On this week's Eye on Veterans podcast, we’re talking about Ibogaine Psychedelic Therapy with former Army Ranger, decorated combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Clayton Smith. In our conversation, we hear about his experience with ibogaine treatment, which he did with some reluctance, just so he could say he "tried everything" before ending his life.
Instead, the treatment transformed him completely and gave him a new mission: healing fellow veterans through the nonprofit “Beond Service,” which helps fellow vets gain access to this life-changing and remarkable treatment.
First, we begin by unpacking common myths about psychedelics. Then we hear vivid memories of combat and the uncomfortable truth about how trauma is not always related to war, but equally from events like military sexual assault or even childhood. Not all trauma is the same, but all are equal. Smith explained, "One thing I want to share with the veteran community is that we don’t compare trauma.”
We hear how, despite VA therapy, Smith always felt like he was still broken and shared details about the plan he once devised to end his life.
Inspired to try one last treatment, Smith shares memories from his Ibogaine therapy session and the life-changing lessons he learned from the experience. We also hear stunning results for other vets who attended Beond therapy sessions.
We wrap our discussion with details about the non-profit “Beond Service” which is changing the lives of veterans and their spouses. And we learn how anyone struggling with PTSD, depression, or anxiety can find relief through the “Beond Ibogaine” treatment center in Mexico.
Find out more about Beond Service for veterans and the Beond Ibogaine therapy program at their campus in Cancun, Mexico.
Contact Phil Briggs, the host of CBS Eye on Veterans at phil@connectingvets.com.