When one decides to embark on a transformative journey through one’s inner world with ibogaine, it is essential to remember that any such experience is only a door to further exploration and integration. This is why the concept and framework of ibogaine treatment aftercare is equally—if not more—important than the treatment itself.
On account of much of the misinformation found on the internet regarding ibogaine and how it works on addiction and, also, mental health, there is a general tendency to see it as a sort of miracle solution for all one’s problems and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
While ibogaine does do profound work in terms of mental health issues, and manages to greatly alleviate withdrawal symptoms when it comes to opiate and stimulant addiction, there is only so much it can actually do.
Instead of perceiving it as a solution, those wishing to undergo an ibogaine treatment would fare better in seeing it as a wise, stern guide instead; a tool through which to begin deep inner work. The real work, some say, begins after, with a structured ibogaine treatment aftercare plan.
Because of its unique psychoactive properties, ibogaine will open up a channel of communication between your conscious mind and your subconscious. What this means, in practical terms, is that it will work with your reservoir of repressed memories, life events and any residual emotional traumas.
By virtue of this, it can show you what needs to be changed; what boundaries must be restored; what emotional contracts you might burn; what relationships must either be redressed or cast out.
Therefore, armed with this new knowledge, the post-treatment journey, arguably, is as pivotal as the psychedelic experience itself. This juncture brings forth the sacred art of integration and the need for holistic aftercare.
Integration: The Bridge Between Worlds
When framing the concept of integration after a psychedelic experience, it is best to see it as the progressive weaving of profound insights from the psychedelic sojourn into the fabric of one’s everyday existence. This process is always deeply personal, devoid of a one-size-fits-all blueprint, and may require guidance of an integration specialist.
Aftercare, though echoing similar sentiments, emerges more from the world of substance rehabilitation. The term might paint images of structured abstinence programs or prolonged stays in aftercare facilities, whereas integration is a daily, evolving dialogue with the self.
The ibogaine experience is as diverse as the human spirit. For some, profound epiphanies are instant, while others tread a slow, contemplative path to clarity.
Regardless of the pace, labelling or seeking immediate transformation can be counterproductive. An intriguing study of individuals who sought ibogaine treatment for opioid addiction revealed that a staggering 90% struggled with articulating their experiences.
Therefore commitment is key in ibogaine treatment aftercare. Embracing the intentions and resolutions forged pre-treatment and taking unflinching responsibility for the revelations, no matter how uncomfortable, is paramount.
Navigating the Terrain of Integration
Numerous trained practitioners, be they coaches, therapists, or counsellors, stand ready to guide individuals through the labyrinth of integration. Their titles might vary, often denoting the depth of their training and expertise. Psychedelically-trained psychologists, offering modalities like cognitive behavioural therapy, can illuminate the path for many.
Some ibogaine centres serve as sanctuaries, housing integration experts who accompany you during your stay. Others might recommend remote specialists post-departure. Engaging in consultations with a diverse group of integration professionals might help you find the right guidance.
Crafting Your Personal Ritual
Not everyone has the financial means to seek external integration resources, or an extended ibogaine treatment aftercare, but this is no reason to despair; charting your own path is not only feasible but also empowering.
Embracing post-ibogaine integration requires an unwavering commitment to the intentions set forth before treatment and a fierce determination to embody the lessons, however daunting they might seem.
Three pillars sustain effective integration: the body, the mind, and the surrounding environment.
The Body: Rekindling Physical Connection
Nature
One of the main healing resources following an ibogaine treatment is nature. The simple act of basking in nature’s embrace, be it a tranquil walk or simply sitting in a park, can rewire the brain and foster new habits. Such exposure, especially to the nurturing rays of the sun, bolsters vitamin D levels, a key player in serotonin regulation.
Movement
Everyday activities, even seemingly mundane ones like house chores or gardening, can ground you, slowing down the torrent of thoughts and emotions. Avoid mindless activities like impulsive television watching. Exercise is a must, be it for healing from mental health issues, or from substance abuse. Too many of us spend far too much time in our minds; therefore, reconnecting with our bodies through movement will successfully help us “break state.”
