Amid a US mental health crisis disproportionately affecting first responders, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are seeking alternative treatments in Mexico, describing the experiences as transformative. In mid-September, seven first responders from across the US embarked on a journey to a villa outside Puerto Vallarta. There, over three days, they participated in ceremonies involving psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and tobacco, facilitated by a team of healers. This retreat, funded by a California-based non-profit, offered a potential path to healing that had eluded years of conventional therapy, medication, and meditation. The first responders openly shared their struggles: deep-seated pain and anger, debilitating injuries, childhood trauma, and the loss of loved ones to suicide or violence. One firefighter, whose identity is protected due to departmental drug policies, stated, “I love my job… It’s my mind that’s broken,” highlighting the pervasive mental health challenges within the profession.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared a national mental health crisis, particularly acute among first responders who face heightened risks of PTSD, depression, and suicide. A 2015 survey revealed that first responders are ten times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide than the general population. The escalating climate emergency and increasingly destructive natural disasters only exacerbate this mental toll. While access to mental healthcare has improved, the suicide rate among first responders continues to rise, according to Angela Graham-Houweling, founder of the organization that facilitated the retreat. She emphasizes that traditional treatments are failing many, underscoring the need for alternative options.
The past five years have witnessed a surge in interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Extensive peer-reviewed research demonstrates that supervised psychedelic use, particularly psilocybin, can effectively treat depression, PTSD, and other conditions. However, access to such treatments remains severely limited in the US, except for state programs in Oregon and Colorado, potentially jeopardizing the careers of first responders who seek these treatments abroad.
Graham-Houweling’s personal journey underscores the limitations of conventional care. A former firefighter herself, she battled PTSD, injuries, and the emotional fallout of workplace sexual harassment, despite her love for the job. Traditional therapies and medications proved ineffective, leading to a point of despair. After a friend connected her with psychedelic treatment providers in Mexico, she underwent a transformative retreat involving psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT (toad). While initially daunting, the experience yielded remarkable results, bringing a sense of tranquility and improved emotional regulation. This experience fueled her founding of the Siren Project, aiming to provide similar treatments to other first responders at no cost.
Other participants shared similar experiences of profound relief. Rob Poynter, a retired deputy sheriff, described overcoming years of unexplained anger and irritability through the retreat. Thomas K, a former EMT, sought healing from a traumatic brain injury and addiction, finding solace in the psychedelic therapy. The Siren Project retreats are carefully structured, with weeks of preparation, medical screenings, and a supportive team of facilitators, including Indigenous practitioners, offering a holistic approach to healing. The ceremonies involve smoke cleansings, discussions, and the supervised administration of psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT.
While the intense emotional experiences varied among participants, the overall outcome was overwhelmingly positive. Many reported significant improvements in their mental and emotional well-being, including improved sleep, emotional regulation, and reduced anger. The Siren Project has facilitated retreats for 50 people, funded largely by Graham-Houweling’s personal savings and a private donor.
Despite growing awareness and increased resources, the mental health crisis within emergency services remains critical. The high rates of suicide among firefighters, as documented by the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions. While Graham-Houweling acknowledges the existing support systems, she advocates for legalizing psychedelic-assisted therapy and supporting Indigenous communities who have a long history of safe and effective psychedelic use. She remains determined to expand access to these potentially life-saving treatments.