NFL & UFC Veterans Turn to Ibogaine in Mexico for Potential Brain Injury Treatment
TIJUANA,MEXICO - A growing number of retired NFL and UFC athletes are seeking treatment with ibogaine,a psychedelic substance,at clinics in Mexico,hoping to address lingering effects of brain injuries sustained during their careers. The trend, highlighted by recent reports, comes as research into ibogaine’s potential therapeutic benefits gains momentum in the United States, with several states now investing in clinical trials.
Among those who have reportedly received treatment at the Ambio Life Sciences clinic in Tijuana are NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, and also former athletes Jarret Gallery, Marian Hemsky, Scott Fletcher, and Din Thomas. The clinic has become a destination for ibogaine therapy, administering the substance to over 3,000 patients since 2021, including approximately 1,000 military veterans.
Ibogaine is being explored for its potential to address neurological conditions and addiction, though its use remains largely unregulated. Experts caution against seeking treatment outside of controlled clinical settings.
“I would not advise that Americans order ibogaine online or travel outside the country for treatment, as it remains unregulated, with limited research,” said Dr. Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, a professor at Penn Medicine. UCLA professor Dr. Charles Bickart echoed these concerns, emphasizing safety: ”People should be wary of any unregulated treatments, as the purity dosage and presence of contaminants are frequently enough unknown.”
Ambio stresses its safety protocols, including close monitoring of dosage and cardiac health. The clinic is currently the subject of an observational study by Stanford researchers investigating ibogaine’s effects.
The growing interest in ibogaine is reflected in recent state-level funding initiatives. in June, Texas approved a $50-million investment to support drug development trials for ibogaine, spurred by positive outcomes observed in veterans. Arizona legislators allocated $5 million for a clinical study in March, and California lawmakers are considering measures to fast-track research into ibogaine and other psychedelics.
“Honestly,I’m amazed to see how much interest there is in ibogaine now,” said Ambio co-founder Jonathan Dickinson. “We’re starting to see things that we would have thought were unimaginable several years ago.”