A new Netflix documentary, In Waves and War, explores the experiences of U.S. Navy SEAL veterans who turn to psychedelic treatment as a means of addressing severe symptoms of PTSD and depression. Scheduled for release on November 3, 2023, the film follows these veterans as they travel to Mexico to undergo treatment with Ibogaine, a psychedelic substance derived from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub native to Central Africa. The documentary aims to shed light on the urgent need for effective mental health treatments, particularly as veteran suicides occur at an alarming rate of approximately 17 a day in the United States.
The film features candid interviews with the veterans, detailing their motivations for joining the military, the traumatic experiences they faced during deployments, and their struggles with mental health. Alongside personal narratives, researchers from Stanford University provide insights into the ongoing research regarding Ibogaine and its potential therapeutic benefits.
Psychedelics: A New Frontier in Therapy
Interest in psychedelics has surged in recent years, as studies suggest they may offer rapid relief for mental health disorders. While traditional treatments have not yielded satisfactory results for many veterans, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like Ibogaine is beginning to gain recognition.
In a 2021 article by TIME, the publication highlighted the growing body of research on Ibogaine and its effects on U.S. veterans. A study published in Nature in 2025 demonstrated that a combination of Ibogaine and magnesium significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression among a group of 30 special operations veterans. Additionally, a 2020 study in the journal Chronic Stress reported substantial reductions in mental health symptoms for 51 veterans who received Ibogaine treatment in Mexico.
Despite the encouraging research, Ibogaine remains illegal in the United States, leading many veterans to seek treatment abroad. The organization Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) plays a crucial role in funding these journeys, supporting veterans in accessing psychedelic therapies.
Transformative Experiences and Personal Stories
The veterans featured in In Waves and War describe their experiences with Ibogaine as transformative. After struggling with mental health issues for years, they found that traditional treatments had fallen short. The film documents their journey to Mexico, where they receive support from fellow veterans, including Marcus Capone and DJ Shipley, who have previously undergone Ibogaine treatment.
Through animation, the documentary portrays the veterans’ powerful experiences during their Ibogaine trips. Capone recalls his initial encounter with the substance, describing how it enabled him to revisit childhood memories from a new perspective, ultimately realizing that the difficulties he faced were not his fault. Similarly, Shipley shares a moment of clarity during his trip, envisioning a family dinner scene that inspired him to create a supportive environment for his children.
The film also captures poignant moments of vulnerability as veterans participate in group therapy sessions, where they express their emotions and confront their pasts. One veteran, Matty Roberts, describes a moment of self-reflection while looking into a mirror, acknowledging feelings of disconnection. Another participant, Elias Kfoury, reports significant relief from chronic headaches after his Ibogaine experience, emphasizing the emotional release he felt during the trip.
As the documentary progresses, the veterans reflect on their journeys towards healing. They express optimism about their futures, with one participant noting, “There’s a light in my eye that I haven’t seen since I was a child.” Researchers involved in the study conclude that the veterans appear to have reduced symptoms of severe PTSD.
The film concludes with Roberts discussing his progress six months post-treatment, describing a newfound ability to observe his emotions rather than becoming trapped by them. He articulates a sense of control over his mental health that he had not experienced before.
As In Waves and War prepares for its release, it stands as a testament to the potential for psychedelics to provide hope and healing for veterans grappling with the aftermath of their service. Through the lens of personal stories and scientific inquiry, the documentary aims to raise awareness and inspire change in how society approaches mental health treatment for those who have served.
