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A veteran’s search for healing led to an ibogaine trip and an epiphany
By Natanya Friedheim, The War Horse ·
Military Times - Veterans
· Friday, January 9, 2026
· 1 min read
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Editor’s note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service, under the headline “A Veteran’s Search for Healing...
Editor’s note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service, under the headline “A Veteran’s Search for Healing...
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Our analysis The story of Marc Dervaes and his experience with ibogaine treatment in Tijuana highlights the desperation and frustration many veterans feel with the traditional treatment options offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Despite the lack of scientific backing for this type of treatment, the fact that around 3,000 US veterans have sought out these clinics in the last decade suggests a significant gap in the care provided by the VA. The use of psychedelics like ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT may be unconventional, but for some veterans, it represents a last resort in their search for healing and relief from conditions like PTSD and traumatic brain injury. As the VA continues to grapple with the complexities of veteran healthcare, stories like Dervaes' underscore the need for innovative and alternative approaches to treatment, and the importance of providing veterans with access to a range of options that can help them cope with their struggles. Veterans struggling with similar issues can reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 then Press 1, or texting 838255.
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