Lifestyle
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Offers New Hope for Veterans
Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Offers New Hope for Veterans
(Family Features) For generations, America’s veterans have borne not only the visible scars of battle but also the hidden wounds of war. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury and anxiety have long haunted those who served, often with devastating effects on their quality of life and their families. While traditional treatments have helped, many veterans continue to suffer in silence – left behind by a system struggling to meet their needs.
However, science is now reopening doors once closed, and therapies previously dismissed are being reconsidered with fresh eyes. Among them are psychedelic-assisted treatments, which have revealed potential in clinical trials to address the most severe mental health conditions afflicting veterans.
The FDA’s Role
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only one psychedelic-based medication: a ketamine nasal spray to treat depression. However, other compounds are gaining the attention of researchers, clinicians and veterans alike. Psilocybin – the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” – and a drug similar to LSD have both earned FDA “breakthrough therapy” status for their potential to ease depression and anxiety, sometimes after only a single dose.
In 2017, MDMA-assisted therapy was identified as a potential breakthrough treatment option for PTSD; ultimately, the FDA declined to grant full approval. This setback underscored not a failure of science, but the complexity of studying powerful compounds under existing regulatory frameworks. For veterans, it was a disappointment, yet it also spotlighted the urgent need for continued research and funding.
Veterans and Research at the Forefront
One compound has captured national attention: ibogaine, a psychedelic root traditionally used in ceremonies in central and west Africa. Early studies with special-operations veterans have found improvements in PTSD, depression, anxiety and overall functioning – especially for those living with the effects of traumatic brain injury.
Recognizing this potential, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is championing these new approaches. At its 2025 National Convention, the organization hosted a groundbreaking psychedelics roundtable that brought together researchers, veterans, advocates and even a former NFL player to discuss the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
The century-old organization supports research into these treatments, pointing out that traditional therapies can fail for as many as 60% of those who try them. It’s also advocating for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make psychedelic treatments available once they receive FDA approval.
“We are experiencing a watershed moment in medical research as psychedelic-assisted therapies have revealed true potential in clinical trials to treat severe mental health conditions,” said Barry Jesinoski, DAV’s National Adjutant. “This glimmer offers veterans contending with not only PTSD but depression, traumatic brain injury, anxiety and more hope in a world where the status quo is failing them.”
A New Mission
The promising results of these treatments spurred some states to commit funding toward research into psychedelic therapies or conduct legislative hearings to explore their role in advancing this science. The VA is now conducting studies on MDMA and psilocybin.
While more research is needed to fully understand their risks, benefits and best applications, for DAV, psychedelic medication represents both hope and responsibility. By advocating for rigorous research and ensuring veterans’ perspectives are central to the conversation, the organization is working to accelerate progress while safeguarding integrity.
Whether through psilocybin, MDMA, ibogaine or future discoveries, the mission is clear: fund the research, pursue the science and ensure America’s veterans are given every chance to heal. Learn more at dav.org.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Disabled American Veterans
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Travel
Alaska Airlines Announces New Nonstop Flights From Seattle to Athens and Paris
Alaska Airlines is expanding its European service with new nonstop flights from Seattle to Athens and Paris beginning in May 2027. Introductory round-trip fares start at $999.
SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines is expanding its international network with new nonstop flights connecting Seattle to Athens, Greece, and Paris, France, beginning in May 2027.
The seasonal Seattle-to-Athens route launches May 12, 2027, with three weekly flights through October. According to Alaska Airlines, it will be the first nonstop service between Seattle and Athens and the only nonstop connection between the West Coast and the Greek capital.
Service between Seattle and Paris begins May 25, 2027, operating five times weekly through October.
Both routes will feature Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering lie-flat business-class suites and upgraded amenities. Alaska says Starlink Wi-Fi will become available as installation continues across its fleet through 2027.
The new destinations join Alaska’s growing international lineup from Seattle, which includes Iceland, London, Rome, Seoul, and Tokyo. The airline plans to add at least five more intercontinental destinations by 2030.
