Illustration: Matt Vosburg

We now understand that trauma isn’t just a psychological issue — it’s a physical injury that can be treated and healed. And this new understanding is revolutionizing the future of trauma recovery.

For far too long, mental health has been forced into the shadows—discussed in hushed whispers, burdened by shame, and treated with outdated methods that barely scratch the surface of true healing. Those trapped in the relentless torment of post-traumatic hell have been offered little more than endless talk therapy, powerful medications, and a lifetime of surviving rather than truly living. Dr. Eugene Lipov, a Mental Health Evangelist and pioneer in trauma treatment is here to change that narrative.

In his signature, engaging style, Dr. Lipov invites you to explore the brain’s inner workings, where modern medicine is breaking down barriers and changing lives. He sheds light on a critical truth: our hyper-alert response to stress or danger isn’t just psychological; it’s a deeply ingrained biological process essential for survival. However, when this system gets stuck in the “on position,” it can turn life into a living hell. Millions worldwide live in a state of constant alert, bracing for danger that never arrives, leading to anxiety, exhaustion, insomnia, paranoia, and, in the worst cases, homicidal or suicidal thoughts.

With this framework in mind, Dr. Lipov shares the journey that led him to pioneer a revolutionary procedure that has provided life-changing relief to countless individuals plagued by PTSD — a simple injection into nerves at the base of the neck designed to reset the fight-or-flight response to its pre-trauma state. The results are nothing short of extraordinary. Dr. Lipov brings readers face-to-face with trauma’s many faces, sharing powerful stories of those who have battled this injury and found lasting recovery. From elite special operators like US Navy SEALs, Delta Force, and 9/11 first responders to sexual assault victims, teachers, CEOs, and parents, countless survivors have reclaimed their lives. As a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist, Board-Certified Pain Physician, and Chief Medical Officer at Stella Center, Dr. Lipov combines his extensive medical expertise with deep compassion for those struggling with trauma. For Dr. Lipov, this work is deeply personal. He witnessed the devastating impact of trauma on his own family — his father, a veteran haunted by PTSD, and his mother, who ultimately took her own life under its weight. This tragedy ignited a fierce determination in Dr. Lipov to find real solutions for those suffering in silence. Dr. Lipov challenges the outdated belief that trauma is a disorder to be managed. Instead, he uncovers the truth: trauma is an injury—a physical wound to the brain that can be seen, measured, and, most importantly, treated.

At a time when suicide rates among veterans have surged to 45 per day, teen suicides are steadily increasing, and our nation is witnessing the highest age-adjusted suicide rate since 1942 — a peak not seen since the Great Depression—new breakthroughs in trauma treatment have never been more urgently needed. Yet, as with all revolutions, there is resistance. Dr. Eugene Lipov courageously exposes the forces that profit from keeping the stigma of mental health intact—those who fight to keep these groundbreaking treatments hidden from those who need them most.

The God Shot is a bold, transformative look at trauma — a natural occurrence that should no longer define the individuals struggling with it. This book is your guide to understanding the brain, unlocking the secrets of trauma, and embracing the hope that true recovery is not just possible but within reach. This book stands as a breakthrough in psycho-physiology, revealing the profound connection between the body’s physiological responses and the brain’s cognitive and emotional processes. With cutting-edge breakthroughs in modern science, the future of mental health is brighter than ever—and this book is your roadmap to navigating it.