Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
Confidential, free and impartial advice from a clinician on rehab, detox, withdrawal, therapy and counselling for Heroin Addiction
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
What is Ibogaine?
As the opioid and heroin crisis continues to worsen so people look to new treatments.
One option that is getting more attention is the use of ibogaine for heroin addiction.
Ibogaine is not new. It has been around for thousands of years.
Native to Central Africa , Ibogaine is receiving press interest for it’s potential to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Research into the clinical effectiveness of Ibogaine is in it’s early stages.
Earlier studies have shown that Ibogaine may have a part to play in addiction treatment.
The legal status of Ibogaine, in certain countries, can make it difficult to access.
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Where is Ibogaine From?
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance with psychoactive qualities.
Found in the root bark of the shrub Tabernanthe iboga, it is commonly found in Central Africa.
When it is used for addiction detox, medical monitoring is necessary to ensure safety, as with any other opioid detox.
Traditionally, Ibogaine is used in Gabon for rituals and ceremonies because it has hallucinogenic properties.
When used in smaller amounts, Ibogaine has a mild stimulant effect and can be used to treat tiredness.
Laboratory analysis shows that Ibogaine interacts with naturally occurring chemicals released by the brain including Serotonin, dopamine and NMDA.
This is how it causes dream like visions and introspective experiences. These can last for several hours.
Those that have used it often describe the experience as being transformative.
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
Different types of Ibogaine treatment
There are four different types of Ibogaine , each type has distinctive characteristics and uses:
Ibogaine Hydrochloride (HCl): The most common form which is used in medical settings for addiction treatment. It is a purified extract of ibogaine, usually administered in a clinical environment to ensure correct dosing and reduce the risk of side effects.
Total Alkaloid (TA) Extract: Extracted from the alkaloids present in the root bark of the Iboga tree, it is less refined than Ibogaine hydrochloride.
Raw root bark: This is used by chewing it or brewing it as a tea. It is less useful in addiction treatment because the quantities are more difficult to control and there are greater risks associated with side effects. Chemicals in the bark itself can be problematic.
Freebase: This is another purified version but is rare.
Whichever form is used, it must only be used under strict medical supervision.
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
Using Ibogaine for Heroin Detox
Ibogaine is used to reduce the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with heroin and opioid withdrawal.
It’s use carries very significant health risks, hence why the use of it is heavily restricted in many countries.
No one should ever try and use it at home.
Research has shown that Ibogaine can help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms of heroin/opioids.
Ibogaine has a neuropsychiatric effect and can enhance neuroplasticity. This means it can help the brain to re-programme after addiction.
Using Ibogaine is not a standalone treatment. It must be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical supervision as well as psychological therapy and holistic care so all aspects of recovery are addressed.
Remember:Ibogaine is not a medical treatment for addiction in itself. It can help to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and help the brain to re-programme. It is not a substitute prescription as Methadone or Buprenorphine is.
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
Is it effective?
Many people who use Ibogaine to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal, report a significant decrease in withdrawal symptoms.
Typically, it is given in a single dose. The amount required depends on body mass.
Research is at a very early stage.
There is no long term research, at this time, to give any indication of it's long term efficacy.
While the drug itself has a short half life (the time it takes to reduce it's effectiveness by half in the body), due to the way it metabolises, it can stay active in the body for up to two days.
Ibgoaine for Heroin Addiction
Safety consideration
Currently, there is a significant lack of research to support the use of Ibogaine.
It is not available in the UK and any company advertising it does so to lure you to Portugal or South America.
There are some very serious medical considerations when considering Ibogaine.
Ibgogaine is known to pose very serious cardiac risks.
It is not a substitute prescription such as Methadone or Buprenorphine and it’s effects are very limited.
Unlike Methadone or Buprenorphine, there is no assurance that it will provide any benefit for withdrawal symptoms.
It can have very serious interactions with prescribed medication.
