Ibogaine Rehab Centers

There are many different types of addiction treatment available in today’s age. The reality is, that addiction and addiction recovery are both very individualized experiences. As such, there are several treatment methods geared toward unique needs in addiction recovery to provide more effective care.

One unconventional treatment method you may come across in your addiction recovery journey is ibogaine treatment or iboga treatment. A psychoactive compound found in plants, ibogaine is sometimes used in addiction treatment as an alternative approach.

Keep reading to learn about ibogaine and ibogaine treatment including the treatment process, safety and risks associated with ibogaine, cost of the treatment, and more.

Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound found in the Iboga shrub native to West Africa. Specifically, ibogaine is found in the root bark of the plant.

Historically, ibogaine has been used medicinally and in healing ceremonies in West Africa. More recently, however, the substance has been studied as a treatment for addiction and other mental health conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the U.S. ibogaine is illegal, and it is classified as a Schedule I drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Research is still ongoing to understand how ibogaine works on the brain regarding treating addiction. The hallucinogen is thought to increase the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Ibogaine may also increase the production of new neurons and promote neuroplasticity.

Much like any other treatment, there are benefits and risks to ibogaine treatment. There are several potential health risks associated with ibogaine, though some people report sobriety after just one treatment session. We’ll explore these risks and benefits in great detail later on.

As a treatment for addiction, ibogaine has been used for dependence on opioids, alcohol, and stimulants, including cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription stimulants.

There are many studies that have supported the success of ibogaine in treating addiction. Here are a few notable studies:

• A 2014 study in Brazil found a median 5.5-month abstinence rate from drug use after one ibogaine treatment
• A 2017 study in New Zealand found reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms over 12 months after one ibogaine treatment and 75% or more of participants had negative urine samples for opioids at three, six, and 12 months following ibogaine treatment
• A 2017 study in Mexico found reduced drug use and improved opioid withdrawal symptoms in people who did not have success with other treatment methods

That being said, other studies have noted relapse after one to six months. The main concern is the lack of long-term studies on the efficacy of ibogaine in addiction treatment.

Compared to traditional addiction treatment methods such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy, ibogaine does not have as much compelling evidence. It also poses more health risks than most conventional treatment methods.

However, for people who have tried traditional treatment services and have not had success, alternative treatments such as ibogaine may be an option to consider. Some participants of iboga treatment have described the experience as life-changing.

The ibogaine treatment process can be broken into three steps: pre-treatment assessment and preparation, ibogaine administration, and post-treatment care.

Before beginning ibogaine treatment, there are several steps you and your provider must take to prepare. The preparation phase of the treatment process may involve checking your cardiovascular health, taking supplements, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Other physical assessments may include a urinalysis, electrocardiogram, metabolic panel, thyroid function tests, complete blood count, and a general physical. Several conditions can make you ineligible for iboga treatment, so you must be thoroughly examined prior to treatment.

Depending on the substance upon which the participant is dependent, they are required to refrain from use or switch to a stabilized form of the substance before treatment. This may require the participant to receive a detoxification (detox) service in advance. This is because the risks of ibogaine are often increased when administered alongside addictive substance use.

Another important part of the preparation includes providing participants with informed consent regarding the treatment process. As a participant, you should receive a document explaining the risks of ibogaine treatment and outlining any ibogaine center expectations.

To mentally prepare for ibogaine treatment, some ibogaine clinics may require participants to work with therapists prior to treatment to manage intentions and expectations.

Lastly, if traveling to another country for ibogaine treatment, you may need to prepare by obtaining travel medical insurance in case of an emergency.

Once you’ve prepared for treatment, you may receive a second health screening just before treatment. Additionally, you’ll be asked to fast for at least eight to 12 hours before treatment to reduce the risk of vomiting. Proper hydration is also important in the few days leading up to treatment.

During intake, you’ll receive an intravenous port for any medications necessary during the treatment process. This can include nausea medicine, fluids, or medication for cardiac problems. You may also be administered anti-nausea meds before treatment.

Ibogaine is typically ingested in the form of a capsule. In the first 12-24 hours after administration, you’ll receive close supervision to monitor your cardiac function and respiration. Panic, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations are all common during the initial hours of treatment. Many participants also experience ataxia (impaired coordination and muscle control) and a lack of awareness during this stage.

Following the initial 24 hours after administration, you’ll receive regular supervision until you hit the 72-hour mark. You may be more alert and able to move independently during this stage.

Following treatment, your care team will continue to monitor your overall well-being to ensure any health risks have passed and you are fully alert. Discharge should not happen earlier than 72 hours after ibogaine administration.

After completing treatment, you may be required to follow up with a staff member involved in your treatment for a certain amount of time each week for several weeks following your discharge.

Additional treatment services such as therapy, support groups, and residential treatment may also be encouraged following treatment.

As mentioned previously, there are several risks associated with ibogaine treatment. Let’s take a deeper look at what these risks can include and what to be aware of prior to receiving ibogaine treatment. Again, this should all be explained in your informed consent form.

