On today's episode of The Pros and Cons of Psychedelic Treatment with John Giordano, we discuss the potential transformative power of psychedelic treatment for addiction and mental health. About Chris Labonte - I spent my formative years in a small town an hour north of Boston, just over the New Hampshire border. At Timberlane Regional High School, I pursued military academy attendance while actively participating in recreational soccer, JV and Varsity track, and the robotics club. Additionally, I was a proud member of the North Andover Civil Air Patrol, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before graduating high school in the spring of 2009. I was able to secure a nomination to the Air Force Academy, however my application was not accepted. This was one of my earlier challenges, and a formative lesson in perseverance. I was not deterred in my mission to serve in an impactful way and led to a blessing in disguise—a prestigious Army ROTC scholarship to Norwich University, the birthplace of ROTC. Transitioning to the Corps of Cadets and university life was especially difficult. After my first year, I decided to switch my scholarship to a National Guard one, so I could serve while still in school and get the experience to lead prior to graduation. During the years of 2009-2012 there were a myriad of challenges to overcome that eventually led me to another turning point in my life. It culminated in 2011 when I was arrested for DUI eventually being found guilty of reckless driving. The military views this as "Conduct Unbecoming of and Officer" and while they have waivers for this in normal times, we were in a period of drawdown. 2011-2013 was a particularly trying set of times; I fought with Cadet Command to retain my scholarship; I lost it. I couldn't afford the school and decided to leave the university in light of being selected/promoted to C/SSG. Cadet Command took so long to make a decision that the National Guard discharged me. I attempted to enlist active duty anyway where I was again rejected by the Secretary in the Army. Finally, I came to terms with the idea that this wasn't going to be an option for me, and I found employment and promotion at a local bearing distributor. As if by relinquishing control and accepting the hand I had been dealt, the universe responded. After battling the powers at be for multiple years and maintaining a good attitude and rapport I received a unexpected call. It was the recruiters, I was cleared for MEPS and could ship on short notice. In September 2013 I finally entered active service as a Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. I already had experience in the military which allowed me to excel during basic training and AIT. During training at AIT my consistent high performance led to my selection for Vehicle Recovery School and Airborne school. It was these schools and performance that let to my assignment at 5th Special Forces Group (A) after graduation. I took pride in my warrior ethos and ethic, which I attribute my selection to air assault school, and mountain school and why I was selected and deployed forward multiple times with the Teams. Throughout this period, I often felt lost within the dark night of the soul. My beliefs, faith, spirituality, body, and resilience were tested to the maximum. These challenges and lessons carved the way for an unexpected yet transformative journey to and with psychedelic plant medicine. To it, I owe my life, healing, and successes thus far. This odyssey has shaped the force I am today, and one of my missions is to educate the population on these subjects, and fostering the integration of these transformative methods into general awareness. Get in touch with John- johnjgiordano.com psychedelictreatmentpodcast.com psychedelictreatmentpodcast@gmail.com .