Introductory round-trip main-cabin fares start at $999 and are available for purchase in the United States through August 26, 2026, subject to restrictions. Travelers can book at Alaska Airlines.
Would you choose Athens or Paris for your next European adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more travel updates.
Source: Alaska Airlines press release, August 20, 2026.
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Consumer Corner
3 Practical Ways to Build Financial Confidence
Financial Confidence: Economic uncertainty, fueled by persistent inflation, stagnant wages and a cooling job market, has led many Americans to feel like they’re falling behind, even when they’re doing many of the “right” things financially. This expert guidance can help you be more intentional with the choices you make so your spending reflects your priorities.
Building Financial Confidence
(Feature Impact) Nearly everyone is carrying some level of insecurity about their financial future, even those who are trying to plan ahead. Economic uncertainty, fueled by persistent inflation, stagnant wages and a cooling job market, has led many Americans to feel like they’re falling behind, even when they’re doing many of the “right” things financially.
Though many are paying down debt, saving for retirement and building an emergency fund, they’re still asking, “Am I doing enough?” In fact, only 21% of Americans are financially prepared and assured in their ability to protect their futures, according to Mutual of Omaha’s 2026 Protection Index Survey – a proprietary research study conducted with quantilope – which shows overall financial confidence has declined.
“Many people believe they need to wait until they have more money, more certainty or the perfect plan before taking action,” said Nate Hobson, vice president of sales, Advisor Network at Mutual of Omaha. “But financial confidence is usually built through consistency rather than perfect timing. Even small steps today can make a meaningful difference over time.”
While being financially secure means different things to different people, according to the survey – such as having little or no debt (34%), owning a home (29%), maintaining emergency savings (27%), saving for retirement (26%) or having insurance coverage (26%) – building financial confidence doesn’t have to translate to cutting out everything you enjoy. Instead, this expert guidance can help you be more intentional with the choices you make so your spending reflects your priorities.
Create a Financial Cushion
Whether it’s a car repair, medical bill or temporary loss of income, unexpected expenses happen.
Having even a modest emergency fund can reduce financial stress and reliance on credit cards or loans. If saving several months of expenses feels overwhelming, start with a smaller milestone. Consistency matters more than the starting amount.
Put Good Financial Habits on Autopilot
One of the easiest ways to make progress is removing the need to make the same decision every month. Consider setting up automatic contributions to savings and retirement accounts, regular investment deposits and automatic bill payments, which can help you build financial security even during busy or uncertain times.
Taking a look at everyday spending habits can also make a difference. The survey showed small, everyday choices add up over time, such as cutting non-essential spending (57%), using rewards programs (54%), comparing prices or switching providers (39%) and following a monthly budget (38%). That could mean bringing your lunch to work instead of grabbing takeout, taking a few extra minutes to compare prices at the grocery store or using rewards to get more value from the purchases you’re already making.
Protect What You’re Building
Saving and investing are important pieces of financial protection, but they’re only part of the equation. Protecting income, loved ones and other financial assets is equally important.
For families, life insurance can provide financial protection during key earning and caregiving years, helping replace income if the unexpected happens. For those focused on covering final expenses, guaranteed whole life insurance can help cover funeral and other end-of-life costs. If you’re approaching or living in retirement, an annuity may provide a reliable stream of income that can complement other retirement resources and reduce uncertainty.
A financial professional can help determine which options best fit your goals and circumstances. To see how much coverage is right for your situation, Mutual of Omaha’s Life Insurance Calculator can provide a personalized estimate based on your income, financial obligations and long-term goals.
For more practical advice to build financial confidence, visit MutualofOmaha.com.
Taking Action with an Extra $1,000
If you unexpectedly received $1,000, your response with the extra cash may reveal your financial priorities and where additional planning could strengthen financial resilience.
