<strong>What is Ibogaine? The dissociative psychedelic that can treat addictions</strong>

Ibogaine is a natural psychoactive alkaloid with unique psychedelic properties. This psychedelic molecule is found in some plant species of the Apocynaceae family, such as Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana, and Tabernaemontana undulata.

Its effects are significantly different from more popular psychedelics. These differences are due to ibogaine also having dissociative properties, in addition to a psychedelic effect. This produces an effect that most users describe as a dreamlike state while still being fully conscious and alert.

Some believe that this state helps them process traumas, addictions, and life experiences in general. Preliminary research links the substance to helping people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Clinical trials have not yet confirmed these results. When consumed, ibogaine can produce different effects depending on the amount consumed. In small amounts, it produces a stimulating effect. In larger doses, it has psychedelic and dissociative properties, creating a vivid dream state in which the person remains fully conscious. Members of the Bwiti religion in West Africa use this substance in healing ceremonies and as an initiation for new members.

Where does ibogaine come from?

The most common way to produce ibogaine is by extracting it from the roots of the Tabernanthe iboga tree. Iboga trees are native to Central West Africa, especially Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo. 

Effects of ibogaine

When consumed, ibogaine produces a psychedelic effect that occurs in two distinct phases: the visionary phase and the introspection phase. The visionary phase lasts approximately four to six hours, depending on the dose taken, and induces a distinctly dreamlike state of consciousness.  The introspection phase causes therapeutic effects that help people overcome their traumas, addictions, and significant life events.

The most common side effects include vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, low blood pressure, anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, among others.

Discovery of ibogaine's effects on addiction dependence

Research on the potential use of ibogaine as a treatment for addictions to various substances began with Howard Lotsof. Lotsof accidentally discovered the anti-addictive properties of the substance in 1962 when he was only 19 years old and struggling with heroin addiction.

Later, he wrote a wide range of research papers on the potential use of ibogaine as a treatment for opioid addiction and even received some patents. During his research time, Lotsof actively promoted the potential medical uses of this substance and emphasized the importance of further research. He even authored the Ibogaine Patient's Bill of Rights.

Users claim to have overcome their addictions to ethanol, morphine, cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, and opioids after consuming 18-MC. It even helps overcome opioid withdrawal due to its effect as an agonist of various opioid receptors.

Laws

Ibogaine was made illegal in the United States in 1970 by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. In Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, ibogaine is a prescription medication. In Germany, it is an unregulated substance. Ibogaine is illegal in Sweden and Norway. It was decriminalized (along with all drugs) in Portugal.