The “God Shot”: How Dr. Eugene Lipov Is Redefining PTSD and Trauma Recovery

For too long, first responders living with PTSD have been told the same story: it’s a disorder you’ll carry for life. Manage it. Medicate it. Endure it.

But what if PTSD isn’t a lifelong disorder at all? What if it’s an injury, a biological, treatable, and capable of healing with the right intervention?

That’s the groundbreaking perspective Dr. Eugene Lipov brings to the table with the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), often called the “God Shot” by veterans and trauma survivors who’ve experienced its life-changing effects.

And it’s more than just theory—it’s reshaping the future of trauma care.

👉 For the full conversation, listen to Episode 123 of After the Tones Drop and stay tuned for Part 2 (Episode 124).

https://www.afterthetonesdrop.co/dr-lipov-1

A Biological Reset for PTSD in First Responders

At its core, the Stellate Ganglion Block (Also referred to as SGB) is a simple medical procedure—an injection into a bundle of nerves in the neck. But the results? Nothing short of revolutionary.

By calming the overactive fight-or-flight response, SGB helps reduce hypervigilance, anxiety, and the crushing sense of doom that so many first responders know too well. For many, it creates enough space to finally use other tools (ike therapy), because the nervous system is no longer running at a ten-alarm fire.

From Pain Management to Trauma Breakthrough

Dr. Lipov didn’t set out to transform trauma care. In fact, his discovery came by accident while using SGB to treat hot flashes in women. But when he noticed the same mechanism could “reset” stress responses in veterans and first responders, a new pathway opened.

Since 2006, peer-reviewed studies and countless patient stories have confirmed what those Marines first called the “God Shot”: it works.

I can vouch for this myself. The Stellate Ganglion Block gave me a calm I hadn’t felt in years. My husband will tell you I’m a different person since the shot. Even Dr. Lipov, who pioneered this treatment, has had it himself and says it’s helped him tremendously.

Why Words Matter: From PTSD to PTSI

Here’s the kicker... Dr. Lipov isn’t just treating trauma, he’s reframing it. He’s leading the charge to rename Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI).

Why? Because language matters. Calling it an “injury” removes stigma, validates the biological reality, and emphasizes healing instead of lifelong dysfunction. For first responders, that shift could mean the difference between asking for help and staying silent.

Learn more about how you can help with this mission here: https://dreugenelipov.com/its-ptsi-not-ptsd/

The Future of Trauma Recovery

SGB isn’t a silver bullet. It’s a tool! One that can open the door for deeper recovery, especially when combined with therapy, peer support, and other treatments. And Dr. Lipov’s work doesn’t stop there. From exploring secondary PTSD in families to pushing for systemic policy change, his mission is clear: no veteran or first responder should feel broken beyond repair.

If you’ve ever wondered whether PTSD has to mean a lifetime sentence, this conversation will challenge everything you’ve been told.

👉 Listen to Part 1 (Episode 123) to learn how SGB works, and don’t miss Part 2 (Episode 124) where we dig into who qualifies, new treatments on the horizon, and how policy changes could finally bring this healing to the front lines.

Because healing is possible. And it’s time we start telling that story.

Listen Now: https://www.afterthetonesdrop.co/dr-lipov-1

Preorder Dr. Lipov's Book Here: The God Shot Healing Trauma’s Legacy: The Science, the Stories, the Solution. 

Visit Dr. Lipov's Website https://dreugenelipov.com