Latest news with #Ibogaine
Business Insider
10-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
After leaving the Navy, I was doing cocaine, popping pills, and drinking over a fifth of vodka a day. Then, I had a 'death experience' that changed everything.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, and host of the "Shawn Ryan Show." It's been edited for length and clarity. Ryan is not a medical professional. Psilocybin is illegal in the US federally and in most states. There is no medical consensus about whether it has benefits, including those described below, and the drug comes with risks. When I left the Navy, I wasn't ready for what came next. I had been a SEAL for five and a half years. After that, I worked as a contractor with the CIA. The tempo stayed high. I did 60 days on, 60 days off, sometimes 45 and 45. I was still running hard, living in fight-or-flight mode. When that ended, I crashed—hard. I didn't know how to slow down. I wasn't used to dealing with normal life. All I knew was intensity. I needed that adrenaline hit every day — and when I couldn't get it from missions anymore, I found other ways. I got into sleeping pills. Ambien, Valium, Xanax, Lorazepam — you name it, I was taking it. On top of that, I was using opiates like hydrocodone and tramadol. Eventually, I moved out of the country and started living in Medellín, Colombia. That's where I got really into cocaine. I would go into the worst neighborhoods I could find to score. I didn't want it easy, I wanted the risk, to feel something. When that got boring, I'd go to another country and do it again. At my lowest point, I was drinking two fifths of vodka a day. I'd wake up with mini bottles stashed all around the house — under pillows, in drawers, in the car, in my coat pockets. After dinner, I'd go to the freezer, pull out a bottle, and that's how I'd wash down my sleep meds. Except by the end, they didn't even put me to sleep anymore. In the morning, I'd take a stimulant — Adderall or something else — to start the cycle again. That was my life. It went on for years. The 'death experience' that changed my life Eventually, I hit a point where I knew I couldn't keep going. A friend told me about psychedelic therapy, and I decided to try it. The first was Ibogaine. It's a 12-hour experience. I basically watched my entire life play out from a different perspective. Every memory, every trauma — it's all there. After the Ibogaine effects wore off, I did another psychedelic called 5-MeO-DMT, sometimes called the "God molecule." The trip is described as an ego death, or death experience. It was the most intense, intuitive thing I've ever felt. I came out of it seeing the world differently. I could feel energy flowing from the ocean, onto the shore, through the trees. For the first time in my life, I realized everything is connected. Everything is one. That hit me in a way nothing else ever had. When I came back from that psychedelic experience, I didn't need the pills anymore. I didn't need the vodka. I quit everything. I've been sober for two and a half years. I quit smoking cannabis. I stopped using stimulants. And for the first time in a long time, I was fully present with my family. That experience changed everything. It gave me a second chance. That's why I started talking about this publicly on my podcast, the "Shawn Ryan Show." I wanted other veterans — other guys like me — to know there's a way out. A lot of them have been through the same thing — addiction, trauma, broken families, suicidal thoughts. When they hear that someone else made it through, they start to believe that maybe they can too. So many of us come back broken. We lose ourselves. We spiral. But healing is possible. Recovery is possible. . This story was adapted from Ryan's interview Authorized Account." Learn more about his life before and after the Navy SEALs in the video below:
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Psyence BioMed Announces USD$500,000 Follow-On Investment in PsyLabs and Global Ibogaine Supply Agreement
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2025) - Psyence Biomedical Ltd. (NASDAQ: PBM) ("Psyence BioMed" or the "Company") today announced a strategic follow-on investment of USD $500,000 into PsyLabs, a privately-held company specializing in the production of psychedelic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and extracts for research, clinical trials, and drug development. This follow-on investment underscores Psyence BioMed's commitment to building a vertically integrated, multi-asset psychedelics biotech platform with robust supply chain security and clinical development capabilities. This new capital investment builds on the exclusive, royalty-bearing IP licensing agreement formalized between the two companies in September 2024, following an initial investment where Psyence BioMed acquired an 11.13% equity stake in PsyLabs. Under the terms of that agreement, PsyLabs supplies Psyence BioMed with pharmaceutical-grade, EU-GMP, nature-derived (non-synthetic) psilocybin for use in future clinical trials and eventual commercialization in substance use disorders (SUD). In parallel with this financial commitment, Psyence BioMed has secured an exclusive right of first refusal in respect of the worldwide supply of pharmaceutical-grade, nature-derived Ibogaine. Under this agreement, PsyLabs will grant Psyence BioMed a right of first refusal to acquire the exclusive rights to a dedicated supply of Ibogaine for evaluation in the treatment of SUD, including Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This exclusive partnership further strengthens Psyence BioMed's integrated development strategy, ensuring access to high-quality psychedelic compounds to support its growing clinical pipeline and diversification into multiple therapeutic areas. Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance derived from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, has shown promise in early-stage research for its unique ability to interrupt SUDs, offering a novel approach to addiction treatment. Existing treatment options for SUDs and AUD remain limited in effectiveness, highlighting the urgent need for new solutions. "We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with PsyLabs through both our financial investment and this opportunity to acquire exclusive Ibogaine supply rights," said Dr. Neil Maresky, CEO of Psyence BioMed. "Ibogaine holds significant potential as part of a new wave of therapeutics targeting some of the most challenging conditions in mental health. With this agreement, we are well positioned to accelerate our research efforts and bring much-needed innovation to patients worldwide." Tony Budden, Chief Executive Officer at PsyLabs, added: "This expanded collaboration with Psyence BioMed reflects our shared vision for advancing the science and development of nature-derived psychedelic medicines. By combining our manufacturing expertise with Psyence BioMed's clinical development capabilities, we are creating a powerful platform to explore the full potential of Ibogaine and psilocybin in addressing addiction and mental health disorders." Additional details about PsyLabs are available at An overview of the company's operations and manufacturing capabilities can be viewed in this video. These strategic initiatives and investments align with Psyence BioMed's vision to develop a diversified pipeline of psychedelic-based therapeutics supported by strong supply chain partnerships and proprietary intellectual property, as the Company advances toward becoming a leading, vertically integrated psychedelic biotech company. The follow-on investment shall be subject to the conclusion of a definitive right of first refusal agreement between the parties based on the salient terms already reduced to writing and other customary closing and suspensive conditions, including regulatory approvals (if any). About Psyence BioMed: Psyence BioMed is one of the few multi-asset, vertically integrated biopharmaceutical companies specializing in psychedelic-based therapeutics. It is the first life sciences biotechnology company focused on developing nature-derived (non-synthetic) psilocybin-based psychedelic medicine to be listed on Nasdaq. Psyence is dedicated to addressing unmet mental health needs, particularly in palliative care. The name 'Psyence' merges 'psychedelics' and 'science,' reflecting the company's commitment to an evidence-based approach in developing safe, effective, and FDA-approved nature-derived psychedelic treatments for a broad range of mental health disorders. Learn more at and on LinkedIn. About PsyLabs PsyLabs is a psychedelic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) development company, federally licensed to cultivate, extract, and export psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelic compounds including psilocin, mescaline, ibogaine, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) to legal medical and research markets. The company has successfully exported psilocybin products to Canada, the UK, Portugal, and Slovenia, and supplies purified extracts to its UK-based CMO partner. PsyLabs operates from an ISO 22000-certified facility audited by the British Standards Institution, ensuring the highest standards of safety and traceability. With a focus on natural compound purification, regulatory support, and global distribution, PsyLabs is expanding its product pipeline to include ibogaine and other next-generation Contact Information for Psyence Biomedical Ltd. Email: ir@ Media Inquiries: media@ General Information: info@ Phone: +1 416-477-1708 Investor Contact: Michael Kydd Investor Relations Advisor michael@ Forward Looking Statements This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "believe," "intend," "plan," "projection," "outlook" or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements in this communication include statements regarding the acquisition of exclusive Ibogaine supply rights, the growing of Psyence BioMed's clinical pipeline, and the diversification of its therapeutic areas. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions, including the assumption that there will be no delays in the execution of a definition right of first refusal agreement, that Psyence BioMed shall exercise its exclusive Ibogaine supply acquisition rights, and that the demand for psychedelic-assisted therapy will include the use of Ibogaine. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to maintain compliance with Nasdaq's continued listing requirements. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: (i) delays in the execution of the right of first refusal agreement; (ii) the ability of Psyence BioMed to maintain the listing of its common shares and warrants on Nasdaq; (iii) volatility in the price of the securities of Psyence BioMed due to a variety of factors, including the recent share consolidation, changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Psyence BioMed operates, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Psyence BioMed's business and changes in Psyence BioMed's capital structure. