Ian McCall is a former UFC fighter, retired MMA world champion, and psychedelic research advocate championing alternative treatments for athletes through his organization, Athletes Journey Home.
Ian’s journey with psychedelics has been driven by his battle with traumatic brain injury and addiction, which manifested after more than a decade of professional fighting. He credits psychedelics for his successful recovery from more than a decade of dependence on pain medication.
Today, Ian spends his time as a performance coach and mentor, often cornering other professional athletes and assisting them on their own path to healing.
In this episode, Ian also shares how a recent experience with ibogaine helped him overcome ketamine misuse, a problem affecting an increasing number of visitors to Beond.
What We Discuss
— Ian’s journey as a professional MMA fighter and the personal challenges he faced during his career — Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and its impact on athletes in combat sports — Ian’s transition from traditional treatments to exploring psychedelics for TBI and addiction recovery — A deep dive into Ian’s Ibogaine experience, including its challenges and profound insights — How Ibogaine works on the NMDA receptor and its role in repairing damage from ketamine misuse — Ian’s personal realization about overcoming fear and embracing vulnerability during his healing journey — The potential for psychedelics like Ibogaine to support neurogenesis and long-term recovery — Ian’s approach to helping others with TBI, addiction, and trauma, including the tools and therapies he employs — The challenges and barriers in treating TBI and supporting recovery in athletes and others — Ian’s vision for the future of TBI treatment and the role of psychedelics in holistic healing
Why It’s Important
This episode offers an intimate look at Ian McCall’s transformation from a professional MMA fighter to a passionate advocate for psychedelic healing.
By addressing the complexities of Traumatic Brain Injury and addiction recovery, Ian shares invaluable insights into the potential of psychedelics like Ibogaine to foster profound healing.
Whether you’re an athlete, a healthcare professional, or someone interested in alternative therapies, this episode provides a compelling narrative on resilience, innovation, and the future of mental and physical recovery.
Tune in to learn how Ian’s experiences can inspire and guide others on their healing journeys.
At Beond, we believe that our staff’s personal healing journeys are as important as those of our guests’. This philosophy ensures that our team members offer not only clinical support but also a deep, lived understanding of the transformative potential of ibogaine.
Meet Daniela, or “Dani” as we affectionately know her, who is a key Client Experience Architect at Beond, is a fantastic example of this approach to expanding our team’s understanding of the purpose, process, and promise of the psychedelic-assisted treatment our clinical and therapeutic professionals deliver.
A Journey of Compassion and Connection
Dani joined Beond in March 2022, and over the past two and a half years, she has become an integral part of our team. As a Client Experience Architect, her role is to inspire our guests engage in a range of experiences that help them connect deeply with themselves, challenge their assumptions of their comfort zone, embrace growth and learning as they integrate with the broader Beond onsite community.
Each day, our guest experience architects extend themselves to curate opportunities for self-expression and create an environment of solidarity, helping guests overcome feelings of isolation and nurturing new levels of self-worth.
“Every day, I collaborate with an incredible team of multi-disciplinary practitioners to assist our guests in feeling connected and supported through their entire journey at Beond… before, during and after any psychedelic healing” she says.
“My contribution to achieving our mission is to help create “moments that matter” in a space where people feel safe to explore their experiences of meditation, sound healing, cold plunges, art therapy and more… and come into their own sense of deeper self-love, courage and commitment to change and growth.”
A Personal Transformation Through Ibogaine
Dani’s own ibogaine journey was a powerful transformational experience. She describes how she felt ready to release her past and embrace a new chapter in her life, both personally and professionally. “My intention was to integrate all the hard and painful moments of my life with the bright ones,” Daniela shares. “I wanted to live with courage, authenticity, and pride in who I am.”
The preparation for her ibogaine journey began long before the treatment itself. Daniela engaged deeply in therapy, working to identify and address painful memories, including trauma from childhood sexual abuse.
