Ibogaine has shown tremendous results in the treatment of substance use disorders. Its ability to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and enable introspection has made it a reliable catalyst for recovery. However, proper calculation of the dosage and medically supervised administration are crucial to ensure the safety of ibogaine treatment. Its ability to create strong, mind-altering experiences and bring about physiological change can sometimes have risks and side effects, and safe administration is vital to minimize these risks.
What is Ibogaine?
Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound that is naturally occurring. It is derived from the root of a rainforest shrub called Tabernanthe iboga. This plant, indigenous to West Africa, has long been used in traditional religious, spiritual, and healing ceremonies. Ibogaine’s healing effects for substance dependency were first observed in the 1960s. Since then, many people have used ibogaine to overcome substance use disorders.
When given in appropriate doses under medical supervision, ibogaine can reduce cravings and relieve the withdrawal symptoms associated with drug and alcohol addiction. It also enables a deep state of introspection, which allows users to confront the underlying trauma that may have contributed to substance use disorder. While ibogaine is not a cure, it provides people with the opportunity for change and long-term recovery.
Why Does Ibogaine Need To Be Administered Medically?
Ibogaine is a highly potent stimulant. If the wrong dose is taken, or if it is taken by a person who is not a good fit for treatment, it can do more harm than good. Therefore, ibogaine needs to be administered under medical supervision. At Experience Ibogaine, we calculate an appropriate dose for each patient after reviewing their medical and substance use history and conducting pre-treatment safety tests. Once a patient is ready for the treatment, we administer ibogaine under strict medical supervision while they are wearing a heart monitor. Proper administration is the only way to minimize risks and maximize the efficacy of the treatment.
Our Ibogaine Administration Method
We administer ibogaine orally, which is yet the safest method of administration and allows us to calculate and administer a precise dosage. Our patients swallow a capsule, which contains ibogaine in a powdered form.
Why We Administer Ibogaine Orally?
Traditionally, people used to take ibogaine by swallowing the powder mixed with water. Administering ibogaine orally also allows us to customize the dosage for each patient, and patients find it easy to take ibogaine orally.
How Does Ibogaine Work?
Ibogaine works by resetting the brain’s reward system, supporting the growth of neurotransmitters, and promoting neuroplasticity. Ibogaine binds to several receptors in the brain and helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance dependency. Ibogaine can enhance neural plasticity, helping to restore your brain’s pre-addiction state. Additionally, it stimulates the brain’s natural production of neurotransmitters, which helps patients with depression or PTSD restore balance and build emotional resilience.
How Long Does Ibogaine Treatment Take?
At Experience Ibogaine, we begin treatment in the evening after a patient has fasted for half a day. This is to prevent nausea and vomiting, because if a patient throws up, we cannot safely calculate how much ibogaine was absorbed into their system. The treatment lasts overnight, and patients usually come out of the psychedelic experience by the time the sun comes up. The experience can be wearing, and it takes patients a day or two to recover from the initial effects of the treatment.
Minimizing the Risks Associated With Ibogaine Use
Ibogaine is a highly potent substance, which should only be administered by a healthcare provider with experience with ibogaine treatment. Even small doses can be harmful to the wrong person, and treatment without safety testing is never recommended. Below are a few ways to minimize the risks associated with ibogaine use.
Choose a Reputable Clinic or Provider
Ibogaine is a complex substance, and its use and administration should only be performed under the supervision of a healthcare team that is professionally trained. If you or your loved one is seeking ibogaine therapy, choose a reputable clinic with considerable experience and an excellent safety record.
Comprehensive Medical Screening
Ibogaine can be dangerous if it’s used by someone who is not physically fit for it. Medical screening is crucial to minimize the risks. At Experience Ibogaine, we request a blood and urine sample from every patient to conduct initial testing. After evaluating a patient’s medical history, we also conduct an EKG to ensure each patient is safe for treatment.
Supervised Administration
We do not recommend that anyone self-administer ibogaine. It is a different experience for everyone, and it’s important to have a medical professional nearby during treatment to help you in case of an emergency. Supervision by a medical team that is monitoring your heart rate throughout treatment is the best way to stay safe during the ibogaine treatment process.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
It’s important to ensure that patients are prepared mentally and physically for treatment. We provide one-on-one pre-treatment counseling to patients and administer test doses to make sure there are no adverse reactions. We also encourage patients to load up on calories with nutrient-rich meals the day before the treatment since the patients spend most of the treatment day fasting and many don’t have an appetite following treatment.
Read more on our blog What to Expect From Ibogaine Treatment?
Post-Treatment Care
Ibogaine treatment can be an intense experience, and aftercare is paramount. Our patients receive empathetic support, one-on-one therapy sessions, and support to develop their plans to maintain their sobriety. For the entire duration of the stay, patients enjoy healthy, delicious meals, access to a hot tub, steam room, and a private, relaxing space to reflect on their experience. We also offer a guided 5-MeO-DMT session to complement the ibogaine treatment and provide psychedelic integration therapy sessions once your treatment is complete. We also offer SMART recovery meetings online for patients once they have left our facility to provide extended support.
Choosing the Right Approach for Ibogaine Therapy
Sobriety is an ongoing journey, and the right approach is important for a sustainable recovery. If you’re ready to start your journey towards recovery with ibogaine therapy, we can help you with safe, personalized ibogaine treatment plans. Experience Ibogaine’s dedicated team offers comprehensive care, continuous support, and evidence-based treatment to help you get on the path to recovery and become a better version of yourself. Schedule a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ibogaine can be consumed in several different forms. To keep ibogaine treatment safe, pretreatment protocols, safety standards, and medical supervision are crucial.
Ibogaine is administered orally under medical supervision, and each patient is attached to a heart rate monitor. The treatment begins in the evening after a patient has fasted for most of the day.
No, ibogaine should be self-administered. There are various medical tests that determine if a patient is fit for ibogaine treatment and what dosage they should receive. Self-administration can lead to severe health consequences.
Improper administration of ibogaine can result in major health issues. A patient can experience adverse effects, such as intense nausea, vomiting, and cardiac complications. Improper administration can also result in an overdose.
Professional administration is vital to ensure the safety and effectiveness of ibogaine treatment. Our process takes into account each patient’s history with addiction and medical details to help us determine the correct dose.
