A New York Times politics reporter investigates ibogaine, an illegal psychedelic that combat veterans and politicians like Kyrsten Sinema and Rick Perry credit with treating PTSD and trauma. Draper travels to Mexico to experience the 10-hour hallucinogenic journey himself, uncovering how the drug's neuroplasticity effects help process deep childhood trauma from his abusive older brother's death. Ibogaine activates theta brainwave rhythms that enhance neuroplasticity, potentially reducing brain aging by 1.3 years per treatment and helping treat PTSD, addiction, and neurodegenerative diseases. The drug carries serious cardiac risks including irregular heartbeats and requires professional medical monitoring, distinguishing it from other recreational psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin.