04/19/2026
I’m really encouraged to see movement toward better care for veterans—there’s no question they deserve faster access to treatments that could truly help them heal.
But as a former spouse of 16+ years that was the one solely responsible for a blended family, I feel like there’s an important part of this conversation that’s still being overlooked. Behind every service member is a network of people carrying a different kind of weight.
While they’re facing danger & uncertainty in the field, those of us at home are often holding everything together—raising kids across households, navigating co-parenting, supporting stepchildren, & managing the day-to-day reality of life with that constant undercurrent of “what if.” That chronic stress doesn’t just disappear when a deployment ends.
For many former spouses, it can turn into very real trauma, including PTSD or C-PTSD, sometimes while also caring for children with their own unique needs.
It’s not just spouses—siblings, parents, & other close family members that often carry that same fear & emotional strain, quietly & without much recognition or support.
So yes, I absolutely support expanding research & access to therapies like these for veterans. But I also believe that care shouldn’t stop with them. The families & loved ones who have lived through that same cycle of fear, separation, & reintegration deserve recognition & access to mental health support too.
If we’re truly committed to healing those who serve, we need to take care of the entire circle of people who stand beside them — & who keep life going in the background, often at a cost that isn’t always seen.
President Donald Trump has signed a historic federal executive order to expand and accelerate research into psychedelics, including ibogaine, psilocybin, and M**A, moving these therapies closer to patients in clinical settings.
The order clears barriers to research, strengthens collaboration between the FDA and VA, expedites rescheduling following successful trials, allocates $50M for ibogaine research, and opens a pathway for ibogaine treatment under Right to Try.
“This will dramatically accelerate access to new medical research and treatments based on psychedelic drugs,” Trump said.
He also underscored the importance for those most impacted by mental health challenges. “In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life changing potential… including our cherished veterans.”
The Oval Office reflected the growing momentum behind this movement, with leading ibogaine advocates and voices present, including Joe Rogan, Bryan Hubbard, Marcus Luttrell, and Marcus and Amber Capone.
At Ambio, we are deeply inspired by this policy progress. It reinforces what we see every day, the profound potential of ibogaine to transform lives, especially for veterans and those facing complex challenges.
We remain committed to advancing this work with integrity and care, and we are open to collaboration with partners, researchers, and policymakers who share this vision.
