""It saved my life," said former NFL offensive guard Robert Gallery, who traveled to Mexico in 2023 to try ibogaine. "I'm not anxious all the time, I'm not depressed," he continued, "I can go for a run and be thankful that I'm alive, rather than having a thought that I should step in front of a semi-truck coming down the road.""
"The psychedelic substance is derived from the iboga plant, and proponents tout its ability to treat addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, or TBI. An observational study of 30 special forces veterans by researchers at Stanford University suggests that ibogaine can be highly effective at reducing anxiety, depression and cognitive challenges associated with TBI. "This is a miraculous thing," said retired MMA fighter Tait Fletcher, who credits the treatment with freeing him from suicidal ideation."
"Although athletes are just discovering ibogaine, the drug is well known within the veteran community, which experiences high rates of brain injury and PTSD. In Stanford's study on the effects of ibogaine on special forces veterans, participants saw average reductions of 88% in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression symptoms and 81% in anxiety symptoms. They also exhibited improvements in concentration, information processing and memory."
Ibogaine is a psychedelic derived from the West African iboga plant and is classified as a Schedule 1 drug with no legal medical uses in the United States. Professional fighters, football players and many veterans have pursued ibogaine treatment for addiction, PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Several patients report dramatic relief from suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression and improvements in cognition. An observational Stanford study of 30 special forces veterans reported average reductions of 88% in PTSD, 87% in depression and 81% in anxiety, along with improved concentration and memory. Experts urge caution and call for further controlled research and safety evaluation.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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