She incorporated mindfulness practices like meditation, breathwork, and somatic exercises into her daily routine, while also building a supportive community at Beond. Daniela credits these steps with helping her prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for the experience.
A key moment in her preparation came when she spoke to her parents about the abuse she had endured, and sought the guidance of a psychedelic-informed therapist. “I learned how to tune in to my body and release,” she reflects.
The Experience of Safety and Support
Throughout her ibogaine journey, Daniela felt fully supported by her team at Beond. “I had no doubt I was well taken care of,” she recalls. “The team was there for me at every step—through the painful, the hard, and the best parts of the experience.”
This deep sense of true safety allowed Daniela to dive deep into her healing, and the insights she gained were life-changing. “I realized that I just need to practice and rest, and I can accomplish anything I want in life,” she says. “My shadow and darkness are vital parts of myself, supporting the light that shines within me.”
Understanding the Courage of Our Guests
Daniela’s personal journey has given her an even deeper appreciation for the courage it takes for guests to undergo ibogaine treatment. “It’s incredible to see people step away from their normal environments and commit to a psychedelic experience,” she says.
“I’ve learned just how important it is to have the right set and setting, and to create a space where people feel calm, supported, and understood.”
This lived experience has also deepened her belief that ibogaine is just one part of the healing process. “The community, the practices, and the trust we build are what truly make the magic happen,” she explains.
Personal Growth Benefiting Professional Care
Daniela’s transformation through ibogaine has had a profound impact on her professional role. “I’m more confident now, both in my own life and in how I support our guests,” she says. “I’m here to connect, to learn, and to offer a helping hand.”
By sharing her truth and creating a joyful, loving environment, Daniela aims to inspire guests to see new perspectives and take control of their healing journeys. “I hope to motivate others to create the reality they want, just as I’ve done for myself.”
A Message for Those Considering Ibogaine
To those considering ibogaine treatment, Daniela offers this personal guidance: “Start with humility, openness, and a willingness to heal. This place will meet you where you are and help you let go of what no longer serves you. Trust in the process, and little by little, you’ll find the strength to trust yourself.”
Moving Forward with Purpose
As Daniela looks to the future, her mission is to continue supporting Beond’s clients with authenticity and deep compassion. “My vision is to inspire people to connect, find gratitude, and experience authentic growth,” she says.
“It’s my purpose to listen, to support, and to help others create a reality of new perspectives and choices.”
Daniela’s story reminds us of the strength and transformation that lies within each of us. Her experience deepens her ability to relate to our guests and reinforces Beond’s mission to create a safer, more supportive space for transformational healing and continuous personal growth.
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This letter was sent voluntarily by Beond’s past guest as his expression of gratitude.
We are honored to share the deeply moving and transformative journey of our alumni, Brandon. His letter of appreciation highlights the profound impact that Beond Ibogaine treatment program has had on his life, marking a full year of sobriety from opioids. Brandon’s story is a testament to the power of ibogaine, the compassionate care provided by the Beond team, and the crucial role of integration in achieving lasting change.
Brandon came to Beond after nearly two decades of struggling with addiction. His letter describes the welcoming and supportive environment at Beond, the transformative visions he experienced during his ibogaine treatment, and the significant personal growth he achieved through introspection and integration. He emphasizes that ibogaine is not a cure-all, but a powerful tool that, with proper support and integration, can lead to profound healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
We invite you to read Brandon’s full letter to understand the depth of his journey, the challenges he overcame, and the new perspectives he gained. His experience underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to healing, one that includes preparation, support, and ongoing integration. At Beond, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and holistic environment for each individual’s unique journey.
Dear Beond (and the “holy wood” of iboga),
First and foremost, I want to send my deepest gratitude and love to the entire Beond team (from the doctors to the cooks and all others), the Bwiti tribes and wonderful plant or spirit of iboga that has blessed the world with ibogaine (and its other chemical compounds), and my loving family – all of which I owe my life to (the reasons I am still here writing this letter). In short, I am writing this letter as I reflect on my ibogaine experience, treatment, and outcomes after a full year of sobriety from all opioids.
