Veterans Experience Long-Term Relief from PTSD After Ibogaine Therapy

Among the veterans was Patrick Flatley, a former Green Beret who served multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He joined the Army at 19 and sustained numerous head injuries through his service, culminating in a traumatic experience when U.S. Air Force jets mistakenly shot down two helicopters he often rode. Following this incident, Flatley experienced persistent nightmares and intense anxiety, which continued to affect him after retiring from the Army.

After undergoing ibogaine treatment in 2022, Flatley reported significant relief from his symptoms, feeling a noticeable soothing effect in his mind during the experience, which can last from 24 to 72 hours. According to early findings from Stanford Medicine, of the 23 veterans who had PTSD before treatment, 19 achieved remission within days.

A follow-up study published on August 12 in Translational Psychiatry indicated that a year after the initial treatment, many participants continued to experience substantial benefits. Out of 25 veterans who completed the one-year follow-up, the study found that 84% of those who achieved remission from PTSD shortly after treatment maintained that status a year later. The likelihood of sustained remission was 66% for depression and 61% for anxiety.

Jennifer Lissemore, PhD, a member of the research team, noted that the improvements observed were not only rapid but also surprisingly enduring, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of a single ibogaine treatment. Participants underwent psychiatric assessments at multiple intervals over the year, revealing that many experienced persistent reductions in symptoms.

Flatley's PTSD remains manageable, allowing him to reflect differently on past events that once consumed him with anger. He described how his nightmares ceased for nearly four years post-treatment.

The researchers cautioned that their findings were based on observational data and did not control for other treatments some veterans received in the interim following ibogaine therapy. Throughout the year, various participants engaged in counseling, took antidepressants, or experienced additional psychedelic treatments.

Despite these variables, the data suggests that ibogaine may provide long-lasting relief, which could validate its use for individuals suffering from PTSD. As a Schedule I drug since 1970, ibogaine treatments currently must be sought outside the U.S. due to regulatory challenges. However, interest in its potential applications has increased, especially following findings from the Stanford study and recent advocacy for psychedelic research in treating mental health conditions among veterans.

Flatley now assists fellow veterans in seeking ibogaine therapy. Inspired by the initial results, researchers plan to study ibogaine in other populations, such as Ukrainian refugees suffering from war-related PTSD. The study examining the veterans revealed preliminary changes in brain structure that may relate to ibogaine's effects, but further research is necessary to elucidate the neurological mechanisms involved.

Dr. Camarin Rolle, a co-author of the study, expressed optimism that continued research into ibogaine may lead to effective treatments for PTSD and other significant mental health issues.