After leaving the Navy, I was doing cocaine, popping pills, and drinking over a fifth of vodka a day. Then, I had a 'death experience' that changed everything.

Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, faced intense challenges adapting to civilian life post-service. After years of operating in high-stress environments, he spiraled into substance abuse, relying on various medications and alcohol to manage his struggles. The transition left him feeling lost and incapable of coping with normalcy. In his darkest moments, he resorted to dangerous behaviors, frequently seeking adrenaline and risking his well-being. Ultimately, a psychedelic experience provided him with the insight and healing he needed to confront his demons and start anew.

"I got into sleeping pills. Ambien, Valium, Xanax, Lorazepam - you name it, I was taking it. On top of that, I was using opiates like hydrocodone and tramadol."

"I didn't know how to slow down. I wasn't used to dealing with normal life. All I knew was intensity. I needed that adrenaline hit every day."

Read at Business Insider