Tripping Outside the Lines
Published in September 2023, the commentary “Tripping Outside the Lines” by Sarah Kratina, and Dr. Leah Mayo, discusses observational studies on retreat-based treatments involving ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, which were conducted outside regulated clinical contexts and often without rigorous scientific backing. It emphasizes the need for research into the long-term safety and effectiveness of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT-assisted therapy in retreat contexts. Moreover, it calls for an acknowledgement of existing knowledge gaps in our understanding while also recommending a thoughtful approach toward ensuring safe and equitable access to these therapies, given that trauma-exposed veterans seek treatment abroad.