If you’re not familiar with the name by now, you will be soon; if you are familiar with it, everyone from podcasters to public health officials will soon be talking about it enough to make you an armchair expert. The federal government recently signaled its intention to fast-track the research of psychedelics for the treatment and management of certain mental health conditions. This included a $50 million investment in state governments to study how they might help people struggling with these challenges.
The current focal point of this renewed and well-capitalized research effort is a plant-based compound called ibogaine. Already used outside the United States and extensively studied inside, ibogaine has been gaining more and more ground in the American public health landscape as a potential therapy for a wide range of conditions, from traumatic brain injury (TBI) to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to addiction.
The impending surge of interest and exploration regarding ibogaine’s clinical value will undoubtedly unearth new potential benefits, risks, side effects, and recommendations for best practices. For now, however, let’s talk about what we already know.
What Is Ibogaine and How Does It Work?
Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound extracted from the iboga plant in Central Africa. It affects multiple brain receptor systems simultaneously, including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and kappa-opioid. In the context of addiction treatment, it works by regulating dopamine to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms most commonly associated with opioids, cocaine, and alcohol.
For conditions like PTSD and TBI, research suggests that ibogaine helps strengthen theta rhythms, which may encourage neuroplasticity and cognitive flexibility for positive treatment outcomes.
It’s important to realize that the clinical benefits of ibogaine are subject to continued clinical exploration and that research is still ongoing. The influx of state and federal funding is expected to lead to more clinical research in the application of multiple conditions, including different types of mental health conditions.
One of the strongest emerging arguments for ibogaine treatment is that it may be helpful where traditional mental health treatment has been less successful.
Where Is Ibogaine Legal?
Ibogaine’s legal status varies from country to country, but it is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States. In legally regulated treatment programs, ibogaine is generally administered orally in a capsule form. A “flood dose” is typically 10 to 25 mg/kg, which can be followed by smaller “booster” doses.
How Long Has Ibogaine Been Used?
Research indicates that ibogaine was first used by the Pygmies in Central Africa to connect with gods and deceased loved ones. Its exploration for use in addiction treatment dates back to the early 1960s. Although early results proved to be promising, cultural backlash and perceptions led to the stigmatization of psychedelics, which ultimately stopped research.
In 1967, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified ibogaine as a Schedule I controlled drug, making it illegal to use. Nearly 60 years later, these perceptions are being reconsidered as ibogaine and other psychedelics may be poised for a change in scheduling and regulation.
What Happens to You during Ibogaine Use?
While each person’s experience using ibogaine will be unique, they generally experience temporary changes in the perception of their reality. These changes are often characterized as “waking dreams” lasting around 12-36 hours, followed by an extended period of introspection. Treatment should be supervised by an experienced clinician who can intervene in the event of an emergency.
Is Ibogaine Safe?
Like other types of pharmacological treatment, ibogaine use comes with a variety of moderate to severe risks. It’s been reported, for instance, to cause cardiotoxicity, specifically when administered in high doses used to treat addiction. There have also been reports of seizures. One of the most common side effects has been reported to be intense nausea and vomiting. Clinical recommendations include consistent monitoring of patients’ cardiac health before, during, and after use.
The Bottom Line
The path to widespread legally regulated use of ibogaine and other psychedelics in the United States is, frankly, still a long way off. No matter where it lands in the clinical treatment landscape, however, it should be administered by an experienced and qualified professional under established, evidence-based clinical guidelines.
As research continues and new benefits and risks are discovered, it’s important to use caution, exercise proper healthcare literacy, and listen to your medical or behavioral health provider regarding your best course of action for treatment.
Recovery Unplugged offers a comprehensive array of evidence-based treatment therapies to help people struggling with addiction and other mental health challenges, including ketamine therapy, which is the only psychedelic therapy currently used for mental health treatment in the United States. If you or your loved one needs help, contact a member of our admissions team today so you can start your treatment and your recovery.
Albie Andrews
Albie Andrews is a senior content contributor at Recovery Unplugged with over a decade of experience writing for leading healthcare, addiction, and mental health organizations. He holds a BS in Professional Writing and an AA in Sociology. In his down time, he enjoys cooking, pickleball, and talking to his parakeet, Wingo Starr.
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