Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Sam Kiley

The illegal drug helping shell-shocked Ukrainian soldiers to heal

  • Ukraine is using ketamine therapy to treat PTSD in its soldiers, offering a potentially faster recovery than traditional methods.
  • The therapy involves supervised ketamine sessions combined with intense therapy before, during, and after the drug experience.
  • Ketamine is believed to enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to reprocess traumatic memories and potentially "rewire" itself.
  • Initial results suggest a 70 per cent success rate in treating PTSD with ketamine, though further research is needed.
  • The treatment's speed is crucial for Ukraine, as it allows soldiers to return to the front lines more quickly to fight Russia’s invasion.
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.