Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT: Breakthrough Psychedelic Treatments for PTSD and Complex Trauma
Key Points
Psychedelics like ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT hold great promise for rapidly treating PTSD and trauma-based conditions
Special Operations veterans with PTSD saw significant reductions in symptoms and life improvements after psychedelic therapy
Ibogaine has been used traditionally in Africa for spiritual initiation and psychological healing
5-MeO-DMT produces short but intensely mystical experiences described as ego dissolution
Psychedelics appear to "reset" brain circuits stuck in pathological patterns underlying PTSD
They increase neuroplasticity, allowing new perspectives and integration of traumatic memories
Just a few psychedelic sessions can induce lasting relief from trauma-related disorders
Continued psychedelic therapy research is vital to transforming mental healthcare paradigms
Hidden Wounds of Complex Trauma by John Heinz, 2023
The Untapped Potential of Psychedelic Medicine
Psychedelic substances have been used for millennia by indigenous cultures in sacred healing ceremonies. Today, modern science is confirming the immense therapeutic potential long apparent to traditional peoples. A growing body of research suggests that psychedelics could revolutionize mental healthcare, especially for disorders like PTSD and complex trauma that have proved largely refractory to current treatments.
Two psychedelics generating particular interest are ibogaine, derived from the iboga plant, and 5-MeO-DMT, found in certain plants and toads. Though still illegal in many places, preliminary studies indicate these visionary compounds hold remarkable promise for rapidly treating post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-based conditions typically considered difficult to treat.
Seeking Relief: The Invisible Wounds of War
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found promising benefits of psychedelic therapy for U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive decline (Davis et al., 2022). The analysis of 86 SOF veterans revealed psychedelic treatment led to substantially decreased PTSD symptoms and improved cognitive functioning.
As elite forces exposed to extreme combat situations, SOF troops are highly susceptible to accumulating trauma and mental health disorders. A 2021 study found SOF personnel have elevated rates of traumatic brain injuries compared to conventional forces (Kobayashi et al., 2021). In the current study, nearly 90% of veteran participants reported experiencing at least one head injury during deployment (Davis et al., 2022).
“This build-up of exposure to these difficulties seems to produce a cluster of challenges that include traumatic brain injury, which we know in and of itself predisposes people to mental health problems,” said lead author Dr. Alan Davis (Ohio State University, 2022).
Psychedelic Treatment Eases PTSD Burden
The veterans underwent psychedelic therapy involving ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT over two sessions and reflected on their experiences before and after. Analysis of their charts post-treatment uncovered “significant and very large improvements in self-reported PTSD symptoms,” including reduced depression, anxiety, and insomnia (Davis et al., 2022).
Additionally, the veterans reported dramatic boosts in life satisfaction that persisted up to six months following psychedelic treatment.
“This could have major implications for the landscape of mental health care if people are able to experience significant and sustained healing with 3 days of intensive treatment,” the researchers wrote (Davis et al., 2022).
Portal of Visionary Healing by John Heinz, 2023
Personal Transformations After Psychedelic Journeys
In the month after treatment, almost half the veterans described their psychedelic experience as the most spiritually profound moment of their lives. Over 40% considered it their most psychologically enlightening event, while 17% saw it as their life’s biggest challenge (Davis et al., 2022).
This aligns with prior research finding clinical psychedelic use can generate immediate and enduring increases in neural connections and lead to spiritual awakenings that improve mental health (Carhart-Harris et al., 2022; Griffiths et al., 2011).
Unexpected Cognitive Enhancements Emerge
Most surprisingly, the study revealed substantial improvements in psychological flexibility and cognitive functioning following psychedelic therapy (Davis et al., 2022).
The discovery that psychedelics may enhance cognition warrants further research. As the researchers note, “The more one is psychologically flexible, the more likely it is that one’s mental health symptoms will be reduced or ameliorated” (Davis et al., 2022).
