Ibogaine is a powerful psychoactive compound derived from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub, native to West Africa. Historically used in initiatory rituals, it was once prescribed in France as an antidepressant and stimulant. Today, it is primarily explored as a treatment for addiction, particularly opioids, with research suggesting benefits in reducing withdrawal symptoms and substance cravings.

Why use 5-MeO-DMT to treat PTSD?

5-MeO-DMT is a fast-acting psychedelic known for inducing profound experiences that help patients process deep trauma. Its short duration and interaction with serotonin receptors may promote emotional regulation, neurogenesis, and lasting improvements in mood, anxiety, and resilience.

Why use Ibogaine to treat PTSD?

Ibogaine therapy may alleviate mood and anxiety symptoms while supporting cognitive and emotional healing. It allows patients to process traumatic memories, often producing spiritually significant and therapeutic insights, making it a promising approach to treating PTSD.

RESOURCES & FAQS | Project Life Spark

Q: Why use psychedelics for therapy?

Psychedelic therapy combines psychoactive substances with psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Administered in a safe, controlled setting, substances like psilocybin and MDMA help patients access deep emotional states and process trauma, supporting long-term healing.

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AROUND HEALING?

The narrative around mental health and well-being is changing, and evidence-based psychedelic therapy is at the forefront of this transformation.

This Resource page is your trusted guide to understanding this new frontier. Here, we will share insights, explain the science, and provide credible information to help demystify the process for veterans, first responders, their families, and our supporters.

Emerging research continues to highlight the profound potential of these therapies. For example, studies from leading organizations show that over 80% of veterans with PTSI report significant, lasting improvement after a single, comprehensive treatment program, a result that is reshaping what we believe is possible.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Are you looking for studies or information?

You can find information on current psychedelic therapy clinical trials on Psychedelic.Support and Neuly.

The Call For Change in Canadian Government

In November 2023, the Canadian Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs released its landmark report, "The Time is Now: Granting Equitable Access to Psychedelic - Assisted Therapies. This report highlights the urgent need for the exact changes Project Life Spark is advocating for. You can read the report here.

The Research Library

Our mission is guided by science. Below is a curated selection of pivotal research and publications that form the evidence base for psychedelic-assisted therapy. We encourage you to explore the data and discover the science of healing.

Cherian, K.N., Keynan, J.N., Anker, L. et al. (05 January 2024): Magnesium-ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries., Nature Medicine

Alan Kooi Davis, Yitong Xin, Nathan Sepeda & Lynnette A. Averill (28 May 2023): Open-label study of consecutive ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted-therapy for trauma-exposed male Special Operations Forces Veterans: prospective data from a clinical program in Mexico,The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Davis AK, Averill LA, Sepeda ND, Barsuglia JP, Amoroso T. (08 July 2020): Psychedelic Treatment for Trauma-Related Psychological and Cognitive Impairment Among US Special Operations Forces Veterans, Chronic Stress

Afik Faerman, Lauren Anker, Kirsten Cherian, Randi Brown, Nolan Williams (29 May 2023): 0665 Ibogaine treatment in combat Veterans significantly improves sleep, beyond alleviating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, Sleep, Volume 46, Issue Supplement 1

Stacey B. Armstrong, Yitong Xin, Nathan D. Sepeda, Martín Polanco, Lynnette A. Averill & Alan K. Davis (01 Feb 2023): Prospective associations of psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans, Military Psychology, Volume 36, 2024 ,Issue 2

Mitchell, J.M., Ot’alora G., M., van der Kolk, B. et al. (14 September 2023): MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial, Nature Medicine

Raison CL, Sanacora G, Woolley J, et al. (31 August 2023): Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive DisorderA Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Network

Candice M. Monson, Anne C. Wagner, Ann T. Mithoefer, Rachel E. Liebman, Allison A. Feduccia, Lisa Jerome, Berra Yazar-Klosinski, Amy Emerson, Rick Doblin & Michael C. Mithoefer (07 December 2020): MDMA-facilitated cognitive-behavioural conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: an uncontrolled trial, European Journal of Psychotraumatology, Volume 11, 2020 - Issue 1

Erika Dyck, Gregory P. Marchildon (12 December 2023): A history and future of psychedelics: The case of the Canadian military, Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, Volume 9, Number 5,

Erwin Krediet, Tijmen Bostoen, Joost Breeksema, Annette van Schagen, Torsten Passie, Eric Vermetten (June 2020): Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 23, Issue 6, June 2020, Pages 385-400

