Can Ibogaine Improve Mental Health and Recidivism in Veterans?
Jessica K. Young, Esq., CCHP-A, William R. Dennis, MD, MPH, CCHP-CP, and Melissa S. Caldwell, PhD, CCHP-MH/A
Recent research suggests that ibogaine may play a role in treating mental health issues faced by veterans experiencing incarceration and potentially disrupt the military-to-incarceration pipeline. Veterans are overrepresented in the U.S. correctional system, with nearly one-third reporting a history of arrest (Orak, 2023). This overrepresentation is closely tied to high rates of PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and substance use disorder (SUD). A systematic review found that 85% of veterans receiving treatment for SUD or mental illness had at least one criminal charge, and 94% had three or more (Blonigen, et. al., 2020). Treating these issues at their root could reduce future healthcare costs and address compounding factors that contribute to criminal activity (Zgoba et al., 2020).
Background and Recent Interest
Ibogaine is a powerful and complex psychoactive substance derived from the Tabernanthe iboga plant. It has garnered significant attention due to its potential to treat addiction, particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), and mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, ibogaine is not without significant risks. The compound has been associated with potentially fatal side effects, particularly related to its impact on the heart (Köck, 2022; Bouso, 2025).
Despite dangers, growing interest in using ibogaine in addiction and PTSD treatment presents untapped opportunities for innovations in treatment for veterans who experience disproportionately high rates of incarceration (Orak, 2023; Lotsof & Wachtel, 2003). While it is currently listed as a Schedule 1 drug in the U.S., it is also listed on the DEA’s Exempt Chemical Preparations List, meaning it may be legally obtained or used in a medical context under strict conditions (DEA, 2024a; DEA, 2024b). Ibogaine’s exempt status has allowed for clinical studies to be approved at increasing rates, and there has been a push in recent years to allocate state budgets to ibogaine research (Ky. 2025, Wash. 2025, Mo. 2025, Tex. 2025 REID Foundation, 2025).
Despite isolated state efforts, federal funding to support psychedelic research remains limited (Barnett, 2025; Barnett et al., 2022). U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services has taken an interest in ibogaine at the federal level, stating: “I will de-schedule ibogaine and all psychedelic medicines” (Kennedy, 2025). These movements could open new avenues for addressing issues such as recidivism and the logistical challenges of using medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs).
Ibogaine for Addiction Recovery Support, PTSD, and TBI
Incarceration has long been recognized as both a cause and an exacerbating factor for individuals struggling with substance use, and there is evidence that ibogaine may be more effective at reducing opioid use with fewer side effects than long-term substitution drugs (Lao et al., 2020). Psychedelic use has also been associated with reduced recidivism among individuals experiencing incarceration (Hendricks et al., 2014; Barsuglia, J. et al, 2018; Davis et al., 2018).
An early study of ibogaine found that treatment reduced or completely eliminated symptoms of opiate withdrawal syndrome (OWS) and led to at least short-term abstinence from opiate use in 76% of participants (Alper et al., 1999). Ibogaine’s psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects can lead to profound realizations, personal reflection, and behavioral change in some individuals (Heink et al., 2017; Chirico et al., 2022).
Ibogaine has previously demonstrated success as a treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, TBI, and mood/psychological disorders (Davis et al., 2020; Forsyth et al., 2016). Preliminary research suggests that ibogaine may facilitate trauma processing, helping those with PTSD gain insights and emotional resolution (Brown et al., 2019; Davis et al., 2020).
Ibogaine may also promote neuroplasticity and repair damaged neural connections in the brain (Chen et al., 2025; Marton et al., 2019). Ibogaine’s ability to repair brain damage could be game-changing for TBI treatment, which is one of the most common issues faced by combat veterans (Massaad & Kiapour, 2024).
