Veteran Research Retreats
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We are fundraising to reduce the barriers for Veterans to access a healing modality found in the Amazon Rainforest. We successfully ran 3 retreats in 2023 and are looking to expand our numbers after seeing initial promising results. These retreats are part of a valuable study looking at the effects of plant medicines and their association with the reduction of PTSD and TBI symptoms. Each retreat is 20 days long with 1-2 days of travel on either side. We are planning running four retreats a year, each taking down 10 participants. Your donation will be used to cover the cost of the retreat, travel, accommodation, food and any required equipment/gear the Veteran may need. This study is very important to changing the future of Mental Health Therapies.
The cost per participant is $11,000.00 CAD
Retreat Cost - $4700.00
Research Cost- $4300.00
Travel- $1500.00
Facilitator Travel- $500.00
The fundraising goal will cover the all of retreats over the next 5 years.
Overview:
A pioneering study in March involving a group of 10 Veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study aimed to explore the effects of ceremonial ayahuasca treatment guided by an Indigenous practitioner at an Amazonian retreat center. Preliminary findings from Onaya Science revealed promising results across neurological, psychological, and epigenetic domains.
Neurological Insights (EEG):
- EEG analysis showed significant changes in brain activity post-treatment.
- Initial findings indicated increased brain activity diversity (Lempel Ziv complexity), suggesting enhanced adaptability.
- Improved connectivity between different brain regions, particularly in the alpha band, signifying positive neurological alterations.
- Decreased strength of alpha brainwaves, potentially indicating the 'alpha rebound effect' associated with therapeutic improvement in other treatments.
Psychological Impact:
- Participants exhibited significant improvements in PTSD-related symptoms, including intrusive traumatic memories, avoidance, negative moods/thoughts, and reactivity.
- Across psychological assessments encompassing PTSD, addiction, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and life satisfaction, all 10 veterans showed drastic enhancements post-treatment, no longer meeting diagnostic thresholds for PTSD.
- Caution is advised in interpreting these results due to the need for a larger participant pool and additional data sources. However, the preliminary findings exhibit promise, indicating a need for long-term follow-up assessments.
Epigenetic Changes (DNA):
- Analysis of epigenetic marks revealed approximately 1000 specific regions in DNA undergoing changes, with 600 located in protein-coding genes.
- The treatment notably affected gene networks responsible for crucial bodily functions, such as nervous system development, neurogenesis, and metabolic processes.
- Ayahuasca treatment appeared to influence the body's genetic instructions for building and maintaining essential systems, potentially reversing chemical alterations associated with PTSD.
Conclusion:
The initial findings from the study suggest a positive impact of ceremonial ayahuasca treatment on PTSD symptoms among Veterans. These results underscore the need for further research with larger participant cohorts and additional biological data to draw conclusive implications. However, the observed changes in brain activity, psychological well-being, and epigenetic markers hold promise for the potential therapeutic role of ayahuasca in addressing PTSD at multiple levels.
Fundraising team (2)
Cole Pethybridge
Organizer
Edmonton, AB
Natalie Forcier
Team member