Overview
For those struggling with addiction, finding effective treatment can be challenging. Experience Ibogaine, a rehab center using the plant-based treatment ibogaine, offers a unique approach for those seeking alternatives to traditional methods. This post shares one person’s transformative journey with Experience Ibogaine and how it brought them hope and a fresh start.
Testimonial
I developed a serious drinking habit when I was a teenager which waxed and waned into my now mid-40’s. About 3-4 years ago I heard of ibogaine treatment and against my better judgement, I never pursued it. A year ago, I went to a 30-day in-patient rehab which although very comfortable and pleasant did not resonate with me. I quit drinking for a matter of months after but always missed/craved drinking and slowly then all at once integrated drinking back into my routine. In July (’24) I decided to go to Experience Ibogaine (“EI”). During the medical checkup on intake, I failed my EKG. Administrator and owner then drove me to a Stanford trained cardiologist in TJ, where I bombed another EKG. At this point I was not eligible for the ibogaine treatment without further investigation. I am in decent shape and had run 3 miles the morning of the EKG, so although somewhat concerned by the EKG, I did not feel a serious issue existed. I was very disappointed (my then headspace was good and I was intent on seeing what the medicine would do) and was hoping I could bargain to get ibogaine to take off-property, perhaps at a hotel. That was not going to happen; however, the owner was very helpful explaining that they would help introduce me to other groups offering alternative treatments which do not carry the same potential cardiac maladies.
At this point I arranged to see the same cardiologist the next day and returned to EI to gather my things. I felt compelled to make partial payment as I had been: fed multiple (good) meals, lodged for a night, treated by in-house medical (IVs, blood EKG) and taken to see a very good cardiologist. EI refused any payment. It is important to note that if this is where the story ended, I would give EI five stars for their kindness, honest dealings and concern for patient well-being. It is hard to convey how comfortable the setting is and how the vibe is about patient care not finances.
Thankfully, the following day the cardiologist got me in for an echocardiogram. I passed it- heart function was good for my age. I could not return to EI to step back into a delayed process as I had obligations interspersed in the following two weeks. But two weeks later I returned.
The ibogaine treatment went very well for me; I was concerned about seeing some dark shit, and although there were some uncomfortable things to confront during a ‘carousel’ viewing at the peak, it was all highly manageable and impactful. Preceding the peak, there was an extended period where I was laughing extensively (at the absurdity of inner dialog), so all in all, if not fun, it was not unpleasant. No one claims you want to want to take ibogaine and go out partying, so all in all my experience seemed to be as good as I could have hoped for. The morning after the gray/rest day, I woke up and went outside to work out. Even prior to exercising, the sun felt different, the air off the ocean was amazing. I had not felt that good sober if ever but certainly in as long as I can remember.
Later that morning came the DMT. After the first hit, my mind tried to fight it. I got very paranoid and the moment I came out of the trip, I immediately said no más to any more. The environment is very safe, my guide was an extremely caring person and although I knew, and was told not to fight it, my ego did its thing. My wits came back to me in about ~30 seconds and said I was fine, wanted to go back in with the bigger dose. Glad I did; it was the most profound experience of my life. It is very difficult to try to and describe it; I do not have the lexicon to convey the experience and when I have tried it seems almost disrespectful to the experience because my retelling cannot do what I saw and felt a scintilla of justice. I will convey how I feel about what occurred however: either I saw something that exists and it is the only spiritual experience I have ever been part of, or I am in utter awe of what the human mind, my mind is capable of. I am not yet sure if it matters which is true; it has affected me fundamentally and has altered how I feel and interact with the world.
After leaving the facility, I sat at the bar at an airport for hours due to a flight delay. I watched all of the various colored alcohol bottles and drinks get rapidly mixed and shuffled to the patrons- with utter indifference. It has been three weeks now and since leaving I have been traveling abroad in areas with deep wine and beer culture. I have had no cravings or feel left out of what would normally be a drinking paradise to me. There is a stark difference from how I felt leaving rehab (literally 10x the price of EI) where I could go to a bar or restaurant and not drink, but always wanted to do so. I simply don’t care or want to drink currently. I am waking early, walking with the sunrise, working out hard, being mentally clear/productive in business and pleasure (reading a lot more instead of listening to books and playing more music than podcasts when I work out). I discontinued sleeping and antidepressant medicine a week prior to treatment and have no intent on taking antidepressants again- I feel better than I can remember. In full disclosure, I am not sleeping much (3-5 hours a night), but do not feel tired. The total time off sleeping pills is about a month and I am not sure if I am still adjusting or if I just do not need as much sleep now that I am not chronically shitfaced.
It has only been three weeks, but I cannot more highly recommend EI. For whatever reasons, this solution called to me and I was looking forward to it whereas I viewed rehab as a sort of self-punishment. The treatment suited my personality and played into my desire to proactively allow my mind to work on itself, aided chemically rather than pursue a formulaic program.
I am not going to include my contact information but should you want a reference, EI knows I am happy to be connected with anyone. Best of luck!