Meditation
It would be false to say that meditation is easy, or a fast solution—instead, it should be viewed as an ongoing practice. In our society, many of us have been trained by capitalism to look outside of ourselves for comfort and wholeness; to relentlessly consume, be it drugs, or products.
We are always looking to dissociate from our thoughts and emotions, sweeping them under the rug. One of the many things that ibogaine will teach us is to sit with our discomfort; to let it guide us towards comfort by intuitively revealing what our body needs to effectively heal our minds and spirit.
The benefits of a daily meditation practice are manifold, whether you are in recovery from substance abuse, or recovering from a mental health issue after an ibogaine treatment. Cultivate physical rituals that resonate with you, from Yoga to Qi’ Gong or Tai Chi. These practices not only rejuvenate the body but also centre the mind and soul.
Breathwork
Many of us (myself, the writer, included) have at some stage of our lives frowned upon people who have told us to “just breathe through it.”
However, this same frowning group of people have only frowned upon the practice of breathwork because they have not tried it for any length of time, and have not felt its empowering, restorative effects. Trauma, hypervigilance, anxiety, depression or addiction are states that all have one thing in common: shallow chest breathing.
The latter is the default mode of the Sympathetic Nervous System; the network in our bodies responsible for the activation of our fight-or-flight survival mode. To regulate our nervous system and bring it back into a state of peace and grounding, it has now been proven by science that a sustained breathwork practice activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System, the part of our body that helps us bounce back from the stressful survival mode we constantly find ourselves in.
Cold Exposure Therapy
Wim Hof, also known as “The Iceman,” has been drawing attention to his unique cold exposure practices and related techniques for decades. He began breaking records related to cold exposure in the early 2000s. However, the broader popularization of his specific method, known as the Wim Hof Method, which combines cold exposure with breathing exercises and meditation, started to gain significant traction in the 2010s.
Cold exposure therapy offers numerous physical health advantages. Research indicates that it can bolster the immune system, with practitioners showing reduced inflammatory responses when exposed to endotoxins. The method’s cold exposure increases Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT), aiding in fat burning for heat production. This exposure also fortifies the vascular system, improving circulation. Many WHM adherents note elevated energy levels, possibly from the combined adrenaline boost of breathing exercises and cold exposure. Moreover, as the body adjusts to the cold, metabolism naturally escalates.
In terms of its benefits for mental health, it offers a plethora benefits. It’s believed to alleviate symptoms of stress and depression, largely due to endorphin release and the modulation of inflammation affecting mood. The method’s breathing techniques heighten alertness and focus, while its fusion of breathing, meditation, and cold exposure enhances overall mood. Facing the challenges of cold exposure regularly can bolster mental resilience. Many even find their sleep quality improves after adopting the WHM, although the exact reasons remain under exploration. Furthermore, with its inherent meditation component, WHM practitioners often experience the myriad benefits traditionally linked to meditation, from stress reduction to sharper concentration.
Nutrition
Your dietary choices post-treatment are vital. Whether in depression, chronic anxiety, mental health issues or addiction, our self-care usually goes out the window, and apathy seeps into our eating habits. Try to cut out junk and processed foods, and instead, bask in the wholesome embrace of whole grains, fresh fruits, leafy greens, legumes, and vegetables. Supplements and nootropics can further support the brain’s recovery journey.
The team at Tabula Rasa Retreat have been working closely with Platinum (in Europe) and Purium (in the USA) to offer holistic nutrition support around your ibogaine treatment aftercare at Tabula Rasa Retreat. The man that introduced us to this wonderful product line is Troy Casey (aka The Certified Health Nut). He is one of us, following the path of recovery. Together we have carefully selected products and bundles to support you before and after ibogaine treatment.
We are the first to tell you that ibogaine alone is often not enough. Nutrition is often very poor whilst dealing with mental health issues or addiction, so it is vital to consider what we feed ourselves as one of the very important pillars in our recovery journey, and these products will support you and help you achieve those goals.