Providing a window into Americans’ financial priorities, respondents in Mutual of Omaha’s 2026 Protection Index Report said they would:
- Pay down debt (25%)
- Add it to savings (21%)
- Use it for everyday expenses (14%)
- Invest it (9%)
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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💰 Live well and make your money work smarter! Explore the latest lifestyle tips, personal finance insights, saving strategies, and financial wellness stories on STM Daily News. Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to our newsletter for fresh ideas delivered straight to your inbox.
financial wellness
Survey: Credit isn’t a backup plan. For millions of Americans, it’s how they buy groceries.
Credit isn’t a backup plan. Credit cards were once reserved for expensive purchases or for added security in buying online. For households managing debt, they have become a way to cover everyday purchases like groceries.
Survey: Credit isn’t a backup plan. For millions of Americans, it’s how they buy groceries.
(Sheeka Sanahori) Sixty-six percent of Americans carrying at least $10,000 in unsecured debt used a credit card to buy groceries in the last year, more than any other essential expense, according to a new survey. Credit cards were once reserved for expensive purchases or for added security in buying online. For households managing debt, they have become a way to cover everyday purchases like groceries.
Accredited Debt Relief, a company specializing in debt relief, commissioned Atomik Research in May 2026 to survey 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. Along with groceries, 47% say they’ve used credit for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs.
For people struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using unsecured debt can begin as a quick solution to cover household needs for the moment. At first, it’s just milk and eggs. But then an unexpected expense happens: a flat tire, an unusually high electricity bill, a medical cost that was not in the budget. The balance adds up and, according to the survey data, this also creates stress for consumers.
This isn’t discretionary spending. The data reflects a growing reliance on consumer debt to cover basic cost-of-living needs. However, relying on borrowed money without an executable plan for repaying it could mean that one day, the runway for taking care of such expenses runs out.
A significant share of respondents report relying on credit as a routine part of managing their personal finances. This routine could become a long-term debt cycle for many households. Nearly three in ten say that they rely on credit or borrowing to get through a typical month. This reliance appears to be growing, with a third saying they depend on credit more than they did a year ago. For those consumers, what may have once been a stopgap has become an increasingly common and ongoing financial strategy.
The growing debt cycle by unsecured borrowing is taking an emotional toll on these consumers, too. A quarter of respondents are concerned about their financial future and 12% feel a stronger concern that they’re at risk of long-term financial instability.
A lack of savings makes the cycle harder to break. Only 28% of respondents say they can both cover expenses and save. When there is little room between income and expenses, every disruption becomes harder to absorb.
Unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, lead 19% of respondents to take on additional debt every time, and 27% most of the time. These are the kinds of costs households are often told to prepare for, but preparation requires room. For many consumers, that room does not exist.
Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. Some of these consumers say they don’t earn enough to make meaningful changes to their current financial situation. Among those surveyed, 45% report that their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many report that their financial situation has caused them to put off taking a vacation or begin building savings.
When asked about the biggest barrier to reducing debt, 29% of respondents listed the same obstacle: the cost of everyday expenses. That number connects how debt builds with why it persists.
When everyday expenses become part of ongoing credit card debt, the balance can grow without notice. Even when a consumer gets their next paycheck, if it’s already accounted for, they may not be able to make much progress in paying down their debts. A few recurring costs, spread across months, can become a greater financial weight. The result is debt that builds, because it’s tied to the basic cost of living. It also can create a stressful way to live; more than three in ten people say their current debt situation has affected their mental well-being.
Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or other financial support, these households may continue to rely on consumer debt and unsecured credit as a daily necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. The risk is that life’s most basic needs become harder to maintain in the long run.
Methodology
Accredited Debt Relief commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between May 11-14, 2026. Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (tap to pay)
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💰 Live well and make your money work smarter! Explore the latest lifestyle tips, personal finance insights, saving strategies, and financial wellness stories on STM Daily News. Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to our newsletter for fresh ideas delivered straight to your inbox.
