Celebrity4 min(s) read
Presley Gerber said he was ‘absolutely terrified’ during controversial psychedelic addiction treatment six months before his death
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Presley Gerber opened up about his previous experience with a controversial psychedelic treatment for addiction in the months before his death.
As previously reported, Presley, who is the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, and brother of model and actress Kaia Gerber, died on September 20 at the age of 27.
According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner obtained by People, Presley was at a rehabilitation facility at the time of his death.
Presley had been open about his struggles with addiction and his mental health, and revealed earlier in the year that he'd tried the psychedelic treatment.
In March, he shared a video of himself standing in a scenic location in Cancun, Mexico, with a woman, as she rubbed her hands together before placing them on his chest and passing them over his body in a ceremonial motion.
He wrote alongside it: "Pre Ibogaine Flood Dose - quiet moment before everything changed.
"I was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this (helps to not go into the situations you do that get ya there but that’s life sometimes.)
"My mantras were love yourself and lis gotta be the last time for this reason. letting go of control didn’t come easy, but I trusted there was something bigger than me guiding it. I knew why i was there.
"I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, i started finding my way back to myself …. We shall see…"
Presley added: "Praying it’s the last time I have to come back. Next time I’d like to choose. And absolutely can’t forget the incredible caring kind and on their s**t team. Helps a lot haha. And I made some dope a** friends there."
An ibogaine flood is a single, high-dose administration of the naturally occurring psychoactive substance ibogaine, which is derived from an African shrub.
It is reported to help with withdrawal symptoms, and the high dose is meant to induce a "reset" of the body and mind.
According to Stanford Medicine, research suggests ibogaine can even help ease PTSD, anxiety, and depression in people with traumatic brain injuries.
According to the NIH, ibogaine has shown promising anti-addictive properties in animal studies.
Though it is not licensed for use in the US amid safety concerns, it is used as an anti-addiction medication in alternative medicine in dozens of clinics worldwide, as it alleviates drug cravings and impedes the relapse of drug use.
Currently, ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the US but it is used in specialized clinics and retreats in Mexico.
Presley visited the Beond Ibogaine clinic in Cancun, where treatment starts at $12,500 for a ten-day programme.
Presley's family commented on the post, sharing their pride at him getting help, with Cindy writing: "You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!"
Kaia added: "that’s my brother I am so damn proud," while Rande wrote: "I’m so proud of you and your courage. Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much."