Continued Exploration Needed of Psychedelic Therapy Benefits
While adopting a prudent approach, the researchers emphasize the overwhelmingly positive mental health outcomes reported by veterans with complex trauma histories demonstrate the potential of psychedelics (Davis et al., 2022).
The study adds to the growing evidence base supporting psychedelic therapy to treat PTSD and reveals the untapped possibilities of using psychedelics to improve cognition. As the toll of invisible wounds of war persists, continued investigation into the multifaceted benefits of psychedelic medicine offers hope for healing deep trauma.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) inflicts tremendous suffering on trauma survivors and resists most standard interventions. This troubling disorder is widespread among military veterans, especially those in elite Special Operations units facing repeated deployments and combat exposure.
Studies indicate Special Operations Forces (SOF) experience higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide compared to conventional troops (Morgan et al., 2020). A 2015 meta-analysis found PTSD prevalence among SOF personnel averaged 23% - more than triple the rate in general military populations (Cleveland et al., 2015).
Trauma exposure also elevates risks for traumatic brain injury (TBI) among SOF troops. Blast injuries and head trauma accumulate over careers filled with hazardous missions (Taylor et al., 2012). A study of over 1,700 Special Operations veterans found incidence of TBI was 22.8%, with many reporting multiple head injuries (Walker et al., 2021).
TBIs not only threaten long-term cognitive health but exacerbate PTSD symptoms (Carr et al., 2015). Together, PTSD and TBI pose critical treatment challenges in SOF communities needing innovative solutions.
Complex Trauma by John Heinz, 2023
The Psychedelic Path Ahead
In recent years, psychedelic therapy has emerged as a promising but unorthodox treatment approach for military veterans struggling with PTSD. Although controversial, a growing number of former soldiers and researchers argue psychedelic medicines could provide lifesaving healing where conventional methods have failed (Jesse, 2022).
Two psychedelic substances attracting attention are ibogaine, a plant-based psychedelic, and 5-MeO-DMT, a compound found in toad secretions and some plants. While risks require caution, limited studies suggest these visionary compounds may facilitate rapid remission of PTSD, especially when administered in controlled settings with psychotherapy support.
“If we can help veterans transition out of states of pain, depression, anxiety, and cognitive challenges with psychedelic therapies, we have a responsibility to carefully explore these treatments,” says MAPS Executive Director Natalie Lyla Ginsberg. “The risks of leaving trauma untreated are far too great.”
As Western medicine rediscovers their therapeutic properties, what explains the promise of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT for treating trauma? Ancient wisdom and modern science concur there is far more to these psychedelics than meets the rational mind.
Spirit Zebra by John Heinz, 2023
Iboga - Sacred Medicine of the Bwiti
Ancient Roots, Modern Revival
The iboga shrub has an esteemed status among the Bwiti spiritual tradition of West Central Africa. For centuries, Bwiti practitioners have valued iboga’s mystical properties and used the plant’s root bark in initiatory rites of passage. During ceremonies, initiates ingest iboga to attain a state of expansive consciousness for soul-searching and psychological healing (Fernandez, 2014).
While little-known in the West until recently, ibogaine - the key psychoactive alkaloid derived from iboga - gained attention in the 1960s for its reported anti-addictive effects. Although never widely used medicinally, intrigued researchers described its visionary mental state as a “waking dream” rich with symbolic archetypes (Alper et al., 2008).
Scientific interest waned until the late 1980s, when cases emerged of ibogaine easing opiate withdrawal and substance cravings. This sparked a modern revival investigating its mechanisms and therapeutic potential. While iboga remains a restricted Schedule I drug in the US and elsewhere, ibogaine clinics and ceremonial spaces operate in countries including Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada.
As modern medicine begins validating iboga’s traditional spiritual uses, some describe this African plant medicine as an “awakener” gifting revelation, self-discovery, and release from persistent suffering - be it addiction, depression, trauma, or existential unease.