I came to Beond last July after struggling with an IV heroin (and fentanyl) addiction for nearly two decades of my short 35-year-old life, knowing damn well that the only options left were my inevitable death or ibogaine treatment as a potential saving grace.
The first thing I noticed when arriving was the warm, welcoming attitude of the Beond team that fostered an exceptional environment for my recovery – one of genuine compassion, care, trust, respect, acceptance, and empathy – not the typical attitudes or environments an addict is used, which in and of itself can give one a glimpse of hope and readiness.
Finally, I was at a point in my addiction to where I was ready to do the work, which is exactly what the design of Beond’s program enables with its many daily activities and practices that nurture the mind and body. I made sure to participate in all that Beond offered, at times pushing myself past self-doubt, uncertainty, and at least for the first five days, dopesickness (which was nowhere near as punishing and relentlessly agonizing as it typically was if I weren’t being taken care of by Beond’s medical team).
My “flood dose” of ibogaine came on July 5, 2023 (my “clean date” marked by a negative drug test result for fentanyl) and I have been clean and sober from all opioids for a full year now since my treatment. Not only did I experience zero withdrawal effects after my flood dose and first “booster dose” (which is quite unbelievable to those unfamiliar with the glory of ibogaine), but the ibogaine completely eliminated all my desires or cravings to use opioids (even after accidentally injuring myself), a major desired effect that never occurred with traditional medication-assisted therapies (e.g., Methadone, Suboxone, etc.).
I always saw heroin as a sort of “battle armor”, something I had to ingest to shield me from an all-pervading existential dread and deal with the absurdities of existence in a sociopolitical culture I did not find comforting or align with.
Other times I saw heroin as my romantic partner protecting, regulating, and nurturing me in times of need – the only issue is I needed heroin several times a day, every day, just to be “normal” (and this is a full-time job in and of itself).
My ibogaine experience allowed me to shift my perspective on my heroin (and fentanyl) use by filtering out the many egoic defense mechanisms us addicts unconsciously utilize to rationalize our substance abuse, thereby re-symbolizing heroin (and fentanyl) as a path of destruction, imminent death, and withdrawal from (or an avoidance of) the precious life I had been given, rather than as a symbol of life and protection it had previously represented for me.
My previous psychedelic experiences could never prepare me for the extraordinary and marvelous effects of ibogaine, particularly its ability to dig very deeply into the core roots of both intra- and inter-personal issues or concerns plaguing one’s life.
In my personal opinion, the level of depth ibogaine invites one to uncover and dive into, both on a visionary and reflective/introspective level, is unparalleled to any other psychedelic substance.
The most memorable visions I experienced had a strong emotional component accompanying them. For example, my flood dose included witnessing my own birth, which evoked traumatic feelings of being born into the chaotic environment of a hospital and world I did not choose, but also an extreme sense of gratitude for being brought into this worldly existence, given the rare chance of even being alive here and now on this planet.
At one point during the visionary phase of my ibogaine experience, I found myself underwater bubbling up to the surface to reach for air (perhaps drowning from my own self-destructive tendencies) with a mirror serving as a clairvoyant premonition by reflecting myself in the future as a happier, healthier being, which evoked a strong sense of hope that had been lost many moons ago.
Another memorable vision consisted of four large female-like beings (perhaps from my ancestral origin or completely extraterrestrial) who began inserting equipment into my body for purification purposes and utilizing tools in my brain to wipe the opioid receptors clean.
I could literally feel the chains of addiction being lifted, prompting me to get more in touch with my inner child’s wonder, awe, and curiosity, particularly as it related to the future, again fostering a stronger sense of hope (and resilience).
The introspective and reflective processing (and integration) that followed my visionary experience revealed many insights into my addiction, traumas, spirituality, and overall psyche, fostering a heightened sense of self-acceptance, self-awareness, peace, mindfulness, and equanimity.
