Ibogaine Treatment for Addiction: 4 Struggles It Transforms

The Experience of Ibogaine

Ibogaine is available at treatment centers around the world, though not in the U.S. Just like any other type of rehab, each of these facilities has its own distinct philosophy. Choose an environment that suits your specific needs. 

Ibogaine induces a psychedelic experience. During the session itself, you may find yourself in a dreamlike state for up to 72 hours. Patients often report revisiting traumatic events from the past, and gaining new insight into their least healthy behavioral patterns.

“It’s like hitting the reset button.”

As you slowly emerge from this state, you’ll likely notice immediate and significant differences. Rich, a patient at Iboga Quest, had previously undergone detox, and later decided to try ibogaine after a relapse. Comparing these 2 experiences, he told interviewers, 

With iboga, or ibogaine, it’s like hitting the reset button. I would say I still had symptoms, but they were significantly less—maybe 20-30% of what you’d normally have.

Ibogaine also transformed his experience of shame. Prior to treatment, he struggled to accept himself and was haunted by past mistakes. In an ibogaine-induced dream state, he envisioned a human body with empty spaces inside it, which he’d been trying to fill by using substances. As he explored these images, he learned the value of accepting himself just as he is.

I always thought that acceptance was almost like admitting defeat. And [ibogaine] showed me that I didn’t have to necessarily like these aspects of myself; it wasn’t asking me to do that. But I had to accept them. These are things that happened. And even if they’re aspects of myself that were true at some point, they don’t have to remain true. And accepting them doesn’t mean that they remain true forevermore. In fact, accepting them puts you in a really great position to be able to change those aspects of yourself that you don’t like. And so that was my major teaching, really.

Health Risks 

Ibogaine has some significant health risks, and may cause physical side effects. There are reported fatalities. In one case, 19 people are known to have died within 1.5 to 76 hours of taking ibogaine.⁹ This was mainly due to preexisting conditions that increased the risk of cardiovascular stress, and the physical effects of substance withdrawals that were not properly managed during treatment. 

Before you begin this treatment, make sure you find a high-quality, reputable treatment center and consult with a medical professional to ensure it’s a safe method for you.

Long-Term Effects

Unlike some other psychedelic medicines, ibogaine can have a lasting effect on mental health.¹⁰ In fact, researchers believe that it can “modify addiction-related neural circuitry through the activation of neurotrophic factor signaling.” This makes it especially supportive for long-term recovery.

Despite its immediate benefits, however, ibogaine is not a miracle cure for substance use disorders. Researchers warn that ibogaine “is not a cure for addiction. Instead, it merely interrupts addiction.”¹¹

Planning for Aftercare

The phase immediately following treatment can be an especially vulnerable time. If at all possible, it’s best to make plans for aftercare as a follow-up post-treatment. This ensures you have the right support to sustain the life changes you began.

Some patients begin recovery with ibogaine, then go on to attend a more comprehensive inpatient rehab program. Your treatment team can help you decide on the best course of action for your situation. 

Starting Your Recovery With Ibogaine

Although more research is needed, ibogaine is a very promising treatment. Whether you’re healing from substance abuse, trauma, or another mental health diagnosis, it may be a good place to start moving forward. However, like any other medication, this medicine is not appropriate for all patients. 

Remember that while recovery can start with ibogaine, it’s just the first step in a lifelong process. It’s best to combine this medicine with other evidence-based therapies, which may include rehab, medical care, talk therapy, or other options. Ibogaine can be a powerful element of your healing process, and may make it easier for you to move toward a healthier lifestyle. But this experience is no replacement for the slow, careful cultivation of habits that support your recovery.

To further explore this therapy, search for a rehab offering ibogaine-assisted treatment and contact their admissions team to learn more about their programming.

FAQs

Q: What is ibogaine therapy?

A: Ibogaine therapy is a plant medicine that uses a psychoactive compound from the West African iboga shrub to treat addiction and mental health disorders. Treatment involves a supervised session where patients experience a dreamlike state that helps them gain insights into behavioral patterns and past traumas.

Q: Is ibogaine used to treat addiction?

A: Yes, ibogaine is primarily used for substance use disorders, especially opioid use disorder, but can also be used for mental health conditions. Research shows it can reduce withdrawal symptoms and temporarily eliminate cravings. 

Q: Does ibogaine get rid of withdrawal symptoms?

A: Ibogaine significantly reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms but doesn’t eliminate them completely. One study found that 78% of patients did not show clinical signs of opioid withdrawal 48 hours after ibogaine administration,¹² and 68% reported only mild withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision and proper tapering before treatment are essential for safety.

Q: How much does ibogaine treatment cost?

A: Ibogaine treatment typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the facility and services included. Since treatment is not available in the United States (ibogaine is considered a  Schedule I controlled substance and is not FDA-approved), you should also consider additional travel expenses.

Q: How safe is ibogaine treatment?

A: Ibogaine carries significant health risks and isn’t safe for everyone. High doses can cause serious cardiac complications, especially for people with heart conditions. Make sure your facility provides proper medical screening and supervision to minimize risks.

Q: Is ibogaine an effective treatment for substance use disorder?

A: Studies of ibogaine show that this treatment can be effective, particularly for opioid addiction. Several studies support this, including one in which 50% of patients reported reduced opioid cravings¹³ lasting for up to 3 months after treatment. However, ibogaine is not a cure—it temporarily interrupts addiction, creating an opportunity for recovery work.

Q: What are the side effects of ibogaine?

A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, tremors, and sensitivity to light and sound. Serious side effects can include cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. The hallucinogenic experience may involve revisiting traumatic memories.

Q: Where can I find ibogaine treatment centers?

A: Ibogaine treatment centers operate in Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, and parts of Europe. When selecting a facility, research their medical protocols, safety record, and aftercare support. Look for centers with thorough medical screenings and qualified staff.