Podcast Summary: Duncan Trussell Family Hour – Episode 668: Bryan Hubbard
Introduction
In Episode 668 of the Duncan Trussell Family Hour, host Duncan Trussell welcomes Bryan Hubbard, a passionate advocate and leader in the fight against opioid addiction through the use of ibogaine. Released on February 21, 2025, this episode delves deep into the opioid epidemic, the shortcomings of current treatment methods, and the promising yet controversial potential of ibogaine as a breakthrough therapy.
The Opioid Epidemic: A Persistent Crisis
Bryan Hubbard sets the stage by highlighting the enduring and devastating impact of the opioid crisis in America. He emphasizes that despite decades of efforts and billions of dollars invested, the epidemic remains unmitigated:
Bryan Hubbard [08:08]: "Despite our best efforts and the deployment of multiple billions of dollars over the past 29 years, we are now in the 29th year of America's opioid epidemic."
Hubbard critiques existing treatment options such as abstinence-based programs, methadone, and Suboxone, citing their limited success rates:
Bryan Hubbard [16:59]: "Abstinence-based treatment... has about a 7% success rate."
Bryan Hubbard [17:09]: "Methadone... has about a 25% success rate."
Duncan interjects with personal anecdotes about Suboxone, revealing the harsh realities and sometimes ineffective nature of these treatments:
Duncan Trussell [17:18]: "They gave me a Suboxone patch... It was the worst two days of my life. I was puking, went mildly deaf."
Introducing Ibogaine: A Potential Game-Changer
Bryan Hubbard introduces ibogaine as a promising, albeit obscure, psychedelic substance with the potential to revolutionize addiction treatment. He explains ibogaine's unique attributes and its ability to address both the physiological and psychological dimensions of addiction:
Bryan Hubbard [10:47]: "To create a dynamic that will generationally alter the trajectory of the opioid epidemic, we've got to look for alternatives."
Hubbard details his extensive research and due diligence process, ultimately advocating for ibogaine's integration into mainstream treatment options:
Bryan Hubbard [13:11]: "After an extensive due diligence and critical examination exercise, I came to the conclusion that ibogaine is the best possibility to change the future of addiction treatment."
The Dark Side of Big Pharma: Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family
A significant portion of the conversation addresses the role of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family in exacerbating the opioid crisis. Hubbard references "Empire of Pain" by Patrick Radden Keefe to underscore the malicious intent behind OxyContin's distribution:
Bryan Hubbard [33:12]: "The opioid epidemic was a premeditated act. Purdue Pharma... relied upon data distribution maps for Valium to inform their OxyContin marketing strategy."
Duncan furthers the discussion by metaphorically labeling the Sacklers as modern-day vampires, extracting profit from widespread addiction:
Duncan Trussell [34:35]: "They are vampires... intentionally putting their dark fishing hooks into impoverished people."
Hubbard provides alarming statistics to illustrate Purdue Pharma's impact:
Bryan Hubbard [35:08]: "The state settlements with opioid distributors and manufacturers currently stands at about $900 million... compared to Purdue Pharma's $100 million a month in OxyContin sales."
Ibogaine in Practice: Personal Experiences and Clinical Protocols
Bryan Hubbard shares his personal journey with ibogaine, including his and his wife's experiences with reputable clinics to understand the treatment firsthand:
Bryan Hubbard [81:27]: "In November of 2023, my wife and I both traveled to a place called Ambio... and in December, we received ibogaine at Beyond B E O N D in Cancun."
He stresses the importance of professional administration due to ibogaine's risks, such as cardiac arrest if misdosed:
Bryan Hubbard [82:00]: "A person should never ever look to order online or to self-acquire and to self-administer. This is a serious medication that comes with serious risks."
Duncan recounts his traumatic experience with opioids in a medical setting, underscoring the desperate need for effective treatments like ibogaine:
Duncan Trussell [25:00]: "I'm not a big fan of opioids. They make me sick... When that wears off, it was just a nightmare."