Medical Safety
Despite the promising clinical findings on ibogaine’s potential, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding its safety profile. Reports of the drug’s neuro- and cardiotoxic effects, such as “nausea, tremors, ataxia, and psychiatric conditions (e.g., mania, psychosis), to severe clinical effects such as seizures, comas, pulmonary difficulties, and fatal outcomes,” as well as a lack of clear purity and dosing guidelines, present major hurdles (Köck, 2022).
To gain a better understanding and more control over ibogaine’s effects, researchers at the University of Southern California have started conducting structure-based studies of the substance (Singh et al., 2023). In addition to making ibogaine more selective, the USC researchers indicated it may be possible to replicate ibogaine’s therapeutic benefits without the hazardous side effects. Most recently, magnesium was successfully co-administered with ibogaine without any serious or emergent side effects and significantly lowered symptoms of PTSD in Special Operations Forces (SOF) veterans after one treatment (Cherian et al., 2024).
Need for Post-Treatment Support
Ibogaine should not be approached as a standalone cure; individuals should receive ongoing therapy and support to maintain sobriety and address underlying issues (Scott et al., 2022). Even though singular ibogaine treatments have led to continued sobriety, participants of one study reported “difficulty with incorporating their ibogaine experience into their daily lives” (Davis et al., 2018).
Studies have also explored the possibility of continual, low-dose ibogaine treatments with the goal of eventually tapering off (Knujiver, 2021). A major limitation of many ibogaine studies is a lack of control for non-psychedelic elements of therapy, such as “group activities, coaching, international travel, expectancy or other nonspecific effects” (Cherian et al., 2024).
Evidence indicates that psychedelic SUD treatments, such as ibogaine, can be effectively incorporated into existing 12-step programs and peer support groups (Yaden, 2021). Continued behavioral health support is not only a best practice in healthcare to ensure continuity of care, but it may also be a key component of ibogaine therapies.
Considerations for Practical Application
Outside of clinical studies, manufacturers and individuals seeking treatment may explore requesting access to ibogaine under Right to Try, which enables terminally ill patients to access non-FDA-approved treatments (FDA, 2024). This avenue could provide a resource for veteran populations who experience high levels of PTSD, TBI, substance use, and suicidality and may have exhausted other treatment options (Corr, 2023).
The focus for veterans experiencing incarceration has long been on preventing suicide, not treating the underlying factors that contribute to suicidality that ibogaine may address. This could be promising for veterans who have experienced incarceration and are twice as likely to attempt suicide than those without a criminal history (Holliday, et al., 2022).
By incorporating ibogaine into rehabilitation programs, we might be able to reduce substance use, enhance psychological support, and ultimately foster long-term behavioral change for veteran populations (Heink et al., 2017). The opportunity to expand ibogaine to improve outcomes for veterans hinges on addressing safety concerns through medical oversight, standardized protocols, counseling, post-treatment care, and appropriate candidate selection.
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Jessica K. Young, Esq., CCHP-A, is a correctional healthcare executive and attorney with 20 years of experience in jail healthcare operations, policy, and law. As a subject matter expert for Spark Training, LLC, she provides specialized training in legal compliance and contract management for correctional facilities. She has presented nationwide and authored multiple papers through Spark Training.
William R. Dennis, MD, MPH, CCHP-CP, is a board-certified emergency physician and public health leader with 26 years of clinical experience, including leadership of large-scale correctional healthcare systems. He oversees more than 160 correctional healthcare providers across 20 states. As a clinical subject matter expert for Spark Training, LLC, he designs and delivers training focused on emergent response practices and medical implications of use of force.
Melissa S. Caldwell, PhD, CCHP-MH/A, is a clinical-forensic psychologist with nearly 30 years of correctional experience, from line-level correctional officer to licensed psychologist. As a behavioral health subject matter expert for Spark Training, LLC, she develops and delivers mental health curriculum for correctional professionals nationwide. She frequently consults on suicide-resistant architecture and forensic behavioral health for correctional agencies.
For more information, contact training@sparktraining.us
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