In the last few years, there has been a lot of debate regarding psychedelic-assisted therapy. Among others, medical professionals are considering ibogaine as one of the least explored substances that might address the root causes of various addictions. The psychoactive chemical might help uncover the issues from your past, effectively dealing with trauma.
In fact, this Central African plant was long used as a part of spiritual rituals. The local tribes from Gabon relied on the substance to connect with their dead relatives and uncover other mysteries of life.
Still, the fact that a substance has a potent impact on our brains doesn’t necessarily mean it can heal us. To separate the truth from the fiction, we’ve decided to take a closer look at Tabernanthe iboga plant as well as its byproduct, ibogaine. By the end of the article, you’ll be able to determine whether this is the right therapy for your addiction.
What Is Ibogaine?
According to the chemical categorization, ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid. When taken in smaller doses, it works as a powerful stimulant. In larger doses, it makes a person hallucinate, coupled with intense episodes of introspection. In fact, this introspection is the main reason why ibogaine treatment has become so popular as of late.
Unlike the “traditional” psychedelics and various party drugs, ibogaine can stop addiction cycles by affecting our deepest urges. It significantly reduces cravings, making it a reliable tool against nicotine, alcohol, and various opioids.
We also have to mention ibogaine’s complex impact on neurotransmitters:
- The alkaloid affects serotonin receptors in our brain, reducing the sensation of fear and stress. In fact, this is the main reason why some medical professionals recommend ibogaine as a potential treatment for depression and anxiety.
- As mentioned, ibogaine also reduces cravings. It manages to do so by reducing the overstimulation of opioid receptors. Furthermore, the substance can also make withdrawal much less painful.
- Ibogaine affects dopamine, which is often out of balance during addiction. By restoring its function, you stabilize the mechanism of pleasure and reward. Dopamine is associated with motivation, as well, helping people survive these trying times.
Through its multiple effects, ibogaine can regulate numerous processes in our bodies. While it isn’t a silver bullet for beating addiction, it can set you on the right course for dealing with different vices.
Exploring Efficiency Data
One of the main reasons why more and more people are giving ibogaine a go is the fact that it makes withdrawal much easier. In fact, experts claim that you need just one treatment to completely stop the symptoms.
According to a limited Brazilian study from 2014, 75 former and current drug users received a large dose of ibogaine. The substance has such a potent effect that it prevented participants from using any drugs for 5.5 months on average. And those who took the therapy several times over experienced a median abstinence of 8.4 months.
But this isn’t the only evidence of ibogaine’s superiority. Another study conducted in Mexico City by Thomas Kingsley Brown has shown us a significant change in withdrawal symptoms after a single use of ibogaine. Furthermore, people who took the alkaloid experienced other benefits over the next 12 months.
Lastly, we would also like to mention a New Zealand study conducted by Geoff Noller and his team. According to it, people who underwent ibogaine treatment managed to reduce their depression symptoms for up to a year. They also experienced major changes in how often they used drugs.
Mental Health Benefits
If you scroll through the websites of some of the top ibogaine treatment centers, you’ll notice that a lot of these clinics advertise ibogaine for mental health support. According to them, the substance could have a significant impact on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Research data support these claims. For example, Stanford University did a study in 2024 that involved 30 special operations veterans who suffered TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Here’s what the researchers found out:
- Anxiety symptoms dropped by 81%
- Depression symptoms reduced by 87%
- PTSD symptoms dropped by 88%
On top of reducing various symptoms, participants experienced improvements in mental clarity, focus, and memory. A lot of them struggled with impulsive tendencies after service, something that ibogaine significantly reduced. In fact, enthusiasts even claim that the substance might provide long-term benefits, aside from short-term symptom relief.
- Recommended by Our Editors: 7 Best Online Therapy Services: Unlock a Path towards Better Mental Health
Potential Risks
Although ibogaine holds enormous promise, it’s worth mentioning that we still don’t have enough data regarding potential side effects. The US government classifies the alkaloid as a Schedule I substance, which means it’s prone to misuse.
This also means that entrepreneurs can’t open ibogaine clinics locally, and citizens have to travel to Mexico and other countries for treatment. Nevertheless, all of this might change with the emergence of new medical data. There’s even a chance that ibogaine becomes a highly accepted alternative medicine akin to CBD.
Perhaps the biggest potential issue comes in the form of cardiotoxicity. The substance may block channels that lead potassium to the heart, potentially causing arrhythmias. However, experts hope that this risk can be alleviated by proper heart screening before administration.
Besides potential heart issues, patients may experience ataxia, vomiting, nausea, and psychological distress. As a result, clients are urged to perform therapy exclusively in a clinical setting. It is vital that a patient has around-the-clock supervision by medical experts who can quickly recognize the most common side effects.
Getting the Most Out of Ibogaine Treatment
Although ibogaine treatment is still not that popular, there’s a good chance that the recovery procedure will quickly spread throughout the Western world. We’ve already seen a lot of developed countries, such as Spain and the Netherlands, accept it as a solution to various forms of addictions and mental ailments.
While certain concerns remain, most of them can be alleviated with proper screening and monitoring. Patients are urged to seek medical treatment in reputable ibogaine centers, where they can enjoy the benefits of welcoming, experienced staff.