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
Current research
While the research is in the very early stages, it is known that Ibogaine can have very significant side effects:
Visual and Auditory Hallucinations: Incredibly Intense, dream-like experiences during the peak phase of treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting: This can lead to dehydration
Ataxia: Loss of coordination and balance This can last for many days
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and exhaustion after treatment.
Neurotoxicity: Ibogaine is known to be neurotoxic
Ibgogaine for Heroin Addiction
Treatment Protocol
Before someone undergoes Ibogaine treatment they will need a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation.
Ibogaine can not be used when the person is trying to detox from certain drugs or is taking certain prescribed medication.
When ibogaine is given (usually in liquid form) the person must be observed by trained medical staff, with the appropriate monitoring equipment, for at least 24 hours.
It can never be used during pregnancy.
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
Limitations
Ibogaine can only be used to reduce some of the physical signs of withdrawal.
It is not a substitute prescription such as with Methadone or Buprenorphine.
The withdrawals from Heroin and Opioid withdrawal will last longer than the effects of Ibogaine.
As it is not legal to be used in rehabs in the UK the only option is to travel abroad. This poses additional risks.
Even if you are only going as far as Portugal, this requires a period of travel during which you will be in withdrawal.
This, in itself, will be problematic. If you take the risk of carrying drugs with you and you get caught, this is smuggling and carries very severe penalties.
If you travel to South America, you will be drug free for a sustained amount of time and you will go into withdrawal.
Being ill on a plane is never a good thing.
Your travel insurance will not cover you and local medical services will probably not have heard of Ibogaine.
Unless you are fluent in the local language/dialect you will have to pay for your own interpreter.
Should you need medical repatriation to the UK this can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The local British Embassy or consulate will not provide any financial assistance and if you are arrested for drug possession they will simply provide you with a list of local lawyers.
They are not going to wave aa magic wand and get you off the hook!
The intermediary that you dealt with to book your trip will simply put the phone down if you call them.
Unlike the UK where medical services are heavily regulated, you have no assurance that the same applies when you have treatment overseas.
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
Over the rainbow treatment
When people call to ask about Ibogaine it is usually because they have read something on the internet, or something in the paper. Perhaps something on a TV show or in film.
In these cases it can be very hard to have a conversation because that person is so set on using Ibogaine.
Typically, they have had treatment before and have relapsed. Often, they have been terribly misinformed about conventional treatments such as Methadone and Buprenorphine.
They are seeking a magic bullet that will cure them quickly and permanently. Ibogaine isn’t it. It will not do what you think it might.
It is untested, dangerous and responsible for many deaths.
Recovery from opioid addiction takes time.
It is hard work and requires a willingness to engage in therapy, as well as detox in addition to relapse prevention skills training and aftercare.
Drinking a psychodelic tea in a clinic in South America is not going to cure your addiction.
Addiction doesn’t happen overnight and recovering from it can’t be done in a day.
Ibogaine kills people.
Please don’t be swayed by flashy websites and snake oil salesmen, or in this case, tree bark salesmen!
Ibogaine for Heroin Addiction
What about home treatment with Ibogaine?
This simply isn't possible.
Ibogaine is not licenced for addiction treatment and thus it can not be prescribed, either under the NHS or privately.
In any event, treatment at home won't provide the three other elements needed for recovery: Therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare.
Therapy
All centers who provide treatment for opioid addiction provide a fully immersive therapy programme, either along a 12 step approach or a SMART based recovery model. These run seven days a week and , those in treatment, are obliged to attend all sessions if physically well enough to do so. For new admissions, it can be 24-48 hours , on occasion, before someone is able to take part.
Sitting alongside this programme, many centers also offer adjunctive treatments and therapies such as:
Yoga
Mindfulness
Art therapy
Gentle exercise and group walks
Music therapy
Individual sessions (for those staying more than a week)
Clients, before leaving, are linked in with support groups in their local community, be they voluntary or statutory. A psychological tool kit is built up so that clients have a selection of techniques to employ.
If you need treatment for heroin addiction, heroin addiction advice call and speak to us. We can provide heroin addiction help on 0333 041 9922.
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