CBD, cannabis, ketamine, and other methods war trauma treatment
Xenon gas therapy is a recognized medical method worldwide. Ketamine therapy remains under scientific research, but medical cannabis has only recently become legalized in Ukraine. Psilocybin, known as “magic mushrooms,” remains prohibited. All of these substances have demonstrated positive effects in therapy for PTSD treatment. Frontliner, citing Ukrainian servicemen and veterans, shares experiences with pharmacotherapy.
Due to the full-scale war, most Ukrainians suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. This has become a challenge for therapists overwhelmed with the volume of issues. To address the demand, therapists are increasingly turning to adjunctive therapies and medications like ketamine, medical cannabis, and cannabinoids. In some cases, patients may also resort to substances from the psychedelic group, which are illegal in Ukraine and can alter perception through their psychoactive effects. The latest technologies of treatment with inert gases are also being used, including xenon gas therapy, which, unlike psychedelics, is a registered medical method.
Xenon gas
Oleh Khmelevskyi is a former senior lieutenant of the National Guard Medical Service. He starts the morning at the Kyiv-based Xenium Clinic with his comrades. Oleh is the first to undergo this type of therapy at the Shupyk National University of Health, Ukraine’s one and only institution specializing in this method.
Xenon is an inert gas, known to influence specific structures of the nervous system. Primarily used as an anesthetic in conventional medicine, its authorization was expanded across Europe in 2007. Consequently, both xenon as a drug and xenon therapy as a treatment method are officially registered with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health.
My cognitive functions have improved significantly. I can focus on my tasks, and my communication with my family has improved.
The clinic has been working with veterans for over a year. Experts have observed that this method accelerates their recovery from injuries and provides them with increased physical capacity, enabling them to return to active duty sooner.
Oleh Khmelevsky had a low limb amputation, for which he credits the correct application of a tourniquet. He experienced significant restoration and stabilization of his condition through xenon therapy, having completed a full course of 10 procedures over approximately 3 weeks.
“My cognitive functions have improved significantly. I can focus on my tasks, and my communication with my family has improved. I can now travel from Kyiv to Odesa without feeling exhausted like before,” Oleh shares his results.
Convinced of its effectiveness, he recommended this therapy to his fellow soldiers who struggle with PTSD and tinnitus after concussion.
Oleh’s brother-in-arms, a soldier with the call sign “Sima,” came for the second procedure of xenon therapy. Having sustained four concussions in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, he suffers from tinnitus. His most recent concussion, sustained in Serebryansky forestry during a tank assault that shattered his tactical headset, was particularly severe.
“Whenever I’m talking or listening, I don’t feel good. I hear a lot of noise in my head. I didn’t receive any treatment after these injuries. My comrades brought me to this clinic only when the rotation took place,” says “Sima.” In addition to xenon therapy, he is also under the care of a psychiatrist who has prescribed several medications to address the underlying effects of his concussions, including tinnitus. In this context, xenon therapy serves as a complementary.
I had a patient who, up until the 7th procedure, was ‘fighting the Russians’ in his sleep. He was literally fighting with what was in his mind.
Anesthesiologist Olena Zhmurenko sets up the machine to inhale a xeno-oxygen mixture for “Sima” and plays the “Ocean Sounds” audio recording to help him relax. The soldier lies still, as nothing seems to bother him. Yet, the doctor says sometimes the servicemen behave completely differently during the procedure as their trauma is exposed:
“I had a patient who, up until the 7th procedure, was ‘fighting the Russians’ in his sleep. He was literally fighting with what was in his mind. During the last procedures, he was calm. He eventually regained his bearings and realized he had no one to fight,” says Olena.
She views this case as particularly illustrative, especially given the soldier’s trust in the therapy. Once the procedure is complete, all the administered gas is naturally expelled from the body.
After the second procedure, “Sima” felt relief in his brain function. A few weeks after the final procedure, the soldier could no longer hear the annoying noise and communicate more vividly. After completing the course, “Sima” returned to the frontline. He still has tinnitus, but it doesn’t bother him much anymore.
But thanks to xenon, I can help a patient recover in no time. The only issue with this method is its price.
Psychiatrist Makar Sheyko employs xenon therapy as a complementary treatment, especially for PTSD-affected soldiers. He believes xenon offers one of the most effective methods for rapid recovery.
“As for the military, we don’t have much time for long-term therapy and prescribing antidepressants. But thanks to xenon, I can help a patient recover in no time. The only issue with this method is its price. Although xenon therapy would be more affordable if it was widespread,” the doctor says. Now the price of a course of xenon therapy costs 2900 USD.
Conventional antidepressants have a side effect of dulling fear. If you lose focus at the front, you are more likely to die.
He believes xenon therapy should be used for members of the Special Forces and intelligence units who require rapid recovery between demanding missions.”
