ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The mission that matters most is the one within

THE PROGRAM

What The Mission Within offers you

Dr. Martín Polanco at The Mission Within's retreat facility in Mexico, where he leads the organization's medically supervised ibogaine and 5-MeO treatment program for veterans

This is a full 6-week clinical program built around your healing, your family, and your life after service.

With a protocol developed by Dr. Martin Polanco, The Mission Within combines the two most powerful neurological reset tools available today, ibogaine and 5-MeO, within a structured framework designed specifically to heal those impacted by traumatic injury.

01

Clipboard icon representing the application and health screening process for The Mission Within's ibogaine and 5-MeO retreat progra

Application & Discovery Call

It starts with a conversation. We learn about you, your history, and what you're carrying. You learn about us and whether this is the right fit.

02

Heartbeat icon Heartbeat icon representing the medical screening and health assessment step in The Mission Within's ibogaine and 5-MeO retreat program

Health Screening & retreat Logistics

Safety comes first. Before anything else, we conduct thorough medical screening.

03

Compass icon representing the preparation and guidance phase of The Mission Within's ibogaine and 5-MeO retreat program for veterans, biohackers, and athletes

Preparation Coaching

You will then work with your coach for 1:1 preparation sessions to get you ready for what's ahead. Minimum 2 sessions.

04

Community icon representing the peer support network available to veterans and other participants throughout The Mission Within's retreat and integration process

Medicine Retreat - 5 Days in Mexico

Over five days, you'll move through an ibogaine ceremony, individual 5-MeO sessions, individual time with the Lead Coach, group integration activities, and a closing circle. It's rigorous, supported, and unlike anything you've done before.

Note that the majority of retreats are 5-day retreats. There are occasional 4-day retreats provided in order to accommodate timelines.

05

Speech bubble icon representing the integration coaching and ongoing conversation support offered after The Mission Within's ibogaine and 5-MeO retreat

Integration Coaching

What happens after matters just as much. You will work with your coach for 1:1 integration sessions to help process what came up, figure out next steps such as non-negotiables, and develop daily practices such as engagement with awe in order to build a life that works better for you. Minimum 3 sessions, 2 weeks.

06

Life ring icon representing the aftercare and ongoing support offered to veterans following The Mission Within's ibogaine and 5-MeO retreat

Aftercare Resources & Community

You don't leave alone. Ongoing peer support, health follow-up, and wellness resources keep you connected to a community of veterans who have walked the same path.

What a retreat looks like

Ceremony space at The Mission Within's retreat facility, prepared for the ibogaine and 5-MeO healing sessions veterans and other participants undergo
A medical team member conducting health screening on a participant at The Mission Within's retreat, part of the organization's medically supervised ibogaine and 5-MeO treatment protocol
The Hopper, a designated space at The Mission Within's retreat facility used during the ibogaine and 5-MeO healing process
A chef preparing fresh meals in the kitchen at The Mission Within's retreat facility, part of the nutritious dining and hospitality provided during the ibogaine and 5-MeO healing program
A participant during a quiet integration moment at The Mission Within's retreat facility, part of the reflection and processing phase following ibogaine and 5-MeO treatment
Beds in ocean view room for ibogaine retreat including cardiac monitors at The Mission Within retreat
The ceremony room at The Mission Within's retreat facility, prepared and lit for the ibogaine and 5-MeO healing sessions veterans and other participants undergo
View across main room for group sharing and ceremony with painting and giraffe sculpture at The Mission Within retreat
Lounge area near kitchen overlooking ocean view near porch / balcony at The Mission Within retreat

FAQs

Questions, answered.

  • Your safety during our treatments is our number one priority. Our comprehensive screening process ensures that anyone joining us is of proper physical and mental stability for our treatment. Our doctors and nurses provide around-the-clock supervision with all necessary medical equipment on site for any emergency situation.

