A van full of U.S. Special Operations veterans crossed the border into Mexico in July, embarking on a mission to address symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury through psychedelic therapy.
Over 48 hours, the veterans planned to ingest a psychedelic extract from a West African shrub and smoke the venom of a desert toad. One participant, a retired Army Green Beret named Jason, expressed his desperation, stating, “I’ve tried everything else, and it didn’t work.”
Psychedelic therapy has gained traction among military veterans, with clinics in Mexico offering relief for mental health issues that traditional treatments have failed to resolve. While the Department of Veterans Affairs has recently announced funding for research into psychedelic therapy, many veterans remain without access to these treatments for the foreseeable future.
Some active-duty personnel are also seeking out these therapies, despite potential disciplinary consequences. Ibogaine, a substance derived from the iboga tree, is used in these treatments and is illegal in the United States. Research indicates it may aid in the recovery of brain injuries by promoting the release of natural brain proteins.
The treatments typically involve a single dose of ibogaine, followed by a dose of 5-MeO-DMT, a potent psychedelic. Veterans often engage in psychotherapy before and after the sessions. Many Navy SEALs have turned to ibogaine treatment, particularly as clinics near Tijuana are easily accessible from California.
Dr. MartÃn Polanco, who operates the clinic, initially focused on addiction treatment but shifted to helping veterans after witnessing positive outcomes. One notable case involved Marcus Capone, a retired SEAL who found significant relief from PTSD symptoms after undergoing treatment.
During a recent session, veterans prepared for their treatment at Dr. Polanco's clinic. They were fitted with IVs for monitoring, as ibogaine can impact heart function. Participants shared their experiences, revealing common struggles with mental health following their military service.
The experience of taking ibogaine is often intense and can lead to physical discomfort. A study from Stanford University indicated that veterans experienced nearly a 90% reduction in PTSD symptoms after treatment, with some showing physical changes in brain structure.
After a difficult night, veterans reported feeling surprisingly positive the following day. They then smoked the toad venom, which elicited strong emotional responses and a sense of clarity. Many expressed gratitude for the improvements in their well-being and relationships.
Two months post-treatment, participants reported lasting benefits, including better sleep and mood stabilization. One veteran noted that the experience could have saved the military significant resources on ineffective therapies.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for further support.