Lynette A. Averill, Chadi G. Abdallah (21 February 2022): Investigational drugs for assisting psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): emerging approaches and shifting paradigms in the era of psychedelic medicine, Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, Pages 133-137

Rochester, J., Vallely, A., Grof, P., Williams, M., Chang, H., & Caldwell, K. (2022): Entheogens and Psychedelics in Canada: Proposal for a New Paradigm, Canadian Psychological Association, 2022, Volume 63, No. 3, Pgs 413-430

We believe in transparency and open communication. Here you will find answers to common questions about our mission, our process, and the therapies we help fund. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the program safe? Your safety is of utmost importance to us, and to our partners. Our partners have a comprehensive screening process that ensures anyone joining is of proper physical and mental health. Around the clock supervision is provided by qualified doctors and nurses who have access to on-site medical equipment should an emergency situation take place.

What do donations go toward? Your donations help Project Life Spark provide access to psychedelic therapy for PTSD for military veterans and first responders. It also allows us to help fund research into psychedelic assisted therapies and provide advocacy for these medicines.

What is Ibogaine? Ibogaine is a powerful psychoactive compound derived from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub, which is native to West Africa. In its natural form, iboga has been used for centuries by indigenous groups in initiatory rituals. The extracted chemical, ibogaine, was utilized in France for over three decades as both an antidepressant and a stimulant until the mid-1960s. Since then, Western medical practitioners have primarily employed ibogaine as a treatment for addiction, particularly opioid dependency. Early research indicates that ibogaine therapy may help reduce addiction severity, alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms, and diminish the compulsive cravings for various substances.

What are the risks of Ibogaine? The main adverse effects of ibogaine include cardiovascular complications, ataxia, nausea, and vomiting, as well as psychological effects such as auditory and visual hallucinations, revisiting traumatic memories, and experiencing acute fear, distress, or guilt. For these reasons, ibogaine therapy should always be conducted under strict medical supervision.

How does Psychedelic Assisted therapy work? While much remains to be learned, theories currently suggest psychedelic assisted therapy helps individuals by promoting neuroplasticity and reducing fear responses, enabling the brain to "redefine" trauma-related thought patterns. Psychedelics in combination with appropriate therapy show evidence of facilitating emotional processing, allowing access to suppressed memories and altering perspectives on trauma, often fostering empathy and self-compassion. Used in guided therapeutic settings, psychedelics may enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy by creating a sense of safety and openness, allowing individuals to confront and integrate their experiences. Many individuals also report profound spiritual or existential insights following use of psychedelics, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and connection, contributing to lasting healing. While still under research, various forms of psychedelic therapy have shown promise as a treatment, to complement or exceed conventional methods.

Is Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Legal? In Mexico, certain types of psychedelic assisted therapy are available, making it a popular destination for individuals seeking treatment. Clinics operate freely, offering support for addiction and mental health conditions. In Canada, the options that are available in Mexico are not available in a straightforward way. This is the case regardless of whether specific substances being applied are scheduled as controlled substances in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Consequently, access to psychedelic therapy in Canada is strictly limited, generally requiring participation in clinical trials, or otherwise in cooperation with, and on advice of, your physician.

What is 5-MeO-DMT? 5-MeO-DMT (5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) is a powerful, naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in several plant species and in the venom of the Bufo alvarius toad, also known as the Sonoran Desert toad. It is classified as a psychedelic tryptamine and is structurally related to DMT (dimethyltryptamine), but it produces distinct effects. Unlike traditional psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT is known for its rapid onset and intense, short-lasting experiences, often described as highly immersive and transcendent. The effects of 5-MeO-DMT typically include altered states of consciousness, dissolution of the ego, and profound feelings of unity, interconnectedness, or spiritual awakening. Physically, users may experience changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and mild nausea. These experiences are sometimes referred to as "non-dual awareness" or "mystical states" and are considered therapeutic by many who have used the substance in a controlled setting. In therapeutic contexts, 5-MeO-DMT is being explored for its potential to treat conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. It is thought to work by activating serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, which play key roles in mood and perception. Clinical research is still in the early stages, but anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggest it may help individuals process trauma, overcome emotional blocks, and gain new perspectives on their lives. Currently, 5-MeO-DMT is not approved for medical use in most countries, including Canada, but it is being studied internationally as part of the growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies.

