Presley Gerber's ibogaine treatment fears revealed

Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, expressed his fears about undergoing ibogaine treatment months before his death at 27, according to a resurfaced post. Gerber passed away on September 20 at a California rehabilitation center, with the cause of death still undisclosed. His family's request for privacy underscores the sensitivity of the situation.

Presley Gerber's ibogaine treatment experience

In March, Presley Gerber shared a personal account of his experience with ibogaine treatment at a facility in Cancun, Mexico. Ibogaine, a psychoactive compound derived from the iboga plant, is being researched for its potential in treating substance-use disorders but remains controversial and unapproved in the U.S. Gerber described his apprehension before the treatment, writing, "I was absolutely terrified," yet he felt guided by something larger than himself.

Family support and public openness

Following his post, Gerber's family publicly supported him. Cindy Crawford called him a "warrior," praising his bravery. His sister, Kaia Gerber, and father, Rande Gerber, also expressed pride in his courage. Presley had been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health, including depression and panic attacks, using his platform to foster dialogue around these issues.

What is ibogaine?

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound from the iboga plant, native to Central Africa. It has drawn interest for its potential in treating substance-use disorders, though it remains experimental and controversial. A 2024 Stanford study noted improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms among veterans treated with ibogaine. Despite its potential, ibogaine is not approved in the U.S., where it is a Schedule I controlled substance, but is available in some international clinics.

Why it matters

Presley Gerber's candidness about his ibogaine treatment highlights ongoing debates over alternative addiction therapies. His openness about mental health issues underscores the importance of destigmatizing these conversations. The lack of a disclosed cause of death and the family's request for privacy add complexity to the public's understanding of his journey.

Gerber's modeling career and public advocacy for mental health have left a lasting impact, as tributes from friends and celebrities continue to pour in.