Iboga &
Ibogaine

Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid that occurs naturally in several plants in the Apocynacae family, to include the well-known Tabernanthe iboga shrub, which is native to Central Africa.

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It has been used as a stimulant, aphrodisiac, and a rite of passage for adolescents to move from boyhood into manhood, most notably by the Bwiti people of Gabon, Africa.

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The indigenous use of iboga was first revealed to the world in writings by French and Belgian explorers who witnessed it firsthand in the 19th century, although little was thought of it at the time.

 

In June of 1962, 19-year-old Howard Lotsof accidentally discovered the therapeutic value of ibogaine when he experimented with it while dependent on heroin. 

 

Several days after his initial experience, he had no withdrawal symptoms or incessant cravings that usually came along with detoxifying from opiates. 

 

It led Lotsof to stay abstinent from heroin for several years, to conduct underground research into ibogaine, and led to the advent of psychedelic medicines being used in harm reduction (primarily in Europe).

 

Over the next forty-plus years, ibogaine has shown itself to be very effective in helping people with the withdrawal process and to find recovery. 

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Due to its potential health risks, it is strongly suggested that every participant is medically screened to ensure their safety. 

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Please aware that the use of iboga/ibogaine may have significant cardiac effects. 

 

These include the increased potential for QT-segment prolongation and cardiac dysrhythmia, which means that everyone should have an EKG performed and read by the provider prior to sitting with either of these medicines, but most especially those with pre-existing heart conditions.

 

In addition, people who have pre-existing hepatic conditions may be asked to have a liver panel test performed and read to assure that the iboga/ibogaine can be safely metabolized by the body after it is taken.

 

This is especially important for substance users that have compromised livers from hepatitis, HIV, and cirrhosis and sclerosis of the liver (to name a few).

 

People who are currently taking SSRIs, other antidepressants, and many prescribed psychiatric medicines may be excluded from treatment (or will have to titrate and discontinue their dose) due to the potential of reaching toxic levels of serotonin while sitting with the medicine.

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People that are currently using fentanyl, suboxone, subutex, methadone, and other forms of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) must be detoxified prior to working with iboga/ibogaine, and/or will require a specialized protocol, known as a "detox dose."

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At this time, the best place to obtain detox treatment is outside of the United States, namely in Mexico, Canada, or Thailand.

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Due to the potential medical complications that may arise with this specialized treatment, it is especially important that participants work face-to-face with an experienced provider who is committed to supporting the their needs throughout the process, as well as in the all-important integration and reclamation phase that follows each treatment.

 

After being medically screened and acclimating to the provider's facility, participants are treated and afterward, in some instances, may have the opportunity stay for “aftercare” for a length of time agreed upon by the provider and their team.

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Ibogaine is considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance and in many areas of the world and is illegal, because it is classified as having no accepted medical use and to have a high potential for abuse, although we now know it to be one of the most safe and effective medicines for helping people break free from substance use disorder.

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As of early 2024, ibogaine is not legally available within the United States, although Colorado is in the rulemaking process to make it available through state-licensed healing centers and also has additional provisions which decriminalize its use.

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Iboga is currently being offered in some areas of the United States in religious ceremonies and is a protected activity under the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.

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Treatments can range from $2,500 to as much as $10,000 (or more), depending on the experience of the provider, their location, any added amenities, range of services included, and length of stay.  No insurance is accepted, although in some cases, subsidies may be available to people who wouldn't be able to afford treatment otherwise.

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If you need help and are interested in working with iboga or ibogaine, reach out to me today to take the first steps on your journey to lasting recovery and wellness!

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Note: For legal and ethical reasons, I am unable to source iboga/ibogaine or to provide any information as to where to obtain it.