At this year’s Telluride Film Festival, the documentary In Waves and War made its much-anticipated premiere, shedding light on the transformative power of psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans struggling with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and depression. Directed by Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen, the film intimately follows retired Navy SEALs Marcus Capone, Matty Roberts and DJ Shipley as they seek healing through innovative treatments.
VETS: A Non-Profit Pioneering Psychedelic Healing For Veterans
The documentary also highlights the work of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), a non-profit founded by Marcus and Amber Capone in 2019. VETS is dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic by providing access to psychedelic-assisted therapy, along with advocacy and support for U.S. military veterans facing mental health challenges. Since its inception, VETS has served nearly 1,000 veterans and their families, guiding them through treatment options and offering community support.
The Veterans’ Journey: Struggling With PTSD, TBI And Depression
The film portrays the mental and physical toll of war on Navy SEALs who have faced repeated deployments. For many, the battle does not end when they return home. As Marcus Capone describes in an interview with Forbes, the pain of survivor's guilt, nightmares and depression was overwhelming. "I grabbed my pistol every time the doorbell rang," Capone recalled. The film delves into the stories of veterans who struggled with substance use disorders, memory loss and debilitating trauma, often feeling hopeless in the face of traditional medical treatments.
Psychedelic Therapy: A Groundbreaking Treatment For Veterans
As a last resort, Capone and other veterans sought alternative treatments. Their journey led them to psychedelic therapies, including ibogaine, a psychoactive substance known for its potential to treat addiction and psychological trauma. Despite being classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S., ibogaine has been used in clinical settings abroad with positive results, offering veterans a fresh perspective on healing.
Personal Stories: Marcus And Amber Capone's Journey
The Capones' personal journey is central to the documentary. Amber Capone, co-founder and CEO of VETS, describes to Benzinga the powerful impact of sharing their story. "We aim to illuminate the urgent need for innovative treatments. Our veterans, having made immense sacrifices for our nation, deserve every opportunity to heal." Marcus Capone adds that speaking openly about his struggles was difficult, but ultimately led him to put the needs of other veterans first, inspiring the creation of VETS.
Science Behind Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy For PTSD
The potential of psychedelic therapy for PTSD has gained recognition, especially in clinical trials. Researchers like Dr. Nolan Williams at Stanford University are studying the impact of ibogaine on veterans, showing a significant reduction in symptoms like PTSD, anxiety and depression. These findings align with the experiences of the veterans featured in the film, who reported feeling a sense of hope and healing after their psychedelic journeys.
Overcoming Legal And Medical Hurdles: Struggle For Access
Despite promising results, the legal status of psychedelics remains a significant barrier. Ibogaine, along with other psychedelic substances, is still classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S., preventing widespread access. This poses a challenge for veterans who are seeking alternative treatments. As highlighted in the documentary, advocates like VETS are working to change these laws and provide greater access to life-changing therapies.
VETS' Comprehensive Program: Supporting Veterans Beyond Therapy
VETS offers veterans not only access to psychedelic treatments but also ongoing support through preparation and integration programs, which help veterans process their experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding. By expanding its reach, VETS aims to help more veterans heal and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges in the military.
A Call To Action: Advocating For Innovative Mental Health Solutions For Veterans
“Waves and War” serves as a powerful reminder of the need for innovative treatments for veterans. With the rise of psychedelic-assisted therapies, there is hope for addressing the mental health crisis faced by service members. As Amber Capone states, "We hope this film will open hearts and minds to the transformative potential of these therapies, ultimately saving lives within our veteran community."
Cover image made with AI
