About Iboga

Why be interested in Iboga/Ibogaine?

Who might Benefit?

What is it?

Iboga is a plant originating from West Africa, containing numerous psycho-active alkaloids, including Ibogaine, broadly recognized for its substance addiction interruption properties.

Among the Bwiti tribes of Equatorial Africa Iboga has been traditionally used for curing a variety of ailments, initiating both spiritual and/or psychological growth, and playing a central role in the local medicine of the community. It is also a fundamental rite of passage.

In the Western world, mostly known as a psychoactive plant medicine, Iboga and particularly Ibogaine, one of the numerous alkaloids contained therein, has been noted for its ability to interrupt physical addiction and expose the underlying psychological factors leading to addictive impulses. As now widely understood, Iboga and Ibogaine have the ability to provide a “window of opportunity” for people grappling with addictive patterns relating to substance abuse as well as emotional and psycho-somatic conditions.

The alkaloid Ibogaine, in particular, is processed in the liver, where it is converted to noribogaine, and remains in your system for up to 90 days, thus prolonging the experience in a profound though subtle manner. This offers an extended period of time to bolster and cultivate new found awareness.

Iboga can be administered in various forms, depending upon the elements being treated. Each of these has its therapeutic place as evaluated by an informed “provider”. They include:

• Ibogaine hydrochloride (HCL)
• The total spectrum of the 12 Iboga alkaloids (TA)
• Potentiated total alkaloid (PTA)
• The root bark itself. Often referred to as “the wood” or “the root”

How is it used?

Iboga in all of its forms, HCL, TA, PTA and root bark, is most often administered in capsules, though in some instances via enema or mixed in liquid or, with the root bark, eaten directly. It has a very bitter taste which can promote nausea.

Factors such as body weight, heart and liver conditions, age, substance(s) used, experience with psychoactive materials and general health are all factors taken into consideration by an experienced provider. This is not a cookie cutter process so close observation is highly recommended. Having a knowledgeable trusted guide makes a huge difference. This is strong medicine and you need to be monitored in order to ride with the experience, being comfortable knowing that proper care is being taken.

It is strongly advised that a small experimental dose be used first in order to evaluate both the form of Iboga and the total amount and over what period of time. This is particularly so with addiction interruption where numerous doses are used to assure the withdrawal symptoms are kept in check. An adverse or allergic reaction might occur, though this is rare.

Diet and mental preparation is important. Anti-nausea preparation is needed so that the medicine has an opportunity to be absorbed prior to any vomiting. If vomiting occurs prior to the absorption of the medicine it becomes difficult to calculate the treatment’s total dosing. Most experienced providers have methods to deal with this possibility.

It is worth noting that mini and micro dosing is also possible. The efficacy of these protocols is not well established though there has been some promising anecdotal evidence in its favor. It is important to recognize that virtually all research relating to psychedelics (among other substances) was completely stopped in the mid-1960’s in the US, even though it was gaining considerable academic and laboratory focus with promising results among mind sciences (also the CIA). Since that time most understandings have come from outside the endowed and lawful research centers, though not entirely amateurish. The pharmaceutical companies take no interest in the curative properties of a medication which might be administered only a single time. But now there is some headway, particularly under the auspices of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) http://www.maps.org/ and ICEERS http://www.iceers.org/. Both organizations deserve attention and support.

The Iboga Experience

Precautions

There have been mortalities related to Iboga, in Gabon as well as outside the Bwiti ceremonial environment. Understanding the contraindications of various medications and medical conditions is essential. Prominent among these conditions are undetected heart problems and the use of substances, mostly opiates, during and after ingesting Iboga. In essence, Iboga will amplify the potency of other substances, particularly opiates, by as much as 400%. So what would normally been a regular dose can easily create an overdose. Addicts will often have a tendency to binge as their last hurrah, challenging the prescribed protocol(s). An experienced dedicated provider will screen for the various mitigating medications and conditions prior to accepting a patient and offer guidelines for effective preparation.