My ibogaine experience and overall treatment at Beond also seemed to strengthen my overall temperament, particularly in terms of increasing my cognitive flexibility, open-mindedness, tolerance for uncertainty, humility, non-judgmental awareness, etc. and decreasing my innate emotional reactivity in responding to both external and internal events or situations.
In addition, after my first booster dose, while exclusively listening to the magic of Bwiti music, I felt the life return to my body, pouring into and running through my adulterated and scarred veins, igniting a flow of energy (perhaps my “chi” or life force – whatever you want to call it) that my bodily senses could feel, notice, and track for the first time after numbing my body for far too long.
This sense of energy reinforced the importance of the mind-body connection and ways to strengthen it through exercise, meditation, breathwork, nutrition, etc.
As a scholar, I always took care of my mind but seemed to neglect the body, deeming it as less important than tending the mind, but now I whole-heartedly understand and perceive the mind and body as inseparable “swinging doors” to the same underlying fundamental reality.
The ibogaine and Bwiti music also reconnected me with my love for the creative act of making music, a love of mine that was lost in the process of addiction. It encouraged me to utilize producing music as a source for my own sense of spirituality, a way of reconnecting with the creative source of all being (and non-being), which is exactly what I’ve been doing everyday since I left Beond.
I could go on and on about the benefits and outcomes I experienced from my ibogaine treatment but will end on this final note.
My experience at Beond renewed and fostered a deep sense of immense gratitude, respect, and appreciation for (and acceptance of) life in all its forms, including the good/bad, pleasures/pains, beautiful/ugly, reasonable/absurd, etc.
After running away from myself for so many years, I can now confront myself with compassion, be more present in life for others, embrace all the positives and negatives life throws at us, and begin to live a more authentic mode of existence in which my actions are aligned with my values – a new way of being and becoming. I am forever indebted to and grateful beyond words for Beond, the “holy wood” of iboga, and my family for making my recovery from addiction possible. Sending all the love and blessings to the Beond team and anyone who has the courage to walk through those doors!
Bassé!
-B.F
At Beond, we are honored to be part of such transformative journeys. Brandon’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential for healing and growth that ibogaine offers, and the importance of continued support and integration. If you are curious about how ibogaine can help you or a loved one, schedule a discovery call with one of our experts today. Let us support you on your path to healing and transformation.
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Every single politician at the state or national level—including appointees—may come to our Cancun clinic for ibogaine treatment, gratis.
“If they do come, ibogaine will improve their cognitive functioning,” says Tom Feegel, co-founder of Beond. “The candidates will be better debaters, better policy makers, better fundraisers, and better public servants.”
The idea—free ibogaine sessions for politicians—came to us as we’ve been watching all the trouble this election season.
We know politicians have always faced crushing demands from voters, donors and the media. The problems seem to only be getting worse as the season continues:
President Biden, a well-meaning, proud older man, is ridiculed for his mental lapses, and forced to step down.
Donald Trump, beloved by millions as a savior for the working class, was grazed by a bullet that almost killed him.
Kamala Harris carries the torch of hope and change for the Democrats, and she’s lampooned across the Internet.
Our hearts go out to anyone in distress, and we tend to see opportunities for healing. We see where ibogaine can help.
While we know ibogaine isn’t a magic bullet, we knew weeks ago that we wanted to offer Biden and Trump both sessions with our psychedelic medicine, especially when Biden’s senior moments began to accumulate, and particularly when Trump nearly lost his life in Pennsylvania.
“I would pick Trump up at the airport myself,” says Tom. Surviving an assassination attempt has to be traumatic and jarring. He will be scarred by the bullet, and may have a sense of vulnerability from barely escaping death.
Ibogaine—an African psychedelic shrub— may help the current President with his age-related decline, and any future president more clarity of mind and a stronger sense of purpose. They can’t do it themselves,” says Tom. “They have to come to Mexico.”
— Ibogaine has a mechanism of action that might slow neurocognitive decline.
