A Psychedelic Breakthrough In the Treatment of Trauma and Addiction | Dr. Nolan Williams
Apr 26, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Nolan Williams discusses a clinical trial using ibogaine to treat veterans with PTSD and addiction, achieving an 83% remission rate. They explore the unique effects of ibogaine compared to classic psychedelics, the potential for combating addiction, and the therapeutic journey individuals undergo with ibogaine treatment.
Ibogaine treatment showed 83% remission rate for PTSD, addiction; different from classic psychedelics in brain impact.
Veterans reported habit reversal, cognition improvement with Ibogaine treatment, suggesting potential in addiction intervention.
Deep dives
Study on Ibogaine's Effects on War-Related Symptoms
A study conducted around veterans traveling to Mexico to use Ibogaine as a treatment for war wounds like TBI, PTSD, depression, and anxiety showed significant results. The trial included MRI brain scans, EEGs, and neurocognitive testing, revealing that most participants returned with reduced or resolved symptoms. Notably, the therapy reversed traumatic brain injury disability, a unique observation from a drug's impact. The findings suggest a lasting and profound effect, urging further research and support for Ibogaine treatment.
Ibogaine: Origin and Therapeutic Experience
Ibogaine, derived from the Iboga shrub in Central West Africa, has been known since 1899 for its medicinal properties. Administered at higher doses, it induces a distinctive, introspective psychedelic experience, including a 'life review' where individuals reflect on past memories. Unlike classic psychedelics targeting serotonin receptors, Ibogaine affects various brain systems, facilitating a unique therapeutic journey. Veterans undergoing Ibogaine treatment reported cessation of addiction habits, improved cognition, and resetting of habitual behaviors, indicating its potential beyond psychedelic compounds.
Ibogaine Therapy for Addiction: Effectiveness and Mechanism
Ibogaine therapy has shown promise in treating addiction, notably alcohol use disorder, with a high remission rate in veterans. The drug's efficacy in interrupting addictive behaviors and resetting habits proposes a novel approach to addiction treatment. Research supports Ibogaine's impact on neurotrophic factors implicated in addictive behaviors, hinting at its ability to modulate reward systems. While individuals' willingness to change plays a role, Ibogaine's ability to prompt habit reversal and offer choice suggests a significant advantage in addiction intervention, warranting further exploration and potential clinical applications.
Stanford University’s Dr. Nolan Williams is one of the world’s leading researchers on psychedelic medicine. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to talk about the revolutionary clinical trial he recently conducted with the psychedelic ibogaine to treat veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Industry, and addiction. The clinical trial showed a phenomenal 83% remission rate for participants after just one treatment. Dr. Williams explains what ibogaine is, the experiences patients have while taking it, what we know about how it affects the brain, and how it differs from classic psychedelics like MDMA and psylocibin. They also discuss the potential for ibogaine treatments to combat America’s addiction epidemic.
Nolan Williams, MD, is an Associate Professor of neurology and psychiatry at Stanford University and the Director of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. He is one of leading researchers in the study of how psychedelics can impact the human brain and be used to successfully treat various health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and major depression. Read his study in Nature Medicine: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02705-w and follow him on X at @NolanRyWilliams.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode