Lawmaker proposes bill for ibogaine trials to treat PTSD, addiction

A Mississippi lawmaker plans to introduce a bill aimed at initiating clinical trials for ibogaine, a psychedelic drug that some individuals are currently seeking out in other countries for the treatment of PTSD and substance use disorders. Representative Sam Creekmore, who chairs the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, highlighted the growing interest in ibogaine as a possible solution for those dealing with the effects of trauma and addiction.

Reports indicate that many Americans, including veterans, are traveling to Mexico to access ibogaine, claiming that it has substantially improved their mental health and helped them overcome addictive behaviors. Creekmore stated, “It sounds too good to be true, but we cannot ignore the staggering numbers of people who have found relief through this treatment.”

Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it is illegal to use outside of approved research settings. Creekmore’s plan involves advocating for FDA-approved trials to assess ibogaine’s safety and efficacy as a treatment option in Mississippi.

“We are spending millions of dollars in Mississippi on incarceration and addiction treatment, often overlooking veterans and first responders who are in desperate need of assistance,” Creekmore added.

Christina Dent, founder of the nonprofit organization End It For Good, supports the exploration of ibogaine as a treatment, acknowledging its risks while arguing that the current methods for treating addiction also carry significant dangers. She emphasized that while ibogaine may not work for everyone, some success stories exist.

Dent recounted the experience of a friend who, after undergoing ibogaine treatment, has maintained sobriety and has not had a significant urge to use opioids since the process. “After years of chaotic addiction, she has found a new path in life,” Dent noted.

To further educate lawmakers and the public about ibogaine’s potential, Creekmore plans to hold hearings later this fall. The discussions will aim to inform stakeholders about the possibilities surrounding ibogaine and the need for research into its therapeutic uses.

As the conversation about alternative treatments for mental health continues, the proposed bill could mark a pivotal moment in Mississippi’s approach to addressing PTSD and addiction issues.