  • Each and every participant who joins us gains something from their experience. The most common ailments that we treat include Post Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, Depression and mild Traumatic Brain Injury. We see great success in veterans who are having a hard time adjusting to civilian life, spouses/partners of veterans, and anyone who is looking for spiritual or personal growth.

  • lbogaine & 5-MeO Retreat Fee:

    $6,500 – US Veterans
    $7,500 – Civilians

    + There is an additional $75 initial Health Screen fee for all participants.

    Retreats must be fully funded at least one month prior to scheduled date.

    If you are a veteran or first responder and cannot afford the retreat fee, please contact Mission to Live Foundation

  • Payments are accepted via Zelle or bank draft.

  • The cost covers the treatment, preparation coaching, integration coaching, our preparation and integration workbook, transportation to and from our location from San Diego, room & board for the length of your retreat, and 24-hour medical and therapeutic support in the beautiful setting of coastal Mexico. Our chef provides delicious and nutritious meals and beverages and can accommodate most dietary restrictions.

  • We are located 1 hour from San Diego, allowing for easy transportation from San Diego International Airport. More precise locations will be shared further into the treatment process.

  • The Mission Within treatment program spans several weeks and is designed to ensure participants are well-prepared, supported, and positioned for lasting benefits from the experience. Before entering the program, participants undergo comprehensive psychological and medical evaluations to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for their individual needs and circumstances.

  • Most guests will spend 4 nights with us (generally Friday around lunchtime to Tuesday at noon).

  • DAY 1: Group lunch and drive to Mexico. Arrive and get settled. Preparation session. Testing and assessments (EKG, drug urinalysis, etc). Preparation Circle. lbogaine Ceremony (lasts overnight).

    DAY 2: Rest, reflection, and recovery day. Integration activities, 1:1 with therapist. Group Dinner.

    DAY 3: Preparation Session. Individual 5-MeO sessions. Integration activities on 1:1 and group basis. Group Dinner.

    DAY 4+: Continued Integration activities on Day 4. Closing Circle and departures on Day 5.

  • The following substances/medications should be avoided prior to treatment. Please consult with your primary care doctor to taper off of substances/medications before your treatment.

    5 DAYS PRIOR (lbogaine Treatment Only): Antibiotics, Antifungals (like fluconazole - Diflucan), Macrolide antibiotics such as Zithromax (Azithromycin), Grapefruit, Milk thistle, Omeprazol (Prilosec), Proton pump inhibitors [omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC), pantoprazole (Protonix)]

    1 WEEK PRIOR: Alcohol, Amphetamine, Cocaine/Crack, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Stimulants

    3 WEEKS PRIOR: Antidepressants

    6 WEEKS PRIOR: Anti-psychotics, Benzodiazepines (esp. Large dosages), Methadone, Suboxone

  • At least 2 weeks prior to treatment, we recommend a clean diet with little to no processed sugar that primarily includes vegetables, fruits, nuts/seeds, and whole grains. At least 3 days prior to treatment, we recommend avoiding meat/meat products and completely avoiding processed sugar. For ibogaine treatment, at least 5 days prior, please avoid grapefruit and grapefruit products as well as milk thistle.

  • A driver's license or civilian passport, comfortable clothing (check the weather beforehand), swimsuit, sandals, toiletries, a notebook & pen. Optional: comfy blanket or comfort totem. Please leave large electronic devices at home (i.e. laptops).

  • The Mission Within's Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement can be found HERE.

  • Your place at your retreat is precious to us! We work hard to secure your date and know you work hard to commit to this step in your healing journey. At the same time, we understand that life happens and things come up.

    For a full refund (less deposit), please cancel more than one month before your scheduled retreat start date.

    If you cancel less than one month prior to your scheduled retreat start date, we offer a 50% refund.

    Rescheduled retreats less than one month prior to original date are subject to a $500 change fee.

BEGIN

On the other side of fear lies purpose.

APPLY HERE »