A veteran’s quest for healing led him to an ibogaine treatment at a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, where he confronted personal demons and sought relief from deep emotional pain. Marc Dervaes, a former soldier who lost his right arm during combat in Afghanistan, aimed to find peace after years of struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Dervaes participated in a treatment program at Ambio Life Sciences, where patients often pay around $8,000 for psychedelic therapy. He was one of about 3,000 U.S. veterans treated at clinics in Tijuana over the past decade, where the use of ibogaine—a psychedelic derived from a plant native to Africa—has gained popularity despite limited scientific backing. Many veterans, including Dervaes, have found traditional therapies ineffective, pushing them to seek alternative solutions.
The 48-year-old veteran arrived at the clinic following a harrowing hospitalization due to alcohol poisoning. His wife, Michaela Dervaes, described the turmoil in their household, indicating that peace had vanished. After being told he would have to wait until April 2026 for treatment, Dervaes expressed urgency, stating he would not survive that long.
In Tijuana, Dervaes joined a group of men, each carrying their own burdens. He sat silently, wearing sunglasses, indicating his reluctance to engage with others. “I’m here for me,” he stated, dismissing any notion of camaraderie. His journey, however, would soon lead him to a profound confrontation with his past.
Confronting the Past
Dervaes’s military career began in September 2009, during a deployment to Afghanistan, where he experienced a life-altering incident. While on patrol, a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle, resulting in the loss of his right arm. The traumatic experience haunted him, leading to struggles with substance abuse and a sense of dislocation in civilian life.
In the years that followed, Dervaes sought thrills as a Paralympic snowboarder and engaged in various adventurous activities. Yet, the toll of multiple injuries and the weight of untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) left him in a precarious mental state. As he prepared for treatment in Tijuana, he feared that the psychedelic experience might not yield the relief he desperately sought.
At Ambio Life Sciences, medical staff conducted thorough evaluations, including EKG tests, to ensure patients were fit for the treatment. Ibogaine, while offering potential benefits, carries risks, including life-threatening side effects. A review of ibogaine’s use noted serious complications, including 38 deaths attributed to its consumption, predominantly during attempts to treat addiction.
Despite these dangers, veterans like Dervaes felt they had few options. “They’re here because it’s their only option,” remarked Breanna Morgan, Ambio’s guest experience manager, reflecting on the desperation that drives many to seek treatment in Tijuana.
A Transformative Experience
On the night of his ibogaine treatment, Dervaes and other patients prepared for a journey that would last over ten hours. As they settled into the treatment room, the atmosphere shifted from apprehension to a shared understanding of their collective struggle. Patients engaged in rituals meant to ground them while under the influence of the drug.
Dervaes’s experience was intense. He confronted memories of people he felt he had wronged, and visions overwhelmed him. “Each time I tried to apologize, a new vision appeared,” he recounted. The experience forced him to confront the pain he had avoided for years.
Following the treatment, he reported feeling a sense of renewal. “I feel reborn,” he communicated to staff, tears in his eyes. His journey did not end there, however. Just days after returning home to Colorado, he faced another tragedy: the suicide of a close friend.
The emotional toll of this loss led Dervaes to question the efficacy of his treatment. Frustration mounted as he grappled with the resurgence of his trauma. “I was angry for even going there and wasting my time and money,” he admitted. Yet, Michaela noticed subtle changes in his demeanor. He exhibited less road rage and engaged more positively with his environment.
Dervaes’s story reflects the complex interplay of hope and despair that many veterans face when seeking unconventional treatments for their trauma. Although he found temporary relief through ibogaine, the road to healing remained fraught with challenges.
As of early December, Dervaes prepared to return to the clinic, determined to continue his journey toward healing. He expressed a commitment to sobriety and a newfound sense of purpose, equipped with tools like meditation and alternative therapies. Michaela welcomed his progress, hopeful that their family might finally find peace.
The discourse surrounding ibogaine therapy continues to evolve, with advocates pushing for more research and understanding of its potential benefits and risks. The experiences of veterans like Marc Dervaes underscore the urgent need for effective mental health treatments, as they navigate the complexities of life after service.
