranMentalHealth #PresidentialAction #CongressionalSupport #GovernmentForVeterans