What are psychedelics? Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances primarily defined by their ability to significantly alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. They function by affecting the brain's neurochemistry, specifically the serotonin system, to produce a profound shift in an individual's conscious awareness and their relationship to their environment. These substances are characterized by the following effects: Sensory Shifts: Changes in how an individual perceives sight, sound, and touch. Cognitive Alterations: A departure from standard thought patterns, often leading to a sense of expanded awareness or a distorted perception of time. Dissolution of Self: An experience where the boundary between the individual and the external world feels less distinct. Because these substances produce such intense shifts in consciousness, the resulting experience is highly dependent on the "set and setting", the internal state of the person and the external environment in which the experience occurs.

Why use psychedelics for therapy? Psychedelic assisted therapy is an innovative approach that combines the use of psychoactive substances with psychotherapy to address mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Administered in a controlled and supervised setting, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy helps patients access altered states of consciousness, facilitating deeper emotional exploration, processing of trauma, and the development of meaningful insights. These experiences are integrated into therapy to promote lasting psychological healing and resilience. In Canada, psychedelic assisted therapy is primarily available through clinical trials, and otherwise through consultation with a physician. Psychedelic therapy has shown significant promise for veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD, providing a pathway for processing traumatic memories and reducing symptoms like hyperarousal, emotional numbness, and anxiety. By addressing the root causes of their distress, psychedelic therapy offers these individuals the opportunity for meaningful recovery and improved quality of life, fostering renewed hope and mental clarity after conventional therapies have fallen short.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSD)? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in some individuals after they experience or witness a traumatic event. These events may include combat, natural disasters, accidents, assault, or other situations that involve intense fear, helplessness, or horror. PTSI is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly disrupt daily life, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma. Individuals with PTSI often experience avoidance behaviors, such as steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind them of the event, as well as negative changes in mood and cognition, like persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment from others. Hyperarousal symptoms, including irritability, difficulty sleeping, and being constantly on edge, are also common. PTSI can profoundly impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. While it can occur in anyone, veterans, first responders, and survivors of severe trauma are particularly vulnerable. Effective treatments typically involve psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and sometimes medications. Emerging therapies, like psychedelic-assisted treatment, are also showing promise in addressing the root causes of PTSI and providing relief for those who have not responded to conventional approaches.

SETTING INTENTIONS

Setting intentions is a foundational practice in psychedelic assisted therapy, as it helps individuals clarify their goals, align their mindset, and create a framework for the experience. Unlike specific objectives or outcomes, intentions are guiding principles that reflect one's hopes, values, or areas of focus during the therapeutic journey.

You might ask yourself why setting intentions is important. It is important because intentions will help to give you focus and clarity, and help to prepare yourself emotionally for your journey. When you are paired with your coach from our partner organizations, they will be able to help you with these steps.

Setting intentions for psychedelic therapy is a personal, thoughtful process that ensures the experience is approached with clarity, mindfulness, and purpose, enhancing its therapeutic potential.

AdobeStock_295205078_edited_edited_edite

ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS

POLITICALLY UNBIASED, EVIDENCE-DRIVEN, AND OUTCOME-ORIENTED

Our Policy Objectives

Our mission is to educate the public on the responsible, ethical, and safe use of psychedelic-assisted therapy. We are dedicated to collaborating with legislators from all levels of government to improve access in a safe and regulated manner, starting with our first responders and military veterans, with the eventual goal of ensuring access for all Canadians.

Our work is focused on three key objectives:

Streamlining Medical Access Pathways: We advocate for the optimization of existing channels to reduce delays and ensure that healthcare professionals can provide timely access to these therapies for patients in acute crisis.

Establishing a Regulated Framework: We support the development of clear, standardized medical frameworks that allow for the supervised use of these compounds by trained professionals, ensuring safety, and quality of care use within the healthcare system.

Ensuring Equitable Affordability: We will work with provincial health authorities to have these evidence-based therapies recognized and integrated into public health coverage. Our goal is to remove financial barriers, ensuring that the cost of care does not prevent our heroes, and eventually all Canadians, from receiving the support they need.

Our Guiding Principles

Evidence-Driven: Our positions are informed by the best available scientific research and clinical data. We believe policy should follow the science.

Non-Partisan Collaboration: This is not a political issue; it's a human issue. We are committed to working constructively with all political parties and government officials to find common-sense solutions.

Responsible Stewardship: We unequivocally support the safe, responsible, and ethical use of these powerful medicines. Our advocacy is strictly focused on medically supervised, therapeutic applications with informed consent.

Are you in distress and need help now?

Please contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline, or if you are a Canadian Forces or RCMP service member, currently serving or retired, contact Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service.