— More GDNF could also promote the growth of new dopamine neurons, potentially helping to restore some lost function.
We are in a unique position. “Ibogaine, being a Schedule I, they can’t do it themselves,” says Tom. “They have to come to Mexico.”
We know that the ibogaine spirit might offer him the opportunity to confront whatever damage the shooter caused. Ibogaine:
— “Banishes PTSD,” in the words of a small study of military veterans.
— “Allows the evocation and reprocessing of traumatic memories,” according to a survey of Special Ops veterans who have used ibogaine.
Many politicians already know the power of ibogaine
Trump, Biden, and Harris—and any other politician at the state and national level—is welcome to visit us, and join the ranks of political people who see the potential of ibogaine.
Many Democrats already know about ibogaine’s potency:
— Joe Biden’s brother Frank swore the president is “very open-minded” about psychedelics.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pushed to lower barriers to research on compounds like ibogaine.
And Republicans know it, too:
— Former Texas Governor Rick Perry said: people are “going down [to Mexico] and literally coming back and proclaiming that it had changed their lives in a powerfully positive way” and said that if he were ever to take a psychedelic drug, it would be ibogaine.
— Texas congressman Dan Crenshaw talked to SEALs who said Mexican ibogaine ceremonies “changed my life.” And he tweeted about the hurdles MDMA-assisted therapy is facing from regulators. (Elon Musk retweeted Crenshaw to his 190 million followers.)
— And Texas congressman Morgan Luttrell tried ibogaine himself in Mexico and said, “I was reborn. This changed my life. It saved my marriage. It is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me.”
When they come to visit us in Cancun, the politicians are encouraged to try our other amenities: cold plunge, massage, group therapy, meditation. These methods support ibogaine treatment by helping people take care of themselves. More than ever, politicians need self-love.
We want to be the home of politicians’ life changes, which we know can ripple outward to all the lives they impact. Which starts, like all lasting changes, by learning to love and accept ourselves as we are.
“Come to the hope factory,” says Beond co-founder Tom. “We want to help them find out what might happen if they come and learn to lead with empathy and disciplined commitment to self love and worthiness.”
At Beond, an ibogaine treatment center in Cancun, Mexico, we prioritize not only the safety and wellbeing of our guests but also the healing journeys of our staff. We believe in healing ourselves before healing others.
Our staff members are treated as equals, participating fully in the same comprehensive program as our clients, with no modifications to the protocol. They are treated with the same care, clinical professionalism, and rigorous evaluations, ensuring safety and support. This approach has a unique and profound impact, allowing our staff to provide empathetic and informed care.
This testimonial by Lina Muñoz, our yoga therapist, illustrates the profound personal transformations our team members undergo, ensuring they can provide the deepest empathy and support to our clients.
Hello, I’m Lina Muñoz, a therapist and instructor of yoga and meditation at Beond. For over 2 years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing various wellness experiences with our clients, including Aquatherapy, Yoga, Biomagnetism, sound meditation, breathwork, ice plunges, and Human Design.
I am passionate about engaging with our clients, supporting their journeys, and learning from each person who comes through our doors.
What motivated me to explore Ibogaine was witnessing the profound changes in the people we serve.
I saw them arrive sad and discouraged, and then leave connected, renewed, and happy. This transformation inspired me to experience this medicine for myself.
Like everyone, I’ve faced painful experiences in life, and I felt that coming here was a gift, showing me this wonderful medicine to help me see and learn more about myself.
For me, it’s essential to experience something firsthand before speaking about it with certainty. So, when the opportunity to try Ibogaine came up, I didn’t hesitate. Several months passed before my treatment was scheduled, but I knew it would come at the perfect time.
Recently, I went through a painful learning experience that led me to explore healing through alternative therapies and psychotherapy. This helped me focus on myself and better understand what I was going through.