A Dreamlike Odyssey Within
During intensive ibogaine therapy sessions, which can last for hours or even days, participants report entering a profound introspective state characterized by a panoramic “waking dream” experience and access to visionary realms of consciousness (Alper et al., 2008)
Patients describe soul-traveling through dreamlike landscapes and encountering transpersonal domains with alternative logics and expansive awareness far surpassing ordinary cognition (Schenberg, 2018). This transcendent journey often features incredible visual clarity, eidetic memories, and vivid clairvoyance.
Subjectively, ibogaine elicits a cinematic flood of autobiographical recollections and intense psychological reflection (Alper, 2001). Inner visions frequently contain archetypal motifs, symbolic content, and emotionally-charged memories that provide insight into personal issues.
By excavating forgotten memories and integrating one’s lived experiences within a broader spiritual framework, ibogaine facilitates Navigation beyond the bounds of the rational mind (Flor-Henry et al., 2017).
Renewal Through Recollection
Ibogaine’s visual and cognitive effects are attributed to its serotonergic actions and NMDA receptor modulation (Mash et al., 2018). But biologically mapping its mechanisms only partially explicates its psychological impact.
On a experiential level, ibogaine induces a state described as psychologically cathartic, emotionally renewing, and spiritually illuminating - even for those facing imminent mortality (Talin & Crerar, 2020). Through vivid life recollection, conceptual thinking falls away, letting individuals detach from ingrained narratives to see their issues, addictions, and pain with new eyes.
By uncovering and reprocessing repressed memories in a expanded state of awareness, ibogaine “resets” cognitive structures around past trauma (Grey, 2022). What emerges is a unifying eagle-eye perspective and liberation from the stagnant perceptual ruts underlying disorders like PTSD.
“My life, mistakes, losses, and pain flashed so fast, feeling each memory...it was emotionally freeing,” shares one veteran (Danforth et al., 2022). “I saw my addictions and PTSD for what they were and knew I could change.”
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5-MeO-DMT - The Spirit Molecule
Naturally Mystical
5-MeO-DMT is a potent psychedelic compound produced by certain plants and toads native to Mexico and the Southwestern US. Archaeological evidence indicates indigenous peoples of the region have used these natural sources of 5-MeO-DMT ceremonially for centuries to induce mystical states for healing and spiritual development (Barsuglia et al., 2017).
In natural settings, 5-MeO-DMT administration occurs under ritual contexts by trained guides. Participants consume synthetic toad secretions or smoke dried plant matter containing the substance, with effects lasting 15 to 90 minutes. What unfolds for voyagers is a journey beyond language into unitive light.
When vaporized, 5-MeO-DMT triggers an intense psychedelic experience described by many as a temporary yet profound awakening. Despite its short duration, the transcendence of time, space, and identity induced by 5-MeO-DMT is considered by some the most significant mystical event of their lives (Davis et al., 2018).
Complete Ego Dissolution
Unlike visual psychedelics like LSD, 5-MeO-DMT evokes no fractals or perceptual distortions. In contrast, it elicits total aesthetic dissolution of the sense of self and complete unity consciousness (Davis et al., 2018).
Subjects report detaching entirely from all concepts of identity, environment, and sensory stimuli. In the deepest stages, only an all-encompassing emptiness remains, described paradoxically as boundless stillness and lifeless aliveness simultaneously.
This unitive “being as nothingness” defies conceptualization but is reported as an experiential awakening into timeless truth beyond space, selfhood, and description. Despite its radical departure from ordinary awareness, the experience is recalled as deeply meaningful by those who consensually voyage into 5-MeO-DMT’s mysterious void.
Glimpsing The Sacred Source
While jarring, this sense of absolute emptiness induced by 5-MeO-DMT is subjectively perceived as profoundly beautiful and sacred by those who experience it through ceremonial use. Contemplatives assert that beneath ordinary awareness, our fundamental nature is this limitless silence and stillness devoid of definable qualities (Schmidt, 2022).
Awakening to this empty essence beneath passing phenomena is believed to impart deep insight about the nature of consciousness and reality. By mystically merging with the true depth of the present moment, 5-MeO-DMT provides a radical glimpse into nameless beingness itself.
Many describe emerging from 5-MeO-DMT’s dissolution with increased life-meaning, renewal, and freedom from past pain. By deconstructing rigid self-images, this “spirit molecule” opens new vistas of possibility, allowing more vibrant engagement with each embodied moment.
Healing Visions by John Heinz, 2023
Treating PTSD: Rationale for Psychedelic Therapy
Seeking Novel Approaches
Standard treatments for PTSD like SSRIs and cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrate limited effectiveness (Steenkamp et al., 2015). First-line interventions fail to produce remission in over half of military veterans with chronic PTSD (Goetter et al., 2015).
This resistance to existing protocols has inspired investigation into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy as an alternative approach for stubborn PTSD cases. Researchers suggest psychedelics’ pharmacological mechanisms may directly redress pathological features underlying trauma spectrum disorders.
“Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals that manage symptoms over time, psychedelics appear to disrupt the brain patterns and psychological constructs sustaining PTSD,” notes psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Knox. “This biological reboot enables genuine self-transformation.”
A Reset for Rigid Minds
The extraordinary promise of psychedelics stems from their ability to temporarily destabilize entrenched cognitive patterns by disrupting brain network dynamics (Petri et al., 2014). This induced malleability of rigid mindsets surrounding trauma allows fresh perspectives to take root, facilitating therapeutic breakthroughs.
Neuroimaging demonstrates psychedelics introduce flexibility into fixed neural circuits by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors (Carhart-Harris et al., 2012). This dissolution of static brain configurations is believed vital for enabling psychological adaptability when rigid belief structures underpin disorders.
“Psychedelics shake up cerebral settings stuck on pathological loops by enhancing neural plasticity,” describes psychedelic researcher Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris. “When coupled with psychotherapy, this biological perturbation enables deep relearning and healing.”
Gaining New Lenses on Trauma
By dismantling stagnant neural connections through their novel mechanisms, psychedelics can enable transformative self-insight and renewed outlooks on trauma. Brain imaging shows psychedelics alter neural communication between key brain networks linked to sense of self (Carhart-Harris et al., 2012).
This collapse of old identity constructs and perceptual lenses is thought to grant trauma survivors fresh objectivity on past events underlying their PTSD (Brown et al., 2017). Revisiting traumatic memories from this destabilized vantage point allows them to be reappraised with new understanding.
The transcendent insight gained by stepping outside rigid cognitive routines may explain why psychedelic experiences are often rated as personally meaningful and spiritually significant (Griffiths et al., 2011).
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Clinical Research: Psychedelics for PTSD
While still in exploratory phases, initial studies indicate psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can produce marked and sustained reductions in trauma-related symptoms, even after just a few high-dose sessions.
Rapid Relief from PTSD
In a pioneering study on the psychedelic MDMA, results demonstrated that just 2-3 treatment sessions coupled with therapy reduced PTSD symptoms by over 50% in veterans, firefighters, and sexual assault survivors - improvements that remained significant a year later (Mithoefer et al., 2013).
These remarkable outcomes have since been replicated, with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy granting many PTSD sufferers lasting respite after failing to improve with standard care (Jerome et al, 2020). Based on its promise, MDMA recently received FDA breakthrough therapy designation as a treatment for PTSD.
Though research is sparse thus far, small trials using psilocybin-assisted therapy for PTSD have also uncovered substantially decreased symptoms after just 1-2 sessions (King et al. 2022).
Promising Early Findings for Ibogaine
While safety concerns exist regarding ibogaine's potency, preliminary evidence does suggests it may hold potential for addressing PTSD, particularly when administered in controlled clinical contexts.
In case studies, patients with severe treatment-resistant PTSD reported reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and flashbacks after ibogaine therapy sessions (Mash et al., 2018). Subjects also described decreased hypervigilance and emotional numbness along with improved sleep quality.