Sleep
Lastly, sleep is your ally. Crafting a consistent sleep routine can be transformative. According to The Sleep Foundation, a lack of what they call “good sleep hygiene” can be seriously detrimental to mental health issues, and especially in addiction recovery.
Sleep, as research has extensively shown, plays a vital role in both our physical and mental well-being. It’s a time for the body to repair and rejuvenate itself, and for the brain to process memories and emotions. Regular, quality sleep boosts the immune system, aiding in warding off illnesses, and helps in regulating mood, reducing the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, it enhances cognitive functions, improving focus, decision-making, and creativity. Adequate sleep also plays a role in metabolic regulation, helping maintain a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes.
The Mind: Nurturing Consciousness
You may be surprised to have seen such a large section on “the body,” but it is the body which supports the mind, not the other way round. On a similar note, those suffering from mental health issues or addiction tend to have spent far too much time in the mind anyway, hence the importance of bringing the focus back to the body.
Art Therapy/New Skills
Your mental realm craves engagement. Whether it’s diving into literature, learning an instrument, or immersing oneself in any one of a variety of creative endeavours, such activities expand one’s cognitive horizons.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Regularly seeing a therapist after an ibogaine treatment can greatly enhance the experience, as ibogaine will undoubtedly brought up emotions and topics worthy of exploration with a skilled therapist. The school of psychotherapy recommended by us is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which focuses on untwisting and changing repetitive, negative thought patterns.
Journaling
Journaling can be a true balm, allowing you to navigate and express your emotions fearlessly. Such a practice, especially when laced with gratitude, can keep the post-treatment journey anchored in positivity. Mindfulness and meditation, even if only for a few moments daily, can also be instrumental.
Microdosing Psilocybin
Here at Tabula Rasa Retreat, we also have a partnership with the Microdose Pro, a Dutch company of experts on microdosing psilocybin. Taking small, sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin truffles has been proven by science to be immensely helpful in addiction recovery and in healing from mental health issues. It fosters a deeper, intuitive connection to one’s self, greatly alleviates depression, and promotes neuroplasticity: the learning of new skills and healthier habits. It is also non-addictive, and perfectly safe to take while going about one’s day. To this effect, if you click on this link, you will benefit from a discount when buying the starter pack.
The Surrounding Environment
Of greater importance to those in addiction recovery after ibogaine is the importance of group therapy, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. As addicts, many people fall into deep isolation from former friends and family members. While in recovery, it is essential to feel supported by people who are going through the same process as you.
For those dealing with mental health issues, there are also specific groups for those dealing with depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
The post-ibogaine return to familiar environments can be treacherous. Recognizing potential triggers and pre-emptively eliminating them is paramount. Overcommitting or failing to plan can be detrimental, often ushering individuals back into the shadows of old habits. When you begin your aftercare and integration after an ibogaine treatment, remember: don’t try and change everything all at once! Start small, and then build on that.
Specifically in the field of addiction, we work with two partners in Thailand who accomodate clients for longer stays as part of an ibogaine treatment aftercare plan: Hope Rehab and One Step Rehab.
Moreover, while dedicated ibogaine aftercare institutions might be rare, they do exist, primarily in regions like the United States and Mexico. Some ibogaine centres even extend their embrace, offering extended stays and holistic aftercare options.
Surrounding oneself with like-minded souls can be a beacon, guiding you through the murky waters of mental health or addiction recovery. Embracing community, whether through volunteering, yoga classes, or support groups, can infuse life with purpose and direction.
The afterglow of ibogaine is potent, fostering heightened well-being and motivation. Leveraging this period, especially the first month post-treatment, to integrate and implement change is pivotal.
Embrace Your Journey
Every moment of your ibogaine treatment aftercare offers the invitation to recommit to your intentions, fostering a deeper sense of purpose. The journey might be punctuated by missteps, but therein lies the power of the odyssey. To fall down is not to fail; it is to learn.
Embracing each day with intentionality, fuelled by a passion for growth and enlightenment, ensures that the teachings of ibogaine never dim. Your story is a testament to resilience, hope, and transformation. Every chapter you write from here on out, no matter how challenging, is one of victory and evolution
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530