The Spiritual Dimension of Addiction and Recovery
The conversation transcends the physiological aspects of addiction, delving into the spiritual afflictions that underpin substance abuse. Hubbard argues that true recovery necessitates addressing the soul's healing:
Bryan Hubbard [66:11]: "At the heart of trauma and addiction is profound spiritual affliction. We have to look at the entire human being being."
Duncan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that modern society often sidelines spiritual well-being in medical treatments:
Duncan Trussell [67:16]: "The secularist, materialist world... people are supposed to have some kind of perfect operating system. Therapy is made to be weird."
The Texas Ibogaine Initiative: Pushing for Policy Change
Bryan Hubbard outlines his mission with the Texas Ibogaine Initiative, aiming to secure FDA approval for ibogaine as a legitimate treatment for opioid addiction. He calls listeners to action, urging them to support legislative efforts and spread awareness:
Bryan Hubbard [82:06]: "I encourage your audience... to engage those, elevate those and lift them up for public consumption and understanding."
He provides resources for listeners to get involved, including the Reed Foundation and the American Ibogaine Initiative:
Bryan Hubbard [86:09]: "Your listeners can go on to Google and type in Texas Ibogaine... and start calling with respect and with joyful encouragement."
Conclusion: Hope for the Future
The episode concludes on an inspiring note, with Duncan expressing profound admiration for Bryan's dedication and vision. Bryan reiterates his commitment to healing and emphasizes the transformative potential of ibogaine:
Bryan Hubbard [86:15]: "I believe in some spectacular things, particularly the preciousness of my brothers and sisters in this life. If I can be an effective servant of that preciousness, it's my honor to do so."
Duncan assures listeners that more information and resources will be available through the podcast's channels, encouraging them to support the cause and stay informed.
Key Takeaways
- Opioid Crisis: A long-standing epidemic with inadequate current treatment options.
- Ibogaine: A potent psychedelic with the potential to cure opioid addiction by addressing both physiological and psychological aspects.
- Big Pharma's Role: Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family's deliberate strategies fueled the addiction crisis.
- Texas Ibogaine Initiative: A focused effort to legalize and integrate ibogaine into mainstream treatment protocols.
- Spiritual Healing: True recovery encompasses spiritual well-being, not just physical detoxification.
- Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to support legislative efforts, spread awareness, and consider ibogaine as a treatment option.
Notable Quotes
- Bryan Hubbard [08:08]: "Despite our best efforts and the deployment of multiple billions of dollars over the past 29 years, we are now in the 29th year of America's opioid epidemic."
- Bryan Hubbard [35:08]: "The state settlements with opioid distributors and manufacturers currently stands at about $900 million... compared to Purdue Pharma's $100 million a month in OxyContin sales."
- Bryan Hubbard [66:11]: "At the heart of trauma and addiction is profound spiritual affliction. We have to look at the entire human being being."
- Bryan Hubbard [86:15]: "I believe in some spectacular things, particularly the preciousness of my brothers and sisters in this life. If I can be an effective servant of that preciousness, it's my honor to do so."
Resources and Further Actions
- Texas Ibogaine Initiative: Listeners can search online or visit the Reed Foundation's website to learn more and support the initiative.
- American Ibogaine Initiative: Additional information and updates can be found through their official channels.
- Books: "Empire of Pain" by Patrick Radden Keefe for an in-depth look at Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family's role in the opioid crisis.
Final Thoughts
Episode 668 of the Duncan Trussell Family Hour offers a compelling exploration of the opioid epidemic and the urgent need for innovative treatments like ibogaine. Through Bryan Hubbard's insightful commentary and personal experiences, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction, the failures of current medical approaches, and the hopeful possibilities that ibogaine presents. This episode serves as both an educational resource and a rallying cry for those seeking effective solutions to one of America's most pressing public health challenges.