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's final prospectus (File No. 333-284444) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on January 24, 2025 and other documents filed by Psyence BioMed from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, Psyence BioMed does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. The Company does not make any medical, treatment or health benefit claims about its proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceutical products. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by authorized clinical research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceuticals can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Vigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. The Company has not conducted clinical trials for the use of the proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy, and safety of potential products do not imply that the Company has verified such in clinical trials or that the Company will complete such trials. If the Company cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on the Company's performance and operations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Fox News
09-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Colts lineman opens up about battle with 'OCD god'
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith battled against more than just opposing edge-rushers last season. Smith, 29, was fighting a war within his head and missed the last five games of the Colts season. He was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list. Smith was eventually diagnosed with religious scrupulosity by a psychiatrist. Religious scrupolosity is a form of OCD that is characterized as obsessive thoughts and compulsions focused on religious themes, such as sin, God and the person's religious practices. "There's the actual, real, true, living God," Smith told the Indy Star. "And then there's my OCD god, and the OCD god is this condemning (deity). It's like every wrong move you make, it's like smacking the ruler against his hand. 'Another bad move like that, and you're out of here.'" "I was physically present, but I was nowhere to be found, I did not care about playing football. I didn't care about hanging out with my family, with my wife, with my newborn son.… I (felt like) was a month away from putting a bullet through my brain." When Smith had a bad thought, he would immediately respond with a compulsive prayer or internal statement of devotion. Smith was taking medication and participating in daily therapy sessions, but they only offered temporary relief. Right before Thanksgiving, Smith's wife, Courtney, gave him a choice. He could either continue with the medications and daily therapy sessions, or step away from football and check into an intensive mental health facility to tackle the issue. Smith knew it was time to step away. Smith then checked into a facility in Colorado, planning to stay for four weeks. Instead, he was there for 48 days, but not much progress was made. "It's a very hopeless feeling," Smith said. "And that's kind of where the Ibogaine comes in. This was like the last-ditch effort for me." Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid that is known for its psychedelic effects and is illegal in the United States. "Ibogaine, it legitimately resets your brain," Smith told the paper. "Imagine your brain as a ski slope, and you create all these grooves, from all these trails that you're going on, and they keep getting deeper and deeper and deeper. Those are the habits that we create, and over time, like, it's not going to be possible to create a new trail, because that one is so deep. Ibogaine literally will clear off those, like, the receptors in your brain." During his trip to Mexico to try Ibogaine, Smith took a different psychedelic that yielded positive results. He took the synthetic version of 5-MeO-DMT, which is a naturally occurring psychedelic produced in plants and seen in some toads' venom. After he took 5-MeO-DMT, Smith felt he was back in touch with the real God, and was intimately one with Him. It seemed the demons were being exorcised, and he no longer felt beholden to the OCD god. "I still have OCD, but it doesn't have a hold over me," Smith said. "It doesn't dictate my life." The Colts look forward to getting Smith back in the fold on the playing field. "Getting Braden Smith back, and he's in a great spot," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said, via the Indy Star. "I think people forget how good Braden is." Smith has spent his entire seven-year career with the Colts after they took him with their second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Auburn. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fighting opioids with psychedelics? Texas bill proposes new approach to fight crisis
AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) — Texas Rep. Cody Harris appeared before the House Public Health Committee on Monday afternoon to present HB 3717, which would help fund clinical trials for ibogaine, a psychedelic compound that could treat opioid addiction. 'Whoa, fentanyl?': High schoolers face opioid crisis in real time Through this bill, Harris aims to take on the addiction with a particular focus on veterans. According to the National Institutes of Health, drug overdose mortality rates among U.S. military veterans rose by 53% between 2010 and 2019. As opioid-related deaths continue to devastate families across the country, Harris said this legislation could be a crucial first step in offering new hope to those already battling the addiction. 'Funding a grant program for a ibogaine clinical trial isn't just a policy choice,' Harris said on Monday. 'It's a lifeline, a chance to pull our neighbors, our heroes and our loved ones back from the edge.' HB 3717 would establish a state-run grant program to support FDA-approved clinical trials for ibogaine. The Health and Human Services Commission would oversee the program and work with private companies that meet strict requirements including patient safety measures, FDA compliance and matching state funding. Harris' goal is to back credible research and eventually make ibogaine treatment accessible to Texans. 'Every one of us knows someone battling these challenges,' Harris said. 'That's why I'm proud to lead the charge on this bill. Texas must lead this charge with courage, compassion and a commitment to healing.' FDA approves painkiller designed to eliminate the risk of addiction associated with opioids During Monday's hearing, the representative cited a study conducted by Stanford University that found special ops military veterans on treatment with ibogaine immediately saw improvements in functioning, PTSD, depression and anxiety. 'Before treatment, the veterans had an average disability rating of 30.2 on the disability assessment scale, equivalent to mild to moderate disability. One month after treatment, that rating improved to 5.1, indicating no disability. Similarly, one month after treatment participants experienced average reductions of 88% in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression symptoms and 81% in anxiety symptoms relative to how they were before ibogaine treatment. Formal cognitive testing also revealed improvements in participants' concentration, information processing, memory and impulsivity.' Stanford University Ibogaine could be their miracle, Harris said, as it gives another chance for a veteran battling PTSD or a 'mother watching her son slip away to fentanyl.' 'When we see suffering, we don't turn away one million Texans wrestling with opioid use disorder,' Harris said. 'Countless more carry the silent burdens of depression, anxiety and traumatic brain injury. Ibogaine could be their miracle. A chance to heal not just bodies, but souls.' If passed, the bill seeks to secure a $50 million grant, with the condition that any entity conducting the trials must match the state funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Globe and Mail
28-02-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Ibogaine by David Dardashti Redefines Addiction Treatment with Therapeutic Adventures in Mexico
Ibogaine by David Dardashti, a leading provider of ibogaine treatment for addiction, today announced a groundbreaking initiative that combines cutting-edge therapy with transformative travel experiences. The company is now offering clients the opportunity to participate in fully-funded therapeutic adventures to breathtaking destinations in Mexico, including Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Tulum, and ancient Mayan ruins. This innovative approach recognizes the importance of integrating healing with enriching experiences. By immersing clients in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Mexico, Ibogaine by David Dardashti aims to enhance the therapeutic benefits of ibogaine treatment and foster a deeper connection to self and the world. "We believe that true healing goes beyond the clinical setting," says David Dardashti, founder of Ibogaine by David Dardashti. "By incorporating therapeutic adventures into our treatment program, we are providing our clients with a unique opportunity to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with their inner strength in breathtaking environments." These carefully curated excursions are led by expert guides who facilitate reflection and introspection, helping clients process their experiences and solidify the gains made during ibogaine treatment. The adventures are designed to complement the therapeutic process, promoting a sense of renewal, wonder, and lasting recovery. Destinations Include: Isla Mujeres: Escape to this idyllic island paradise, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Swim with gentle whale sharks, explore the vibrant coral reefs, and discover the island's rich cultural heritage. Cozumel: Immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of Cozumel, a world-renowned diving destination. Explore the Palancar Reef, a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life. Discover hidden cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, and experience the island's unique blend of Mayan and Mexican culture. Tulum: Journey to the ancient Mayan walled city of Tulum, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Explore the well-preserved ruins, learn about Mayan history and cosmology, and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Riviera Maya. Mayan Ruins: Delve deeper into the fascinating world of the ancient Mayans with visits to iconic archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Marvel at the towering pyramids, intricate carvings, and astronomical observatories, gaining a deeper understanding of this ancient civilization's profound connection to nature and the cosmos. Ibogaine by David Dardashti is committed to providing safe, effective, and compassionate ibogaine treatment for addiction. With this new initiative, the company is setting a new standard for holistic addiction recovery, combining the power of ibogaine with the transformative potential of travel.
