Ibogaine is a form of a compound known as alkaloid, and it’s produced in western Central Africa. When taken in small doses, ibogaine acts as a stimulant. However, when taken in large doses by people struggling with drug addiction, ibogaine can reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms, as well as any substance-related cravings.

How does ibogaine help in addiction treatment?

Studies have revealed that the ability of ibogaine to change drug abuse behaviors might be caused by combined actions of either the main drug and its active metabolite at primary pharmacological targets that control the addiction circuit in a person’s brain. Generally, Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid, which once taken, is converted into an active metabolite known as noribogaine. This metabolite targets certain neurotransmitters in an addict’s brain—serotonin, opioid, and acetylcholine, thus blocking any opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Besides, ibogaine helps to alleviate depression when recovering from drug addiction.

So, we can say that ibogaine is very effective when it comes to blocking the acute side effects of opiate withdrawal, which include:

• Extreme anxiety
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Vomiting

Also, ibogaine is very effective when it comes to reducing post-acute withdrawal syndrome. During the early recovery stages, you might experience a lack of energy, intense cravings, and depression for weeks or even months after you stop taking drugs. But, ibogaine therapy can help in reducing your anxiety and depression, as well as increase your energy levels. Besides, therapy can help you to start thinking clearly. Also, studies have revealed that ibogaine can help recovering addicts to create a plan to help them maintain a clean life and transition to sobriety.

Ibogaine is very effective—around 50 – 80% when it comes to blocking the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Most recovering addicts say that the desire to use drugs significantly diminishes after taking ibogaine. However, it’s important to understand that ibogaine is not a cure for addiction, but an addiction interrupter.

The traditional 30- to 90-day rehabilitation programs have a success rate of around 20%. This is way lower than the success rate of the ibogaine treatment indicated above.

Medical experts, however, advise that ibogaine therapy must be administered in a quiet and calm environment. Also, all recovering addicts must be under 24/7 medical supervision until they complete their treatment. Besides, it’s important to note that once taken, ibogaine can keep you awake and alert for a couple of days. Therefore, you will need to take lots of rest after you are through with your recovery.

With that said, you need to understand that ibogaine isn’t the only solution for addiction treatment. So, you might need to undergo additional therapy and follow-up care, in addition to learning new ways to cope if you don’t want to relapse.

Support treatment for ibogaine therapy

The professionals from Clear Sky Recovery, ibogaine treatment center say that patients will need some additional therapy for their addiction treatment to be effective. Please note that there are numerous factors that contribute to drug addiction. That means these factors must be addressed if someone must recover from drug addiction. The following are the two main options recommended by addiction treatment experts.

Behavioral counseling

In this option, psychologists specializing in addiction treatment work with recovering addicts to help them address life issues that led to their addiction problem. During your counseling sessions, you can share all your issues with a professional counselor, who can help you to overcome any psychological and mental issues that led to your drug addiction problem in the first place. Also, your counselor can help you in managing the possible mental issues that arise when someone is recovering from drug addiction.

Detoxification

This helps recovering addicts to get rid of the drugs from their bodies. A detox program can be done in an approved facility. Also, you can do a detox program from home, but you must be under the supervision of medical personnel. Today, there are lots of medical facilities where you can undergo a detox program safely. During your detox program, your doctor will prescribe medication to help you manage any pain or other side effects of the treatment program.

Lastly, you need to understand the essence of long-term follow-ups after you complete your addiction treatment. Even when you feel like you’ve fully recovered from your addiction, you should purposefully have long-term follow-ups. Please note that overcoming drug addiction isn’t an easy task. So, you must prioritize seeking the necessary assistance from certified medical professionals and counselors who specialize in addiction treatment to avoid the possibility of a relapse.