IBOGAINE FINDINGS BY STANFORD UNIVERSITY SHOW PROMISE FOR VETERANS
Whether you’re looking to have a good time, cure what ails you, or take part in a spiritual experience, the use of substances is well documented among humans. From the socially acceptable use of caffeine in your morning routine to more extreme drugs, if it helps you feel reality in an altered way, people have been using it since the beginning of our existence. In Central Africa, the Tabernanthe iboga (iboga) shrub thrives inside of the rainforest. For hundreds of years, people have been using it for medicine and religious purposes. While ibogaine is toxic and has the classification of a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), there is hope that the substance can help with both drug addiction and those suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Suggested read: Veteran TBI and Suicide Are Directly Related; Get To Know the Facts About TBI
What Is Ibogaine?
Ibogaine is a psychoactive substance with dissociative properties that is found naturally among plants in both Africa and the Amazon. Users experience psychedelic effects when using an ibogaine plant. This can last hours and is present to help users explore spirituality and facilitate meditation to overcome mental issues. Pygmy tribes understood ibogaine treatment and began to pass its usage to others in Africa, specifically to the Bwiti tribe in Gabon who would teach the French. From there, usage would spread to Europe; however, other groups in Africa would also partake, including natives of the Congo. From 1990 through 2008, nineteen individuals are believed to have passed away after ingesting the substance. However, while there are cardiovascular risks that may be present, there is a need for more research. Particularly, because most of those fatalities were from other underlying risk factors, including cardiovascular health issues. The research that has gone into ibogaine drug use includes everyone from the tribes that discovered it, the CIA, and modern minds in medicine all the like. There is hope that ibogaine can help those with substance abuse issues. In fact, a Stanford University study is now showing promise that the drug can help Veterans.
Stanford University Study Shows Promise for TBI
A new study is showing Veterans who suffer from combat-related TBI improve after taking ibogaine. Using 30 subjects who are Special Operations Forces Veterans suffering from mild TBI, it seems ibogaine worked better than rehab, psychotherapy, or other meds. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as the ibogaine therapy study findings come just as the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) fiscal year 2024 (FY 2024) bill was approved by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The bill opens up access to military members with TBI or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to clinical studies funded by The Pentagon. It’s also an important time as more and more Veterans are reporting PTSD from serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The government is also finding that suicides are more common in the Veteran community. A sad fact that doesn’t normalize the action but rather further highlights the need for more research. Related read: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Secret Hospitalization Drawing Criticism
Is Ibogaine Legal?
Because ibogaine is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), it’s illegal in the United States. If you buy ibogaine, possess it, or sell it, you run the risk of a felony charge. Concerns about usage affecting hearts and minds keep the substance illegal. However, promising studies such as the recent finding at Stanford University show potential for present and future application. There are also findings from the study that magnesium can neutralize these health risks. However, more research needs to be done. Ibogaine tablets are legal in Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, and New Zealand in varying capacities. Ibogaine treatment centers are available in Mexico and Brazil. This is because Mexico doesn’t regulate its use and Brazil has legalized it. This is not medical advice. Thus, you should always follow the law and seek advice from medical professionals before taking anything. Still, the developments of ibogaine are exciting for the Veteran community. They deserve all of the support and resources they can get after defending our freedoms. Read next: USS Gerald Ford: World’s Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier Is Coming Home