Ibogaine, Psychedelics, Trauma, And A New Path For Military Veterans & First Responders

What if recovery begins by turning off the fight or flight switch that’s been stuck on for years? We sit with Andrew from Freedom Ibogaine to explore a medically supervised path that’s helping veterans and first responders reset cravings, soften trauma responses, and rebuild life with structure and community in Mexico—just south of San Diego.

Andrew shares his own journey from severe stimulant addiction to long-term stability after an ibogaine treatment in 2018, then walks us through how their program screens for cardiac risks, manages medications, and uses magnesium protocols to improve safety. We unpack the “gray day” that often follows dosing, why integration actually starts before treatment, and how longer stays give the brain’s neuroplastic window time to translate insight into habit. With trauma-informed therapy, alumni support, and daily practices like yoga and sweat lodge, change becomes a routine rather than a moment.

We compare ibogaine with 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo) and ayahuasca, outlining distinct physiological effects and the importance of timing and facilitation. The conversation digs into emerging research around TBI, mood regulation, and neural repair; the realities of rehab’s low success rates; and why community and confidentiality matter for service members. We also examine legal shifts in the U.S., from state research bills to growing interest among policymakers and clinicians who see promise beyond antidepressants and maintenance opioids.

If you or someone you care about is navigating addiction, PTSD, or the long tail of transition after service, this is a grounded, practical look at a controversial but deeply hopeful option. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge assumptions, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest question—we’ll bring it into a future show.