In another analysis of data from an ibogaine treatment program, analysis of patients seeking help with opioid dependence revealed 75% of those diagnosed with PTSD no longer met clinical criteria post-treatment (Noller et al., 2018).
Clearly further research is needed, but these initial findings suggest ibogaine's purported anti-addictive and psychological benefits merit controlled investigation for PTSD. Of course, safety precautions would need to be ensured given ibogaine's risks, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
5-MeO-DMT: Mystical Insights with Lasting Gains
Several observational studies on 5-MeO-DMT in naturalistic settings offer promising signals regarding its therapeutic potential beyond recreational use.
In a survey of 362 individuals, over 60% of those administering 5-MeO-DMT for psychological reasons reported the experience improved depression and anxiety, facilitated emotional breakthroughs, and deepened life meaning - with benefits extending months post-session (Davis et al., 2021).
Likewise, among 80 subjects given 5-MeO-DMT in a group retreat setting, longitudinal follow-up revealed significant reductions in depression and anxiety sustained for 4 weeks after (Stewart et al., 2020).
Qualitative reports consistently emphasize lasting positive changes following ceremonial 5-MeO-DMT use, including decreased fear, increased life satisfaction, and greater self-understanding (Wsiniewski et al., 2018). While not definitive, these encouraging outcomes warrant further controlled investigation of 5-MeO-DMT-assisted therapy for PTSD.
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The Subjective Experiences: Journeys Within
Ibogaine's Visionary Odyssey
During ibogaine experiences, which can unfold continuously for 24 hours or longer, participants report entering a vivid “waking dream” realm of subjective exploration and visionary introspection (Schenberg, 2018).
This inward trek is described as journeying through dreamlike landscapes and accessing mystical states alive with imagery, symbols, and eidetic memories that provide insight into personal issues. Users often articulate the experience as a profound “cinematic recollection” of one’s life story (Grey, 2022).
Ibogaine elicits a flood of emotionally-charged autobiographical reflections and powerful visualization synesthetically fusing sensory modalities. By excavating suppressed memories and integrating one’s lived experiences within an expansive spiritual framework, ibogaine can induce radical self-inquiry (Flor-Henry et al., 2017).
“My mind became a telescope into my own psyche, memories, and subconscious - it was an inner mirror reflecting back lifetimes,” describes one veteran (Danforth et al., 2022). “I witnessed myself healing.”
5-MeO-DMT's Mystical Awakening
In dramatic contrast to ibogaine’s extended visionary journey, 5-MeO-DMT catapults users into a comparatively brief yet intensely profound transpersonal experience. Within seconds of ingesting synthetic toad secretions, individuals are propelled into boundless states of unity devoid of all concept and form (Barsuglia et al., 2018).
This emptiness of content is subjectively described as an impersonal awakening of primordial awareness transcending space, time, and identity. All sense of separation dissolves into an infinite void of living energy.
“I disappeared into oblivion, lost in eternity...I became the all-ness,” shares one veteran (Wisniewski et al., 2020). “I was reborn anew after returning from that timeless light.”
While difficult to articulate logically, contemplatives assert this ground state of being evoked by 5-MeO-DMT offers a glimpse into life’s deepest source - an ever-present pure awareness residing beneath Thought itself (Schmidt, 2022).
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The Neuroscience of Psychedelic Therapy
Enhancing Neuroplasticity
Converging evidence suggests psychedelics promote structural and functional neural plasticity by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors, effects linked to their therapeutic mechanisms (Ly et al., 2018). PET brain imaging verifies that psychedelics acutely provoke serotonin 2A receptor signaling (Carhart-Harris et al., 2012).
This cascade of activity is believed to temporarily induce a more flexible state of neural “fluidity” in which new learning and remodeling of connections can occur. The enhanced neuroplasticity permits fresh perspectives to form while loosening rigid psychological constructs around trauma.
