We know the answer to this question, and we hope you do as well. Obviously, the answer is a resounding YES. Ibogaine is a very powerful substance that can provoke severe physical and mental responses, and its use should be approached with a high degree of caution. If you’re considering undergoing ibogaine treatment, we urge you to finish reading this article and to read everything else you can find about the risks that ibogaine therapy poses for those undergoing treatment. While we recommend the therapy for a variety of ailments, it is not for everyone, its benefits come with significant risks, and some pre-existing conditions will disqualify you for treatment at Tabula Rasa Retreat, and any other responsible ibogaine provider.
What Are Ibogaine’s Effects On Body And Mind?
Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the roots of the tabernanthe iboga shrub native to West and Central Africa. It was originally used by those native to the region as an aphrodisiac, to suppress hunger and fatigue, and in a number of rituals sacred to those of the Bwiti faith. The American Howard Lotsof discovered ibogaine’s potential for treating heroin addiction, and since then scientists have discovered that the substance is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it creates molecules which bind with opioid receptors in the central nervous system, and interact with serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. This causes a pronounced reduction in withdrawal symptoms and disrupts cravings for this family of drugs. It also is believed to return addicts to a “pre-addicted state,” meaning that Ibogaine can return your tolerance to novice user levels.
In addition to being an opioid antagonist, ibogaine is also a very powerful oneiric substance, meaning that a large dose puts the user into a dream-like state which lasts for hours. These visions help many of those who use it to treat addiction revisit past trauma and explore their relationships with substances of abuse. But a substance this powerful can create severe, potentially fatal side-effects.
Common side effects include nausea, ringing or buzzing in the ears, and ataxia, or the inability to move your limbs and a feeling of near-paralysis. A responsible treatment provider will constantly monitor you and assist you should you feel the urge to use the bathroom or vomit. In extremely large doses it can also increase your risk of suffering a stroke, but in smaller doses it actually acts as an anti-convulsive, decreasing your risk of seizures.
Ibogaine can be particularly dangerous for those who suffer from a variety of pre-existing conditions. If you suffer from a disorder which impairs heart, liver, or kidney function, you should not, under any circumstances, undergo the treatment. Ibogaine can cause arrhythmia and a slowing of the heart rate known as bradycardia which can be fatal for those with weakened hearts. The substance has also been found to have an effect on hepatic function and liver enzymes, and it can exacerbate some psychological conditions. It is still unclear whether ibogaine can be used safely by those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Not every treatment center will use the same exclusion criteria as Tabula Rasa Retreat, but we’ve thought long and hard about safety, and worked with the Global ibogaine Therapy Alliance to ensure that our patients stay safe.
Have People Died During Ibogaine Treatment?
Yes. 19 deaths associated with ibogaine use have occurred so far. Of those, six had been caused by cardiac arrest, and five of the deceased had pre-existing heart conditions. Among the others, the majority appear to have been caused by either a lack of medical supervision, or the presence of other drugs which caused adverse reactions. It’s also important to remember that a significant number of these deaths have occurred in cases where the deceased self-administered the drug without any supervision, or where it was used in an illegal “clinic” whose providers were reluctant to rush the patient to a hospital the moment and adverse reaction began. While ibogaine treatment can be fatal, we would argue that with the proper screening, precautions, and emergency procedures, the risk of fatality can be reduced to zero. We know this because our emergency plan has already saved the lives of clients who have had extreme reactions.
How Can You Stay Safe?
In order to use ibogaine safely, make sure that the facility you choose has screening procedures in place. In our view, an electrocardiogram, or EKG, is absolutely necessary. Many people are unaware of existing heart conditions, and any treatment center is behaving irresponsibly if they accept your self-reporting. The same is true for bloodwork and a full panel of metabolic tests. People might not know what’s in all of the pills that they take, and addicts entering recovery aren’t always the most reliable sources of information. Stimulants and other substances have been known to cause severe adverse reactions when taken alongside ibogaine, and experience has taught us that these tests are a better option than relying on self-reporting. A treatment center needs to know what’s in your body before you consume ibogaine in order to keep you safe. At Tabula Rasa Retreat we also check up on thyroid function and measure levels of serum electrolytes for patients over 45 years of age.
Ask A Million Questions
If you’re looking to use ibogaine safely, the best thing we can recommend is talking to everyone you can, and asking a million questions. Ask a few providers what their emergency plan is, how close the nearest hospital is, and whether they have a relationship with the staff there. Ask about screening procedures and exclusion criteria, and note the similarities and differences in policy. Ask about the staff’s medical training, background, and certifications. Ask about past adverse events, and what the facility has learned from them. Yes, ibogaine can kill you, but if you’re willing to do your research, respect the substance’s power, and take care in choosing a provider, it can also be used safely. If you have any questions to ask us at Tabula Rasa Retreat, we’re here to help!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530