“Conventional antidepressants have a side effect of dulling fear. If you lose focus at the front, you are more likely to die. Xenon therapy reduces anxiety and PTSD but doesn’t have these side effects. It’s perfect for soldiers who need to return to the combat zone quickly,” says Makar Sheyko.
To use xenon more effectively, Dr. Sheiko is collaborating with geneticists to conduct the first scientific study of its long-term effects on human health.
MDMA and psilocybin
When I was on these drugs, I wanted to cry and scream. I started to relive what had already happened during the war.
Azov veteran Mykyta Shastun regained his senses after undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), which uses psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, and other substances. This therapy is banned in Ukraine, but the Phoenix Charitable Foundation practices it for veterans and their loved ones in Spain, where such treatment is allowed.
Mykyta faced the 2022 Russian invasion in Mariupol. When the city was sieged, he lost his brother, who was also fighting in the ranks of the Azov Brigade. Mykyta survived the battles at the Azovstal plant, where he stayed with the wounded, and Russian captivity, including the terrorist attack on the Ukrainian war prisoners in Olenivka.
After the prisoner swap, Mykyta underwent rehabilitation in a state institution, which didn’t improve his condition. He still suffered from PTSD and chronic pain from the injuries. In early 2024, friends influenced Mykyta to join a 5-day program with the Phoenix Charitable Foundation.
He and other participants stayed in Valencia, enjoying the sea and eating vegetarian food. Intake of the substance is only 30% of the therapy, as the rest is proper nutrition and sound therapy.
“When I was on these drugs, I wanted to cry and scream. I started to relive what had already happened during the war, like the Mariupol siege and my captivity. I felt it happen again,” Mykyta shares his experience.
I have realized that I want to live.
He approached the second therapy session with a clear understanding of what to expect. The veteran knew which events he would have to revisit and what insights he hoped to gain from them.
“After the second course, PTSD and chronic pain don’t disturb me anymore. I have realized that I want to live. Even though I still have my brother’s number saved and sometimes dial it only to hear it go unanswered, a painful reminder of his loss, I’ve found a renewed desire to live,” the veteran says.
Psychedelic treatment of soldiers, veterans, and civilians is prohibited in Ukraine. The government has a draft resolution that could change the list of substances prohibited for scientific use. Ukraine is guided by whether the US policy will recognize MDMA, one of the psychoactive substances used in PAT.
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“According to the 1970 UN Convention, psychedelics are among the most banned substances. In October 2024, Ukraine’s government is to pass a procedure that would transfer these substances to the list of those that may be used for scientific research,” says Maryna Mormul, co-founder and psychedelic-assisted therapist of the Phoenix Charitable Foundation.
The 5-day program is not about the support of its participants. Maryna says that Ukrainian soldiers and veterans have a support circle they can contact anytime after they return, like charity-linked psychiatrist and a therapist. The Phoenix team intends to replicate their work in Ukraine, involving veterans who have previously undergone PAT in their project.
Medical cannabis and ketamine
The state-controlled Lisova Polyana Center has experience with the use of auxiliary drugs, such as CBD oil, a cannabidiol that reduces symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, and more.
Therapists will treat the cause of the trauma, and medical cannabis products can only be useful for improving certain symptoms.
This summer, Lisova Polyana launched a year-long project to study the effects of ketamine therapy on patients. The center’s director, Ksenia Voznitsyna, says the study will involve 20 patients who will be hospitalized for 3 weeks and examined. If the psychiatrist gives further permission, they will pass 2-3 ketamine sessions.
“Our research is about a new approach to pharmacotherapy. Therapists will treat the cause of the trauma, and medical cannabis products can only be useful for improving certain symptoms. The same goes for PAT. We rely more on psychotherapy, but drugs can simply make it more effective,” she says.
It would be a significant victory if psychedelics were legalized for scientific research, provided they are used responsibly.
She believes PAT therapy seems promising because mental traumas are difficult to handle, and specialists around the world are constantly looking for new methods.
Several-day trips don’t help mentally drained people overcome trauma, Ksenia states. She advocates for PAT as a supplementary treatment method in a hospital setting, where the drug is administered under supervision and followed by a therapy session.
“PAT can be used when a patient doesn’t feel positive effects from classic therapy or prescribed medicine. This is a global practice. These therapies need to be widely promoted, and it would be a significant victory if psychedelics were legalized for scientific research, provided they are used responsibly.” Ksenia said.
As for the state’s policy, in September 2024, Ukraine’s government explored the possibility of establishing a contact group between activists and the Ministry of Health to transfer certain drugs to the partially controlled substances list. If this becomes feasible, active military personnel and veterans could potentially participate in the research.
Text: Albina Karman ; Photo: Albina Karman & Danylo Dubchak
