CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AROUND HEALING?
The narrative around mental health and healing 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.
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.
Is the treatment 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 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 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.
How does Ibogaine therapy work? Ibogaine therapy has been reported to reduce the severity of various mood and anxiety symptoms and is linked to self-reported improvements in cognitive function among individuals with substance use disorders. During treatment, ibogaine facilitates the recall and processing of traumatic memories, often eliciting therapeutic and meaningful visions of spiritual and autobiographical significance. These experiences play a crucial role in addressing psychological content related to PTSD. The therapeutic effects of ibogaine may be attributed to its interaction with serotonin and dopamine transporters, sigma receptors, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and opioid receptors. Additionally, its ability to stimulate the production of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) highlights its potential to address cognitive impairments commonly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders.
What are the risks of Ibogaine therapy? 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.
Is Ibogaine therapy legal? In Mexico, ibogaine therapy is legal and unregulated, making it a popular destination for individuals seeking treatment. Many clinics operate freely, offering ibogaine for addiction and mental health conditions without formal government oversight. In Canada, ibogaine is not classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, but it is not approved by Health Canada for therapeutic use. Access is limited to research settings, and clinical trials or the Special Access Program would be required to use ibogaine legally for medical purposes.
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.
Why use 5-MeO-DMT to treat PTSI? 5-MeO-DMT is a fast-acting psychedelic that induces profound experiences of ego dissolution, emotional release, and spiritual insight, making it a promising treatment for PTSI. Its effects, which last 15–45 minutes, allow patients to access and process deeply rooted trauma, often resulting in transformative shifts in perspective and a sense of interconnectedness. By interacting with serotonin receptors and promoting neurogenesis, 5-MeO-DMT may help regulate emotions and support cognitive healing. Research suggests even a single session can lead to long-lasting improvements in mood, anxiety, and resilience, offering significant therapeutic potential for individuals with PTSI.
Why use Ibogaine to treat PTSI? Ibogaine treatment has been reported to alleviate a range of mood and anxiety symptoms and is linked to self-reported enhancements in cognitive function and quality of life for individuals struggling with addiction. During therapy, ibogaine enables patients to access and process traumatic memories, often facilitating personally meaningful and therapeutic insights with spiritual or autobiographical significance. These properties suggest that ibogaine could serve as a valuable complement to therapy in addressing psychological challenges associated with PTSI.
What are psychedelics? Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often inducing profound changes in awareness and experiences of self and the environment. Commonly known psychedelics include psilocybin (from "magic mushrooms"), LSD, MDMA, ibogaine, and 5-MeO-DMT. In therapeutic settings, psychedelics are used under controlled conditions to assist in the treatment of various mental health challenges, including depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. They are typically administered in conjunction with psychotherapy, where the altered state of consciousness facilitates deeper emotional exploration, processing of trauma, and access to meaningful insights. This therapeutic approach emphasizes safety, professional guidance, and integration of the experiences into everyday life for lasting psychological benefits.
Why use psychedelics for therapy? Psychedelic 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, substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine are used to help 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 therapy is primarily available through clinical trials, research studies, or Health Canada's Special Access Program (SAP), which permits limited access to unapproved drugs for serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional treatments have proven ineffective. Psilocybin has been accessed for end-of-life distress and treatment-resistant depression under the SAP, while ketamine is available at specialized clinics for PTSD and depression. This 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 (PTSI)? Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) 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.
What Medications and Substances should be Avoided before Treatment? To ensure safety and the best possible outcome, the following medications and substances should be avoided prior to your treatment. Please consult with your primary care physician for guidance on safely tapering off any prescribed medications. 5 Days Before Ibogaine Treatment: Antibiotics (e.g., macrolide antibiotics such as Zithromax/Azithromycin) Antifungals (e.g., Fluconazole/Diflucan) Grapefruit and Milk Thistle Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., Omeprazole/Prilosec, Pantoprazole/Protonix) 1 Week Before Treatment: Alcohol Amphetamines Cocaine/Crack Fentanyl Methamphetamine Other stimulants 3 Weeks Before Treatment: Antidepressants 6 Weeks Before Treatment: Antipsychotic medications Benzodiazepines, particularly in high dosages Methadone Suboxone
Are there any disqualifying conditions? Yes. If you have (or have ever had) any of the following conditions, you may not qualify for a retreat: Age 65 or Older Body Mass Index >35 Cardiac Arrhythmia Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Cystic Fibrosis Dementia Diagnosis of Bipolar Diagnosis of Epilepsy Diagnosis of Schizophrenia Emphysema Enlarged or Hypertrophic Heart Heart Attack Heart Failure High Blood Pressure - 170/105 or higher History of Pulmonary Embolism Impaired Kidney Function Impaired Liver Function Low Blood Pressure - 90/60 or lower Myocardial Infarction Opioid Addiction (presently using) Organic Brain Disease Prolonged QTc Interval Uncontrolled Diabetes Ventricular Fibrillation Ventricular Tachycardia
SETTING INTENTIONS
Setting intentions is a foundational practice in psychedelic 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.
POLITICALLY UNBIASED, EVIDENCE-DRIVEN AND OUTCOME-ORIENTED
To make psychedelic-assisted therapies a safe, legal, and accessible option for every veteran and first responder in need, we must reform the policies that stand in the way. Project Life Spark is dedicated to working with all levels of government and all political parties to modernize regulations, expand access, and advance the science of healing.
Our Policy Objectives
Our advocacy work is focused on three key objectives:
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Expanding the Special Access Program (SAP): We advocate for streamlining the SAP to reduce bureaucratic delays and ensure physicians can get timely access to these therapies for patients in acute crisis.
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Modernizing Federal Legislation: We support targeted amendments to Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Food and Drug Act to create a clear, regulated medical pathway for psychedelic compounds under the supervision of trained professionals.
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Ensuring Provincial Affordability: We will work with provincial health bodies to have these proven therapies recognized and covered as an insured medical service, removing the financial barriers that prevent our heroes from receiving care.
Our Guiding Principles
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Evidence-Driven: Our positions are informed by the best available scientific research and clinical data. We believe policy should follow the science.
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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.
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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.