The number of known fatalities from the use of Iboga is difficult to determine, as surely there have been unreported instances. Over the years an accumulation of experience and documented evidence has become available to serious providers, and the reports of fatalities have diminished significantly, even with the global increase of Iboga administrations. Some of the reported deaths have occurred when the dosage administered has been far exceeding the recommended requirement. Other deaths occurred when the person ingesting the medicine failed to disclose or understand that Iboga potentiates many substances, not effectively deleted from the body. Knowing that the heart and liver are functioning properly, as attested to by available medical examinations (via electrocardiogram and liver panel), is crucial. Those who are in a generally physically weak condition need to apply caution.

The general guidelines suggest that Iboga not be taken by people over 60. But there are many people over 60 who are in good health who might qualify. Allow an experienced provider to make this assessment.

Iboga should never be used as an “intervention therapy”. The individual being treated must want to make a fundamental change of life and lifestyle, never being coerced. Some nervousness and trepidation prior to the therapy is quite normal.

Choosing a provider is not easy. The testimonials which abound on the Internet are deliberately chosen for their promotional benefits. They can be instructive but also misleading. One should also check with the various Internet complaint sites for the reviews of those who might be less than satisfied. Such as:
https://dinogiovacchini2008.wordpress.com/page/6/ and
https://www.google.com.mx/search?rls=aso&client=gmail&q=ripoff+reports+ibogaine&authuser=0&gws_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=hllNWoaXKueS0gKA_I34BA.

There are opportunities to purchase Iboga/Ibogaine on the Internet for self-administration. Given that the business model of online vendors is predicated on sales volume there is a tendency to over prescribe. The quality of the medicine is uncertain and may contain “impurities”. The Internet vendor is not in a position to really evaluate your needs … remember that this is not a cookie cutter process, an experienced provider combines the art with the science of administration. It is advised that you ask the vendor for an assay of the material. If that is not available you need to beware. There are assay services available including http://www.iceers.org/support-service.php?lang=en. Don’t take unnecessary chances. Do your homework.

Not all opiates are alike. Of particular concern is the use of opiate substitute pharmaceuticals such as Methadone, Suboxone, Buprenorphine which are used for opiate replacement therapy or pain management. These are insidious compounds and generally more addictive than heroin and other short acting opiates (SAOs). They require considerably more time to leech from your system and the withdrawal, even from very low doses, can be challenging. Ideally the guidance of a physician/therapist and Iboga provider is needed in the tapering process. It is highly recommended that you reduce consumption as much as possible and switch to one of the SAOs (i.e morphine, Oxycodone etc) for a period of at least a few weeks… Often longer. This can vary depending upon numerous factors (medication, dosage, duration etc..) Be particularly cautious when provider claims indicate otherwise. There are providers who are dedicated to serve and some to exploit.

Experiencing some anxiety as one commits to Iboga therapy is understandable. Being attracted to the experience is far preferable to being coerced.

Patient’s Bill Of Rights:
https://www.ibogainealliance.org/advocacy/bill-of-rights/

Iboga’s Legality Worldwide

The situation for Iboga and Ibogaine’s legality worldwide presents a divided, but optimistic picture. Several countries in Europe and North America have prohibited its use, perhaps the most predominant being The United States which have labeled Ibogaine as a “Schedule 1 Substance” under its “Controlled Substances Act” written in 1970, as having a high potential for abuse, no accredited medical use, and a lack of accepted safety. This is a label which couldn’t be more misguiding relating to Iboga and Ibogaine’s medicinal qualities.

Iboga is unclassified in many countries, allowing retreat centers and providers to administer Iboga without breaking the law. Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, among others, are popular destinations for seekers of Iboga treatment.

Countries that have legalized the use of Iboga are Gabon, Brazil, South Africa, and New Zealand. Regulations relating to use and application do apply in several of these countries.

Always do your own research regarding the laws relating to Iboga in the country you are planning to receive a treatment in, and be aware of less than honest Iboga providers.

A well worth read about Iboga’s global legality: Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance (https://www.ibogainealliance.org/ibogaine/law/)