As I prepared for Ibogaine, I practiced Yoga, meditation, pranayamas, ice baths, and physical workouts to stay balanced. My intentions were to return to my essence, be more authentic, connect with self-love, and take better care of myself.
On the day of the treatment, I woke up to meditate, chant mantras, and harmonize my energy. From the start, I felt supported and cared for by the team. During the experience, I encountered moments of fear, but I always found beauty in overcoming them.
The support from the nurses and doctors made me feel deeply held. I learned that the love and care I offer others must also be given to myself and that setting boundaries and listening to my body are essential aspects of self-love.
Ibogaine taught me that we have the power to co-create our reality and that divinity resides within us. Jumping into the abyss can be frightening, but the sensation of flying and rebirthing is unparalleled. I learned that love is our greatest power and that Ibogaine is a portal to self-discovery, but the work of evolution depends on us.
After this experience, I have a deeper understanding of how our clients feel before and after the treatment, the importance of our work, and how we support the processes. Sharing from experience allows us to bring peace, tranquility, and confidence to our clients, inspiring them to integrate new habits and live authentically.
Ibogaine is a gift, a new opportunity to know and work on ourselves. It will show you what you’re ready to see and learn, so approach it with humility and an open heart. Remember that it’s just the beginning of a great journey, and it’s essential to take responsibility for your part in the process.❤️
I am deeply grateful to Ibogaine and Beond. I look forward to continuing to integrate new knowledge and enhancements into our therapies, making each experience even more special and unique. I hope to keep inspiring our clients to listen to themselves, believe in themselves, honor their uniqueness, and trust that it’s always possible to start anew. Infinite gratitude and love.
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Facing our deepest fears isn’t a journey one embarks on lightly. With the intention of personal growth, brothers Naithon and Chris Cook of Holistic Meditation share their transformative experiences with the psychoactive substance ibogaine at Beond.
From intense nervousness to profound self-discovery, Naithon shared how he confronted himself in ways he never had before. While ibogaine catalyzed this deep introspection, it was his willingness to delve into the complexities of his mind that made all the difference. He explored his fears, loneliness, and the relentless pace of his thoughts, finding clarity and peace in the intensity of the ibogaine experience.
The greatest adventures and the most profound healing come from the courageous act of meeting oneself fully.
Curious to hear everything about the brothers @holistic.meditation experience with ibogaine at Beond? They just released a podcast recorded live here in Cancun:
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Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, PhD, clinical researcher and advisor for Beond, highlights the critical role of protein GDNF (Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in brain regeneration and overall mental health.
GDNF, often described as ‘miracle grow’ for the brain, is vital for nurturing neurons and maintaining crucial brain functions.
How Ibogaine promotes GDNF “miracle grow for the brain”:
— GDNF is a protein that helps nourish neurons. It is important for neuroplasticity and memory. It helps with brain injuries and mood disorders. It is involved in many important brain functions, especially in brain regions where dopamine is the main neurotransmitter.
— GDNF is responsible for learning – it prevents apoptosis in motor neurons during development, decreases the overall loss of neurons during development, rescues cells from axotomy-induced death, and prevents chronic degeneration.
— Ibogaine is not just for people seeking to end chemical dependency or heal trauma, biohackers love GDNF because it stimulates the growth of neurons, enhances cognition, learning and increases antioxidant activity while protecting and repairing neurons.
We invite you to join us at Beond, where we blend groundbreaking science with holistic care to empower your healing journey.
Ibogaine is a potent, natural psychoactive compound derived from the African shrub, Tabernanthe Iboga or Voacanga Africana.
Known for its unique ability to reset the brain’s addiction pathways, ibogaine offers much more than mere addiction relief. It paves the way for deep, transformative introspection, aiding in the healing of PTSD, depression, anxiety, TBI, and other mental health challenges.
At Beond, we harness ibogaine’s transformative power through meticulously designed programs that cater to a variety of needs—from overcoming dependencies to enhancing life skills and mental wellness.
