Decker Weiss, a cardiologist and naturopath, is helping to prevent and reverse radicalization around the world
Anyone who reads the news knows enough to understand that refugees and people who live in areas of conflict around the world suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But it wasn’t until Decker Weiss came along with his groundbreaking research on radicalization—with a new medical model on how to prevent and treat it—that anyone realized how much could be done to help.
Weiss, a cardiologist, naturopath and founder of Peace Possible, decided to join a think tank called Artis Research several years ago. As a doctor, he was an expert in diagnostic lab markers that pointed to inflammation through the central nervous system. He realized there was a connection between inflammation, his work on PTSD, and, potentially, radicalization, and launched a research study on Syrian and Palestinian refugees to examine early predictive markers. Weiss presented his research to an audience of world leaders at the Centre for the Resolution of Intractable Conflict at Oxford University. The response was so overwhelming that he left cardiology and created Peace Possible to apply his research to advancing the care of young refugees around the world.
“Our primary mission is the diagnosing and reversing of radicalization and PTSD in conflict zones, such as Iraq, Syrian refugee camps, Gaza, the Dominican Republic (gangs MS13), and parts of Africa that are incubators for radicalized terrorists and soldiers,” says Weiss, “one child and young adult at a time.” Weiss now zigzags across remote, conflict-ridden parts of the world to bring help to children and young adults with PTSD and depression, who are at risk of becoming radicalized.
“It is easier to pull a trigger than learn to read, for the latter you have to be able to focus and process well, which due to exposure to violence these kids cannot,” says Weiss. “However, we now know that this is a measurable, reversible phenomenon and along with standard conflict zone medicine we attempt to reverse the chronic inflammatory state which damages this ability to succeed in education, life and job skills.”
Weiss has partnered with natural brands like Gaia Herbs, Evanhealy, EarthMama Organics, Oxylent and more, to provide funding and materials that help bring “a new model of medicine” —non-pharma antibiotics, therapeutic amino acids, supplements and more.
Peace Possible enters conflict zones at the invitation of local governments or charities from the country itself; in partnership with a major organization such as NBA Africa (SEED Foundation), UNHCR, and Medicines Without Borders; or at the invitation of the government, which is the case with their upcoming trip to Bangladesh.
Eventually Weiss hopes to apply his knowledge and global experience to help reverse our violence in schools here in the U.S. “Imagine the cure for depression being found out by treating Iraqi, African, Thai, Vietnamese and other children? I think it’s highly possible and, if done well, very probable.” peacepossible.com