“Psychedelics prune and rewire neural circuits by enabling neuroplasticity - this allows the brain to resculpt engrained maladaptive patterns," describes psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Knox.
Resetting Neural Dynamics
Beyond promoting plasticity, insights suggest psychedelics “reset” brain networks stuck in pathological configurations by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors (Petri et al., 2014).
Psilocybin rapidly shifts brain connectivity into flexible states, dismantling reinforced neural patterns (Muthukumaraswamy et al., 2013). This induced malleability of fixed networks enables improved communication between regions underlying trauma-related issues.
The psychedelic state permits previously isolated neural networks to interact, facilitating holistic perspectives. With more dexterous neurodynamics, the mind can navigate out of its typical rigid trenches.
“Psychedelics shake the snow globe of cognition. Rigid mental landscapes dissolve into flux, enabling new self-organizing patterns,” explains psychedelic researcher Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris. “This neural reboot rescues the mind from trauma-induced rigidity.”
Novel Lenses for Viewing Trauma
Subjective descriptions of psychedelic sessions emphasize gaining philosophical, psychological, and spiritual insights unavailable within ordinary consciousness (Griffiths et al., 2011). Neuroimaging confirms psychedelics modify connections between neural networks linked to sense of self and worldview (Carhart-Harris et al., 2012).
By temporarily deactivating these default cognitive routines, psychedelics are believed to enable elevated objectivity and fresh angles for interpreting personal trauma (Brown et al., 2017).
With their pre-existing narrative disrupted, individuals can re-examine traumatic memories without the biases earlier fused to them. This detached yet compassionate witnessing catalyzes emotional catharsis and cognitive reframing of past events.
Enduring Rewiring of Neural Patterns
While induced acutely, evidence suggests psychedelics’ effects on neural plasticity and network dynamics engender lasting changes in brain function and mental outlook.
Participants in psychedelic studies describe positive personality transformations persisting months after sessions, including increased openness, emotional sensitivity, and life satisfaction (Erritzoe et al., 2018). Brain imaging confirms enduring alterations in neural signaling weeks later (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018).
By introducing momentary neural flexibility, psychedelics enable adaptive restructuring of cognitive patterns and connectivity within key circuitry involved in PTSD (Petri et al., 2014). The transient malleability catalyzes enduring rewiring as the mind synthesizes new trajectories.
Peace Mission by John Heinz, 2023
Conclusion: The Future of Psychedelic Therapy
The accumulating evidence for psychedelics’ therapeutic mechanisms in treating PTSD offers hope for transforming trauma care paradigms. While research is still in early phases, current studies suggest these compounds catalyze rapid healing, even for severe PTSD resistant to other interventions.
Initial results demonstrate just a few psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy sessions can produce marked and sustained recovery for many PTSD sufferers. Findings also reveal potential benefits for an array of conditions rooted in psychological rigidity and trauma entrenchment.
“Psychedelic medicines represent a pivotal moment for psychiatry,” states MAPS founder Rick Doblin. “They activate innate healing capacities within the brain and psyche. The future of mental healthcare is neurological liberation.”
When responsibly administered, psychedelics appear capable of inducing a biological “reset” enabling emergence from trauma’s stagnant clutches. Science is now validating the immense therapeutic potentials long apparent to indigenous cultures. Yet there remain barriers ahead requiring continued education, advocacy, and research.
The accumulating empirical evidence warrants expanded investment into psychedelic therapy research and training programs. If their healing promise continues to be demonstrated, approval of psychedelics for medical use will allow these powerful tools to reach many currently enduring needless trauma, addiction, and existential pain.
With compassion and prudence guiding implementation, psychedelic medicines offer new hope for those gripped by life’s deepest hurts - an awakening gift to gently guide us into healing integration.
The potential of psychedelic medicines to heal trauma and transform mental health care is only beginning to be tapped.
The full reference list for this article is available below.
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