Whether you’re battling substance dependencies, seeking relief from PTSD, or simply looking to elevate your mental clarity and emotional resilience, customized Beond Ibogaine programs are tailored to guide you toward profound personal breakthroughs.
Healing is not just about treating symptoms—it’s about rediscovering your fullest potential.
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Depression, a complex and pervasive mental health challenge, affects millions globally. It’s a condition that transcends mere feelings of sadness, significantly impacting the daily lives of those it touches.
As we explore the depths of this condition, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of mental health and the widespread prevalence of depression.
1. Types of Depression
Depression is not a singular entity; it presents itself in various forms, each with unique characteristics and implications. Understanding these variations is essential for effective diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies. Below, we delve into the most common types of depression, highlighting their distinct features and the challenges they pose:
— Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
This is the most prevalent form of depression, marked by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It significantly impairs daily functioning, affecting work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Standard treatments often involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as antidepressants, and in severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered.
— Bipolar Disorder
Known for its extreme mood swings, this disorder includes phases of depression interspersed with episodes of mania. While not a type of depression per se, its depressive phases can be particularly challenging. Treatment typically involves mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy.
— Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Characterized by depressive episodes during specific times of the year, usually winter, SAD can significantly impact mood and energy levels. Treatment options include light therapy, antidepressants, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
— Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
A chronic form of depression, dysthymia presents as a less severe but more prolonged mood disturbance than MDD. Treatment approaches often mirror those for MDD, focusing on psychotherapy and medication.
— Postpartum Depression
This type of depression occurs after childbirth, involving severe mood swings, exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy. It’s a serious condition that can affect a mother’s ability to care for her newborn. Counseling, antidepressants, support groups, and hormone therapy are among the treatment options.
— Atypical Depression
Unique for its mood improvement in response to positive events, this type features increased appetite, oversleeping, and sensitivity to rejection. Treatments include antidepressants and psychotherapy, along with lifestyle adjustments.
— Psychotic Depression
This severe form combines depression with elements of psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations. Treatment requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both depression and psychotic symptoms.
— Treatment-Resistant Depression
As the name suggests, this type of depression does not respond to traditional treatment methods and may require innovative or combination therapies, including psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Understanding these types highlights the complexity of depression and underscores the need for personalized treatment approaches.
2. Understanding and Treating Depression
Neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in our understanding and treatment of depression. This concept, which refers to the brain’s capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, is central to both the development and potential treatment of various mental health conditions, including depression.
Depression and Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity involves the brain’s ability to adapt to experiences, which can be both positive and negative. In the context of depression, negative experiences or chronic stress can lead to maladaptive changes in brain circuits, which can contribute to depressive symptoms.
Research has identified key brain regions implicated in depression, such as the hippocampus (involved in memory and emotion regulation) and the prefrontal cortex (associated with decision-making and mood regulation), where neuroplastic changes are particularly significant.
Neuroplasticity as a Target for Treatment
The goal of many depression treatments is to reverse these maladaptive neuroplastic changes. This can be achieved through various interventions, ranging from pharmacological treatments to psychotherapy, which can help create positive neural changes and alleviate depressive symptoms.
Traditional antidepressants, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), are thought to exert some of their effects by promoting neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus, thus contributing to neuroplasticity.
Recent research into psychedelics, such as ibogaine, has shown promising results in treating depression. Ibogaine promotes neuroplasticity, leading to rapid and lasting changes in brain circuits.
Psychedelics appear to disrupt entrenched patterns of thought and behavior, potentially ‘resetting’ neural networks. This can provide a window of increased brain plasticity, where the brain is more receptive to forming new, healthier patterns and connections.
Ibogaine’s Unique Approach to Treating Depression
Traditional treatments, while effective for some, don’t work for everyone. This is where ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance, shows promise.
But what exactly is ibogaine, and how could it revolutionize the treatment of depression?
Ibogaine is derived from the root bark of the African iboga tree, traditionally used in spiritual practices. In medical settings, it’s gaining attention for its potential in treating various mental health conditions, including depression.
