Addiction is something that can affect almost anyone at almost any time. It does not discriminate. Because of the range of people suffering from addiction, it’s imperative that we offer a wide variety of treatment options, even those that may seem controversial. No single method is proven to work for everyone and a new holistic therapy, called Ibogaine treatment, is gaining popularity outside of the US. It is showing hope to those still suffering when other treatment methods have failed.
Our current model of treatment in the US has very little variety. This means that, although addicts may visit multiple rehab facilities, these facilities often revolve around the same treatment philosophies.
When one path to sobriety isn’t working, addicts need to look for another. This has left many addicts searching for holistic or alternative treatment options—some even outside of the US.
There are many alternative options available, yet none are quite as fascinating or underground as Ibogaine treatment—utilizing a powerful psychedelic medicine that is able to target addiction on a physical and psychological level.
What is Ibogaine?
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance with extremely potent psychoactive properties. Extracted from the Iboga plant native to West Africa, Ibogaine has been used in its raw form for centuries by the Bwiti religion as a shamanic, ceremonial conduit for spirituality.
A lack of understanding of psychedelic medicines and their potential purposes has led to Ibogaine being categorized as a Schedule I drug in the US. However, this has not stopped scientists and addiction experts, mostly outside the US, from doing research that has identified Ibogaine as a potential game-changer for those suffering from addiction.
The History
In 19th century Europe, Ibogaine was used as a stimulant. In small amounts, Ibogaine does not create the same psychedelic effects as a larger dose. Because of this, it was several decades before the anti-addiction benefits of Ibogaine were discovered.
It wasn’t until the 1960’s that a man named Howard Lotsof stumbled upon the natural ability of Ibogaine to target addiction in the brain. Like so many others were doing at that time, Lotsof was looking for a psychedelic experience and was given a dose of Ibogaine.
At the time, Lotsof was addicted to heroin, and he found that, after the Ibogaine took effect, his heroin cravings were gone. He also managed to bypass the withdrawal period and was able to stay sober without any of the negative effects associated with heroin withdrawal.
When Lotsof figured out what the Ibogaine had done, interfering with his dependence on heroin, he invited many of his friends to try it as well. This led him down a path of increased interest in Ibogaine’s ability to help treat addiction.
Ibogaine and Withdrawal Symptoms
Ibogaine has been shown to completely reset the chemical levels within the brain.
When addiction develops, the brain becomes completely dependent on the addictive drug to maintain normalcy. This means that, when an addict stops using, the brain is missing these ‘feel good’ chemicals that it has become accustomed to. The cessation of those chemicals puts the body into a state of distress—during which the brain must heal and readjust. This is what we call withdrawal.
Usually, the physical symptoms of withdrawal begin as soon as the drugs leave an addict’s system. This can include everything from chills to seizures and are often so strong that many addicts are unable to maintain sobriety.
Ibogaine Therapy
Ibogaine, however, helps the brain return to its natural, pre-addicted state and stops most, if not all, withdrawal symptoms. Many addicts report a complete freedom from their addiction after one Ibogaine treatment session.
Ibogaine also provides many addicts with an intense psychedelic experience that can have profound and lasting positive effects on the psyche. This gives many addicts a certain clarity—where they are able to see their past and deal with trauma with a more accepting and open mentality. This level of introspection is a huge part of making real progress in the fight against addiction.
Is Ibogaine Safe?
Any medical treatment entails a degree of risk. It’s important to make sure that you consider all of your options carefully before choosing Ibogaine treatment.
Because of the possible risks associated with Ibogaine usage, most Ibogaine clinics will require their patients to undergo strict testing prior to treatment in order to ensure their safety. Prescreening enables patients to feel safe and comfortable as they move forward with their Ibogaine treatment.
Those who choose to use Ibogaine for treating addiction can also feel confident that they aren’t trading one potentially harmful addictive substance for another. Unlike some drug treatments, Ibogaine is non-addictive. In fact, Ibogaine is often so intense that many addicts say they would not want to take Ibogaine again—though their experience was overall what they needed in order to change.