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Iboga Blog
addiction treatment
6th May 2020 • Sticky Post
Addiction Treatment During COVID-19: Is it Safe?
We are all currently struggling through the Covid-19 crisis together, but for those dealing with addiction, times are even harder. Those suffering from addiction and substance abuse are at greater risk to outside stressors, their health is likely already precarious, and in this time of profound uncertainty, the pressure on both individuals and the healthcare sector to provide care is at an all-time high. But addiction doesn’t stop in times like these, and the need for addiction treatment won’t lessen either. If you feel that the time has come to end your addiction, there are ways to get the help the addiction treatment you need. Let’s take a look at the ways Iboga Tree Healing House can help you find your path to health in the midst of the current "coronavirus" pandemic.
Inpatient Treatment Is Available!
At Iboga Tree Healing House, we are committed to keeping our doors open and refusing to give in to addiction. We have revised our intake protocols to keep our staff and clients safe, including respect for all national travel restrictions, a two week period of quarantine in Portugal prior to treatment, and 3 separate tests for the virus. We are committed to offering a refund to any potential client who tests positive for the virus, minus a 10% registration deposit.
You Are Safe With Us.
While many are understandably reluctant to leave their homes, let alone travel abroad for medical treatment, our staff has created a series of guidelines in concurrence with the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health in order to ensure your safety while accessing the most effective addiction treatment on the planet. We are also actively following and ready to implements any new guidelines or regulations issued by the CDC, the WHO, or any relevant national, state, or local regulatory bodies. A commitment to doing everything humanly possible to protect and improve the health of our clients is a foundational value at Iboga Tree Healing House, and we are focusing our efforts on doing all we can to provide safe treatment while the crisis rages.
We have always kept our facilities clean, and we have established new standards for both cleaning and sterilization to ensure that every surface, from doorknobs to computer keyboards, are disinfected throughout the day. Our entire staff has undergone medical training in order to deal with adverse events, monitor the health of our clients, and operate the necessary equipment. That training is now being put to use to screen for risks among incoming clients, and constantly monitor the health of those undergoing treatment. We have also temporarily suspended on-campus visits and events and shifted workers who aren’t absolutely needed for client care to work from home.
We will be vigilant in looking out for the symptoms of coronavirus: runny nose, dry cough, pressure in the chest, sore throat, fever, confusion, excessive blushing in the face and neck, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. If a client or staff member exhibits a fever of 100.4 or above, we will immediately isolate them and contact the local authorities to facilitate testing and treatment if necessary. Our emergency plans and procedures have already succeeded when tested before, and we stand ready to provide the safest, most effective treatment program possible during these uncertain times.
Online Is A Viable Option.
We understand that in spite of the precautions we are taking, many prospective clients will still struggle with the decision to seek treatment abroad. Therefore, we are ramping up our efforts to offer counseling and outpatient services, as well as pre- and after-care, online. Our Iboga Recovery Movement (IRM) meetings, which offer guidance and peer-support, have been increased to twice-weekly, and we will offer virtual family support meetings for all of our clients. All of our staff is ready to commit their time to helping you through the recovery process, whether you can come visit us or not. If you need to speak with us via phone, email, Zoom, Skype, or any other digital platform, let us know and we’ll do everything we can to be there with you.
Implications Of Covid-19 For Addiction And Mental Health
For those dealing with substance abuse issues, mental health issues, or dual diagnosis, this crisis is especially scary. For those dealing with addiction to opioids, the slowed breathing and lack of oxygen to the brain caused by these substances substantially increases the risk of complications to any respiratory ailment. Methamphetamine abuse has also been highlighted as a risk factor by the CDC because it often leads to pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary damage as it constricts blood vessels in the lungs. Furthermore, those addicted to any substance are far more likely than the general population to have compromised immune systems, lack of access to the health-care system, and to put themselves into environments where close contact with others puts them at a higher risk for infection. While pursuing treatment at a time like this does come with some risks, continuing to abuse substances is probably not a healthier alternative.
Lockdown, social distancing, self-isolating, loss of livelihood, and the constant assault of anxiety-inducing news reports are taking their toll on those previously in good mental health. Forbes magazine has reported that half of all Americans are reporting that the crisis has had a negative impact on their mental health. For those with pre-existing conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder, these negative effects can be even more severe, as routines and behaviors that maintain good mental-health become impossible. As CBS News has noted, significant global events and disasters can trigger very severe symptoms in the afflicted. Even during this pandemic, no one should be afraid to get the help they need.
