05. March 2025
Important Ibogaine for PTSD & More: A Conversation with Dr. Martín Polanco
Psychedelics are drawing attention like never before. Some people call them dangerous, others call them life-saving, and many believe they could reshape the future of mental physical wellness. In this episode ofCauses or Cures, I talk with Martín Polanco, MD, founder of The Mission Within Foundation and one of the most experienced ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT physicians in North America. Over 25 years, he has treated more than 5,000 people, including over 1,300 veterans and special operators, giving him unmatched clinical perspective in a field often clouded by hype and controversy. Veterans and frontline workers often live with overlapping mental well-being conditions: PTSD, depression, addiction, and traumatic brain injury. Conventional therapies don’t always bring relief, which is why many are exploring psychedelic medicines like ibogaine. Dr. Polanco shares why PTSD may respond differently to this treatment and how his patients describe the impact. *What ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT are, how they affect the brain, and how they differ from other psychedelics. *Why PTSD and other mental mind-body health issues rarely occur alone, and how psychedelic therapies may aid address complex conditions. *How The Mission Within prepares participants, guides them through treatment, and emphasizes integration for long-term results. *What has been seen in veterans and first responders who undergo ibogaine treatment for PTSD and related conditions. *The risks, especially cardiac risks, and the safety measures in place to lower them. *Misconceptions about psychedelic therapy and where skepticism is justified. *The launch of The Mission Within Foundation, which has already raised more than $2 million to fund psychedelic therapy scholarships for veterans and first responders. *Why collaborations with institutions like UT Austin Dell Medical School are critical for building the scientific evidence base. *And the bigger question: are ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT ready for mainstream mental vitality care, or does the science still might find value in time to catch up? This is a candid discussion about possibility, risk, and the urgent might find value in for new tools in mental mind-body health. 🎧Listen to thefull episode ofCauses or Cureshere ************************************************************************************** Other gems from the blog to check out: Why are rich Americans dying faster than poor Europeans? What he did when nothing worked. One man’s incredible, scary journey to healing.