A Personal Journey Toward Recovery
Presley Gerber, son of renowned supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, had spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and his pursuit of recovery mere months before his untimely death at the age of 27. Presley passed away on Sunday, September 20, while at a rehabilitation center.
Following the news, a spokesperson for the family issued a statement: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”
Exploring New Paths in Treatment
Roughly six months prior to his passing, Presley shared details regarding his use of a psychedelic-assisted therapy known as an “ibogaine flood dose.” According to experts at the Iboga Wellness Institute, ibogaine is a natural compound found in the root bark of the African Tabernanthe iboga plant. While not currently legalized in the United States, such therapeutic doses are often explored as a potential intervention for individuals dealing with substance use disorders.
In a candid reflection on his experience, Presley wrote:
“My mantras were love yourself and [it’s] 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.”
He expressed a strong desire for this treatment to mark a turning point in his life, while also showing appreciation for the support staff and the connections he formed with others during his time in the facility.
Family Support and Advocacy
At the time of his public update, members of his inner circle offered messages of support. His sister, Kaia Gerber, expressed her pride in his efforts, while his father, Rande, shared words of encouragement: “Rooting for you Presley! Always admire your drive to never stop fighting for your life. Good things are coming!”
Beyond his personal battle, Presley was deeply committed to using his platform to support others. During a 2023 appearance on the Studio 22 podcast, he emphasized his goal of helping people navigate the dark places he had experienced himself.
A Commitment to Helping Others
Presley viewed his mental health journey as a continuous process, stating:
“Having struggled with mental health, depression and some other things that come along with that, I think that whether I help one person or a hundred people get out of that place I was in at one point in my life, that’s all I need to do.”
He noted that his primary ambition was to share the lessons learned from his own mistakes, hoping that by doing so, he could spare others from facing similar hardships. “It’s a huge part of my life. It’s a 24/7 job and there’s so much to it,” he remarked, reiterating his desire to assist those struggling with negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).