New documentary explores use of psychedelics to treat combat veterans with PTSD

Key Concepts

• Invisible Wounds of Combat: Psychological and emotional injuries sustained during military service, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Guided Psychedelic Therapy: A therapeutic approach involving the use of psychedelic substances under the guidance of trained professionals to address mental health issues.
• Iboga: A psychedelic substance, classified as Schedule 1 in the US, derived from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, known for its potential in treating substance abuse and trauma.
• Trauma: Experiences that cause significant psychological distress, including childhood trauma, wartime trauma, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Traditional Treatment Approaches: Conventional methods for mental health treatment, such as antidepressants and talk therapy, which may not always be effective for severe trauma.
• Vets (Organization): An organization founded by Marcus Capone and his wife to connect veterans with psychedelic treatment.
• Policy Reform: Changes in legislation and regulations to facilitate research and access to psychedelic therapies.

In Waves and War: Confronting Trauma with Psychedelic Therapy

This summary details the documentary "In Waves and War," which explores the journey of former Navy SEALs confronting their trauma through guided psychedelic therapy, specifically focusing on the use of Iboga. The film highlights the profound impact of combat and pre-military experiences on veterans' mental health and the limitations of traditional treatment methods.

The Lingering Scars of Service

The documentary "In Waves and War" premieres on Netflix, shedding light on the enduring struggles faced by veterans after their return from combat. A central theme is the impact of "invisible wounds," such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can lead to feelings of isolation and withdrawal. The film follows a group of former Navy SEALs as they navigate their trauma and seek healing through an unconventional method: guided psychedelic therapy.

Childhood Trauma and Military Careers

Marcus Capone, one of the featured Navy SEALs, discusses how traumatic experiences can begin at a young age, even before military service. He suggests that these early traumas might influence individuals to pursue high-risk careers, such as special operations, as a way to cope or find purpose. Capone emphasizes that while he wouldn't change his military path, the combination of childhood trauma, wartime experiences, transition challenges, and potential traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) creates complex mental health issues that are difficult to address with traditional approaches.

The Psychological Impact of Injury and Loss of Purpose

John Schenk, the film's director, elaborates on the profound psychological impact of injuries sustained by SEALs. He highlights the words of a team member who wished for a complete limb loss rather than dealing with the feelings of worthlessness that arose from being unable to rejoin his unit after an injury. Schenk explains that the SEAL teams provide a sense of purpose, brotherhood, love, and acceptance, which are crucial for their identity. When injuries, whether physical or mental (like TBIs), prevent them from continuing their service, it represents a significant life change that is extremely difficult to adjust to without community and familial support.

Iboga: An Experimental Psychedelic for Healing

Marcus Capone shares his personal journey, which led him to explore Iboga after exhausting traditional treatment options. He describes Iboga as a psychedelic drug classified as Schedule 1 in the US, meaning it is legally restricted and presumed to have no medical benefit and a high risk of abuse. However, Capone's experience and the work of his organization, Vets, suggest otherwise. He notes that their program has treated over 1200 individuals, many of whom presented with substance abuse issues. These individuals have successfully stopped using substances like alcohol or opioids through this clinician-guided treatment, which is monitored by medical professionals. The intent of participants is to heal from various forms of trauma, including wounds of war, TBIs, and childhood trauma.

The Mechanism of Psychedelic Healing

Capone explains that psychedelics like Iboga work by addressing the "root cause" of issues, unlike many traditional treatments that offer a "band-aid fix" or merely mask symptoms, such as some antidepressants. He states that psychedelics access the unconscious mind, potentially achieving in a few hours what might take 5 to 10 years of psychotherapy. A common experience reported by individuals who have undergone Iboga treatment, including many retired Navy SEALs, is a highly visual "life review," often described as a movie or slideshow. Filmmaker John Schenk found this aspect particularly compelling, allowing for the animation of these experiences to help audiences understand this complex phenomenon, which scientists are still actively researching.

Vets: A Lifeline for Veterans

Marcus Capone and his wife founded the organization "Vets" to help connect veterans with this life-changing treatment. Capone's personal frustration with seven years of failed antidepressants, talk therapy, and numerous brain clinics motivated him to "pay it forward." In six years, Vets has funded over 1200 individuals to receive Iboga treatment. Despite this significant impact, the demand far exceeds their capacity, with an estimated one out of every ten applications being accepted due to overwhelming numbers.

The Need for Policy Reform

John Schenk believes that the current societal climate is receptive to psychedelic medicine, with a growing "pro-psychedelic zeitgeist." He points to recent policy advancements, such as the Texas state legislature passing a bill to fund Iboga research and California following suit. North Carolina is also on the verge of similar action. Schenk hopes for federal-level action, viewing the film as part of a broader movement advocating for a new perspective on psychedelic medicine.

Conclusion

"In Waves and War" powerfully illustrates the profound and often hidden struggles of veterans. The documentary champions guided psychedelic therapy, particularly Iboga, as a potent tool for addressing deep-seated trauma that traditional methods may fail to resolve. The film, alongside the work of organizations like Vets, is contributing to a growing movement advocating for policy changes to increase access to these potentially life-saving treatments for those who have served.