Iboga May Be the Key to Ending Drug Addictions

Iboga has been embraced by drug addiction treatment experts as miracle drugs and unmatched addiction disrupters. The iboga root bark is known to have components and chemical compounds including ibogaine which are said to have therapeutic effects that help in countering drug addictions.

On the other hand, some experts are still skeptical about this type of treatment as it is only in its early stages of ‘official’ research. Nevertheless, its history and the results up until now have intrigued, attracted, and amazed many users and observers.

This is a collective term used to refer to a number of different plants that hold traditional significance for many African cultures. The plants include voacanga africana, tabernathe manii, and tabernathe iboga.

The proper, full traditional experience must involve consumption of high doses of the root bark. Doses observed during some ceremonies go up to a maximum of one whole kilogram of iboga root bark. The dose suitable for an individual depends on their condition and the intensity of their treatment.

Perhaps the biggest and most uncomfortable drawback of iboga root bark involves the unpleasant nauseated state a patient may find themselves in. Physical discomfort, vomiting and nausea are closely linked to the iboga ritual; consuming large amounts during a ceremony to have the traditional experience can be quite difficult.  

However, those who take the ritual seriously in its traditional form embrace the ‘side effects’ as part of ritual.

Another drawback surfaces as a result of the uncertainty and inconsistency regarding the quantity of chemicals actively present in the different iboga species and even individual plants. This can lead to difficulties in administering the ideal dose that won’t be too weak or too strong.

For this reason, some people being treated with any of these plants may continue to go through some withdrawal symptoms.  Still, the use of iboga and its resulting spiritual experience dates back many centuries and allows devotees to appreciate the overall experience.

Ibogaine hydrochloride, or just simple ibogaine, is the most-researched and principle active compound present in the iboga root barks. Ibogaine doses suitable to treat drug addiction can range between 15-20 mg/kg depending on the body mass of an individual.

The drug can exist in the form of off-white crystals or clear solutions. Common doses are synthesized and extracted retaining 96-99% of its purity which makes it easier for you to control and draw out specific doses to meet your body’s needs.

Research and treatment centers experimenting and using Ibogaine have seen tremendous results, especially when treating opiate addiction – the drug has the potential to entirely eliminate withdrawal.

Moreover, this compound takes around 14-24 hours to pass through your body’s system which is seemingly more favorable when compared to iboga and its ‘side effects’ (mentioned above). Shorter recovery periods also stem from this, rendering the treatment more suitable for those who don’t have long periods of time to dedicate to the entire process.

We should also mention here that the use of pure Ibogaine leads to increased hyperactivity post-treatment whereas iboga users maintain a relatively balanced state.

This extract (although lacking extensive research) serves as a method of balancing the benefits and drawbacks of the previously discussed ibogaine and iboga. The process involves extracting all active alkaloids (compounds) present in the traditional iboga root bark and concentrating them into brown crystals which are usually dissolved to form a dark-colored solution.

Small doses of total alkaloid extracts, tends to last longer than ibogaine and poses slower onsets. This allows you to benefit from all of the therapeutic chemicals, in addition to ibogaine, without having to endure the physical discomfort, nausea, and uncertainty/doubt about your dosage quantity when you opt for the raw iboga root.

With figures showing increasing numbers of drug addicts seeking help, but ultimately relapsing, iboga treatment may be the answer. Although research into this field is still limited and the use of these treatment methods isn’t common, positive results have shown the potential iboga plants have. Public focus and investment capital diverted towards iboga may change the future of drug addiction treatment for good.