A National Spotlight on Ibogaine
Yahoo Sports’ republication of the LA Times feature pushed the story of athletes turning to ibogaine for traumatic brain injury into mainstream sports media. The article profiles former NFL offensive guard Robert Gallery, retired MMA fighter Tait Fletcher, Hall of Famer Brett Favre, retired hockey player Ales Hemsky, and former UFC fighter Keith Jardine — each of whom sought treatment at clinics in Mexico, where ibogaine remains unregulated.
Why It Matters
Ibogaine is a Schedule I drug in the United States with no approved medical uses. Yet a Stanford observational study of 30 special forces veterans showed average reductions of 88% in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression, and 81% in anxiety — results that researchers attribute to the compound’s potential to stimulate brain healing through increased neurotrophic factors.
“I’m not anxious all the time, I’m not depressed.” — Robert Gallery, on the change after treatment
The A4C Mission
Inspired by his recovery, Robert co-founded Athletes for Care, a nonprofit advocating for psychedelic-assisted therapy research and creating pathways for athletes who need alternatives to conventional care. Texas has approved $50 million in state funding for ibogaine drug development trials, while Arizona and California are funding additional studies — momentum that A4C is working to translate into real access for athletes.
Cardiac risks and the need for strict medical supervision mean larger clinical trials remain essential. A4C continues to advocate for that work to happen safely, transparently, and in the United States.
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