Tell us about ibogaine. What is it? How does it work in relation to addiction?
Ibogaine is one of the psychoactive indole alkaloids found in the West African, shrub, Tabernanthe iboga. In layman’s terms, ibogaine is a plant-based, naturally occurring substance, which rapidly and painlessly interrupts addictions, relieves withdrawal symptoms and brings patients back to their pre-addictive state, also known as a novice state. 95% of opiate withdrawal symptoms dissipate if not all, and causes significant reductions in cravings for alcohol and stimulants such as Cocaine, Crack and Meth.
Ibogaine is oneirophrenic (pronounced OH NEHRO PHRENIC), unlike psychedelics which create open-eyed visuals, it creates a dream-like state, much like the dream state during the REM phase in sleep. These dreams can vary from person to person, however, they often range from life-like realistic, to alien and abstract. These dreams are extremely important and often relevant for breaking the addiction and the recovery process.
How long do the effects last? (for a “trip” or “journey” and for how long does it help curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms)
Everybody reacts differently, however, there is a common theme. Just under 1 hour after the ingestion of ibogaine, withdrawal symptoms will ease off and dissipate. The reset usually occurs before the onset of the acute phase also known as the visionary stage (not all people get visions). It is a beautiful thing not to feel the discomfort of withdrawals whilst the ibogaine does its work. This phase may last 4 to 8 hours.
After the initial visionary phase one enters the processing or evaluation phase, this may last 8 to 24hours. Here there is a lot of mental activity going on, processing and evaluating the events discovered in the visionary phase. This where the magic happens. We may learn to forgive others, forgive ourselves, put trauma and abuse to rest, dissolve feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt and shame often so associated with addiction, it helps us have a different perspective on life.
Ibogaine is a catalyst for change. The dream-like state ibogaine induces heals at a deeply subconscious level, you will never be the same again.
The final phase is sometimes referred to as a grey day, this can last up to 3 days. Our patients often don’t feel this greyness and it is possibly due to our high level of care. However, exhaustion, sleeplessness, and feelings of being low may occur.
What’s the typical dose and frequency?
Doses range from 3 mg/kg up to 24 mg/kg of Ibogaine HCl over a 24 hour period and usually depends on the patient’s overall health and provider’s preference.
~ Is it spiritual or scientific? (or both)
There’s a plethora of medical research to back Ibogaine’s effectiveness in the interruption of substance abuse over the last 50-60 years.
Is it safe? (can kill someone; one article said 1 in 300 mortality rate)
Ibogaine treatments are a safe procedure if there are trained medical professionals there to help and where ibogaine safety protocols are strictly adhered to. I believe the mortality rate of 1 in 300 rather high. It is hard to gauge as there is limited data. What we do know, is, that ibogaine is as safe, if not safer than methadone administration. In addiction, ibogaine, unlike methadone, does not paper over the cracks, it opens them up and lets the light in.
Can it be taken alone or at home? Should it be medically supervised?
Ibogaine should always be taken under supervision, either by an experienced provider or preferably by a medically trained team.
What health tests (or assessments) must a person have before taking ibogaine?
We evaluate the patients, full medical, mental and psychiatric history
EKG’s in resting and stress modes
Full blood tests
Kidney tests and full liver panel
and Urine tests to assess the level of drug abuse
Could you tell us about side effects and how often they typically observe them?
Ataxia (inability to coordinate voluntary bodily movements) for up to 24 hours
Tremors
Photosensitivity
Nausea and dizziness for up to 24 hours
Vomiting
Raised blood pressure
Visual and auditory distortions for up to 12 hours
Insomnia for up to 1 week
Usually, these side effects revert after 24h, but it depends on the amount of ibogaine administered and the length of treatment
Who should consider ibogaine-assisted treatment? (e.g. heroin users (do they have to have failed other treatments or have used for years?) Can it work for mental health disorders?
People suffering and struggling with substance misuse problems (these can range from opiates such as heroin, oxycontin, suboxone to stimulants such as cocaine, crack and meth, alcohol abuse, process, and behavioural addictions), people that suffer from a dual-diagnosis, and those looking to find answers, to grow spiritually, to get back to self-love again. More recently, ibogaine has been found to have promising positive effects for sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease and MS.
Do you need to detox first? Or is ibogaine part of the detox process?
It is not necessary to detox prior to an ibogaine treatment unless you ingest very high doses of alcohol or benzos (typically), it may lead to seizures. This detox should be medically supervised. Regardless, it is unadvisable to consume substances before ibogaine administration, except for short-acting opioids. Of course, every case differs and must be addressed on a case by case basis.
Is ibogaine a quick fix, a “cure”?
Ibogaine is not a quick fix nor a cure and has often been misrepresented as such. Aside from being a very effective detox tool and an addiction interrupter, It also has the power to heal the underlying pain that may have caused the addiction in the first place… As Gabor Mate so eloquently put it, “Heal the pain, heal the addiction”. This, of course, needs to be supported with a solid aftercare program and consistent daily practice.
Is counseling more effective after ibogaine use? / Do you provide constant therapeutic support during and after ibogaine administration?
It has been said, that one night on Ibogaine is akin to 10 years of Psychotherapy. The integration of the experience is vital for on-going care and success in recovery. Our therapy starts before the treatment, during, after and for life once the client leaves Tabula Rasa Retreat. The lifetime programme includes weekly online meetings – we call it the IRM – Ibogaine Recovery Movement. It’s very effective, it keeps people connected to our centre, ibogaine and their peers. It’s our own self-supporting fellowship. Our preferred pre-counselling providers are headed by Anders Beatty of ICS (Ibogaine Counselling Services)
Any other comments or pertinent information people should know?
We receive many calls and messages from people asking for instructions on how to use ibogaine at home. It would be irresponsible of us to offer such advice. Ibogaine requires medical supervision, as there are far too many complications that may arise. This may include negative interactions with other drugs, heart and liver abnormalities and the fact that the source may not be controlled nor certified. These are many of the reasons why there have been ibogaine related deaths.
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530