Risks of ibogaine treatment can include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Acute confusional state
• Allergic reaction
• Extreme dehydration
• Vomiting
• Hypotension
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Seizures
• Ataxia
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Heart failure
• Respiratory failure
• Paralysis
• Death

All of these risks underline the importance of proper medical supervision throughout your ibogaine treatment, especially during the first 24 hours. Healthcare providers will monitor your cardiac function, including heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm. They will also monitor your oxygen levels, hydration levels, and be prepared to handle any acute medical issues.

If any of the above risks emerge, your care team will provide the necessary treatments and medications to manage your condition. This is why having an intravenous port is so vital as it allows for rapid response.

Ibogaine is not legal in the U.S., as mentioned previously, even in medical settings. The legality of the substance varies from country to country.

Countries in which ibogaine is legal include:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• Brazil
• Finland
• Uruguay
• Denmark
• Hungary
• South Africa
• The Netherlands
• Spain
• Mexico
• Germany

As a result, Americans seeking ibogaine therapy must travel outside of the U.S. to receive treatment.

Finding the right treatment center for alcohol and drug addiction care can be overwhelming and stressful. However, if you keep a few things in mind during your search, you’ll be able to narrow down your options to a few reliable facilities.

Some key factors to consider in your search are whether a treatment center has relevant accreditations and certifications for addiction care, the level of medical supervision they offer, whether they provide holistic care, and whether their medical staff is well-experienced.

Another great way to evaluate a potential treatment center is to look for patient reviews and testimonials. These can help you gauge what the participant experience may be like.

Don’t be afraid to ask potential rehab centers questions like:

• Do you offer holistic care?
• What level of supervision do you provide during ibogaine treatment?
• What aftercare support do you offer?
• Do you offer private rooms?
• What amenities do you offer?
• How long is your treatment program?
• What is the cost of your treatment program?
• What certifications and licenses do your staff have?
• Do you offer payment plans/scholarships?
• How will my treatment plan be developed?

With treatment services like ibogaine treatment, medical facilities must offer personalized treatment plans. This is because the administration of ibogaine can vary from patient to patient based on their needs, health status, and physical factors like height, weight, and age.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how a rehab center personalizes its treatment plans and how yours may be developed.

While we encourage you to do your own research when looking for an ibogaine treatment center, here are a few notable rehab centers offering ibogaine treatment in different countries.

• Vancouver, Canada: Inner Realms Treatment Center

• • Ibogaine treatment starts at $5,000 USD for a 7-day program
  • Private rooms
  • Individualized treatment programs
  • Round-the-clock care
  • Holistic treatment approaches

• Cancun, Mexico: Beond

• • Ibogaine treatment ranges from $9,500 to $15,500 based on remaining capacity each month
  • Nutritional support
  • Adjunct therapies (yoga, meditation, breathwork, etc.)
  • Holistic medicine
  • Aftercare

• Sayalonga, Spain: Iboga Tree Healing House

• • Ibogaine treatment starts at about $7,200 USD for six days and five nights
  • Massage therapy
  • 24/7 care
  • Weekly online meetings for life
  • Private rooms
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

Once you choose a treatment center, you’ll need to consider the travel portion of your treatment. This includes booking flights, purchasing travel insurance, getting necessary visas, and updating your passport if required.

Be sure to check travel requirements for the country where you choose to receive ibogaine treatment. You’ll also want to prepare for traveling back to the U.S.

The cost of ibogaine treatment varies from center to center and is often dependent on several factors. That being said, let’s take a look at some general costs associated with ibogaine addiction treatment.

Depending on the treatment center, on-site amenities, and location of treatment, one ibogaine treatment can range anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. If you’re an American citizen, you’ll also have to factor in the costs of travel and travel medical insurance.

Some facilities may offer financial assistance to help you afford this treatment or accept insurance, though this is not always the case. Make sure to check with each care center for more information on financing options.

Ibogaine treatment is not for everyone. You may be ineligible for ibogaine treatment or determine it is not well suited for your needs after learning more about it. That being said, several alternatives to ibogaine may be better suited for you.

Additional holistic and alternative addiction treatment methods can include:

• Acupuncture or acupressure
• Alternative therapies (yoga, animal therapy, art therapy, music therapy)
• Meditation and breathwork
• Ketamine treatment
• Ayahuasca treatment
• Spiritual work and counseling
• Herbal supplementation

All of these treatment services come with risks and benefits. That being said, therapies, meditation, and spiritual work are much safer than more controversial treatments like ibogaine and ayahuasca. It all comes down to your unique needs and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. With many holistic treatment methods, it’s important to receive a combination of rehab services for the best effects.

If ibogaine treatment is a possibility for you, but you’re not sure about its efficacy, you may want to consider the option of integrating ibogaine with other traditional treatment modalities. As mentioned above, it is often encouraged that ibogaine patients seek out therapy, support groups, and even inpatient treatment following ibogaine treatment.

Combining treatment methods can create a comprehensive addiction treatment plan that increases the likelihood of long-lasting recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.

Ibogaine treatment for addiction is an alternative treatment method that may be well-suited for individuals with addiction who have not had success with other rehab services. It can be very effective for some, but comes with several health risks and is not suitable for every individual.

If you or a loved one is seeking more information on addiction treatment services, don’t hesitate to give our helpline a call today for additional guidance.