Unlike conventional antidepressants that target neurotransmitters like serotonin, ibogaine offers a holistic reset within one treatment period.
It works on multiple neurochemical systems simultaneously, promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to generate new neurons, adapt and change.
This multi-pronged approach provides a fresh perspective, often leading to profound emotional breakthroughs and lasting change.
The Science Behind Ibogaine’s Effectiveness
Ibogaine’s effect on the brain is multifaceted. It acts as a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor, similar to common antidepressants, but also influences other pathways. This unique action facilitates a comprehensive neurological and psychological reset, which can be particularly effective for those who have found little relief from standard treatments such as SSRI’s or traditional therapy.
Mental health conditions like depression may leave one mired in belief systems and thoughts that “aren’t entirely accurate,” explains Lynnette Averill, an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and clinical research psychologist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Neurobiologically, ibogaine offers a “hard reset” from these beliefs by targeting “multiple neurochemical systems at once in a very rapid and robust fashion,” says Averill.
It also allows the patient to emotionally and cognitively process root causes behind their trauma, which is where we see a lot of this treatment’s benefit, she says.
Individuals who undergo ibogaine treatment commonly report experiencing a “30,000 foot view of their life and sometimes that of their ancestors.”
“Thinking about ourselves as a tiny part of something so much bigger can serve the purpose of grounding us in what the important things are for our lives, as members of our families, our communities, and even of the species,” says Averill.
Dr. Joseph Barsuglia, a clinical and research psychologist with expertise in ibogaine, likens the ibogaine experience to a “dreamlike state.”
”Dreams are where we process our subconscious mind and work out conflict,” says Barsuglia. “It connects you to your own intelligence so you can heal yourself.”
“Ibogaine works in the brain in a more unique way than most psychedelics,” explains Barsuglia, who serves as an advisor to Beond. “It appears to go through your memory database, like a Rolodex of difficult experiences you’ve had that you haven’t metabolized psychologically.” This “life review,” as it’s commonly called, helps the patient confront what they’re running from, so they can evolve past it.
The Role Of Ibogaine-Assisted Therapy in Treating Depression
The true transformative power of ibogaine is fully realized when combined with integrative counseling and psychotherapy. This holistic approach allows individuals to delve deep into introspection, facilitated by the unique neurochemical effects of ibogaine. Psychotherapy allows people to engage in a journey of self-discovery, confronting and understanding the root causes of their depressive states within a safe and nurturing environment.
The therapy provides a unique opportunity for introspection, allowing individuals to confront and understand the root causes of their depression. This deep level of insight can lead to lasting changes in mental health, as patients are often able to process and move beyond their past traumas and negative thought patterns.
Beond’s therapeutic coaching is designed to complement the ibogaine experience, guiding you through your emotional and psychological breakthroughs. By processing past traumas, reevaluating negative thought patterns, and developing new coping strategies, you can achieve lasting changes in their mental health.
The treatment is carried out in a controlled, therapeutic setting, under the guidance of Beond’s experienced medical professionals. This ensures not only the safety and well-being of the patients but also enhances the efficacy of the treatment.
Personal Stories of Transformation
Many individuals who have undergone ibogaine treatment for depression report significant improvements. They often describe experiences of introspection and emotional processing that have allowed them to confront and understand the root causes of their depression, leading to lasting changes in their mental health.
Safety and Supervision
Safety is paramount in medical ibogaine treatment. It should only be administered under strict medical supervision due to its potent effects and the need for precise dosing. At Beond, an industry-leading ibogaine treatment clinic in Cancun, Mexico, we prioritize safety, ensuring a controlled environment for the administration of ibogaine.
About The Beond Ibogaine Program
Beond Ibogaine offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery from depression through ibogaine-assisted therapy. In addition to ibogaine therapy, our program includes therapeutic workshops for personalised aftercare plans and complementary therapies like meditation, yoga, and fitness programs tailored to individual needs.
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