Ex-UFC fighter's brain healing journey with psychedelics

Former UFC fighter Ian McCall revealed his personal battle with brain damage and severe opiate addiction, crediting the psychedelic drug Ibogaine with his healing. McCall experienced deep depression, suicidal ideation, and addiction to heroin and fentanyl, which he attributes to injuries sustained during his fighting career. He believes these issues were the primary reason for his retirement from mixed martial arts.

McCall's journey led him to Beond, a licensed facility in Mexico, where he utilized Ibogaine. This treatment, derived from an African shrub, is believed by some scientists to promote brain matter regrowth. A Stanford study also showed significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety among veterans using Ibogaine.

Now sober and focused on his recovery, McCall advocates for greater access to such treatments for athletes. He argues that sports organizations that profit from athletes should be held more accountable for providing comprehensive concussion protocols and therapies like Ibogaine, especially for those experiencing lasting effects from their careers.