We’re Here If You Need Us
Addiction, mental illness, and Covid-19 are all severe, potentially fatal, threats to your health. All of them need to be taken extremely seriously, and we don’t recommend taking action until you have explored the consequences and risks of those actions thoroughly. But if you are convinced that now is the time to end your addiction or deal with mental health issues, we are committed to providing you with the treatment you need. Whether you are looking for answers to your questions, online counselling, or in-patient treatment, we at Iboga Tree Healing House are committed to being here to serve you throughout this unprecedented global crisis. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
1st May 2020
COVID-19 and Addiction: Seeking Workable Solutions
The current model of addiction treatment works for some users who are desperate to change their lives. It also fails many of those most in need, for a variety of reasons. Whether the problems are a stubborn insistence on criminalizing drug use and prosecuting the unwell, profit-motivated providers promising the moon and delivering underwhelming treatments, or unscrupulous treatment centers exploiting their clients and playing a shell game with insurance companies, the rehab industry is plagued by a host of problems in countries around the globe. As the COVID-19 pandemic pushes health-care systems to the breaking point and exposes the addicted to horrifying risks, the time has finally come for societies to examine their current drug treatment models, and find solutions that work efficiently for those suffering from the affliction, and for health care systems groaning under the weight of the virus.
Reducing Harm
Reducing Harm
We are extremely proud to operate in Portugal, a nation with the wisdom and compassion to end the fruitless “war on drugs” and adopt a clear-eyed and compassionate approach to drug use. Portugal’s decision to wholeheartedly embrace the principles of harm reduction, decriminalize all personal drug use, and treat addicts as human beings suffering from a severe health disorder rather than dangerous criminals was certainly the right one, a fact that is continually reinforced as nations around the globe follow suit.
Harm Reduction has been proven not only to benefit addicts’ physical and mental health, and reduce the dangerous stigma surrounding addiction, but it also can save the public sector vast sums of money. By providing services such as needle exchanges and safe injection sites, governments can dramatically reduce the spread of disease and incidences of overdose, drastically reducing the financial burden which opioid and opiate use place on an overtaxed health-care sector. A refusal to embrace policies that save both taxpayer money and the lives of society’s most vulnerable members is both financially misguided and morally indefensible.
A Modern Understanding Of "Addiction"
The traditional narrative of addiction, where a weak person becomes enslaved by a “demon drug” has been eroded throughout the years as we gain more understanding of the psychological and neurological changes that occur within the addicted mind. The outdated notion of a thrill-seeking young person experimenting with a gateway drug and almost instantly getting hooked on heroin seems laughable now, but even as we've come to learn how deeply flawed this idea is, we are clinging to treatment modalities based on its cartoonishly simplified view of the affliction.
Thinkers like Gabor Mate, Johann Hari, and Maia Szalavitz have assembled vast quantities of research on what addiction is, and what it is not. They argue for a more complex method of treatment than traditional models such as the 12 Steps, or “cold turkey” would advocate, and for more research into treatments that are being neglected by the mainstream. The mechanisms of addiction are shaped by trauma and rooted in neurological processes that must be understood to be corrected. While there may be addicts out there who can (and do) turn their lives around through sheer force of will, the fact that a UN Report from 2019 estimated that the global total of deaths caused by drug use in 2017 was 585,000 is proof enough that much more needs to be done.
One of the most substantial hurdles that needs to be overcome is a prejudicial attitude towards alternative treatments and psychoactive substances that have shown immense promise in treating addiction. Iboga has shown a remarkable capacity for rewiring the addicted brain, correcting chemical and hormonal changes that create destructive patterns of behavior, and for allowing addicts to open their minds to the changes in attitude and lifestyle that they desperately need to make. Yet governments have been dragging their feet over pursuing the clinical trials that would clear it for therapeutic use in most countries.
Similar successes can be claimed by other medicinal plants that have been used since ancient times, including ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant from South America that D. Gabor Mate describes as “an antidote to Western psychological distress and alienation.” Psilocybin has also shown promise in treating addiction to nicotine and alcohol, as well as many of the underlying psychological issues that can lead to addiction. While research on the medicinal properties of these plants is slowly moving forward, any delays in the process will put the lives of habitual drug users at risk.
People Before Profits
The economic ramifications of COVID-19 are going to be absolutely massive, and restrictions on domestic and international travel are a massive hurdle for many treatment centers. While this will have a slew of negative consequences, it may also force many disreputable, fly-by-night providers into a new line of work. With horror stories emerging of American “piss farms” that exist solely to collect hefty payments from insurers, or “tough love” approaches taken around the world, where addicts in desperate need of treatment are belittled, mistreated, and forced to perform menial work, one consequence of COVID-19 might be a new focus on health which refuses to accept regressive, rapacious, and damaging methods of treatment. We at Iboga Tree Healing House have dedicated our lives to the cause of freeing individuals from addiction, and nothing offends us more deeply than treatment providers whose contempt for their patients manifests itself in substandard care.
We know firsthand how horrifying the effects of addiction can be. We also know that effective treatments, such as iboga, are out there, ready to be put to use to restore individuals to health, happiness, and their loved ones. We will be doing everything we can to push the cause of sane, safe, and compassionate treatment forward as COVID-19 rages around the globe, in the hopes that when the virus lets up, policy-makers are ready to prioritize the health-care needs of society’s most vulnerable citizens. If you’re interested in starting your fight against addiction today, get in touch with us!
25th March 2020 • Sticky Post
Recovery and Spirituality: Understanding the links
“Spirituality” is a difficult concept to pin down, and one that many people have a strong response to. Some might instantly conjure up images of the Bible, the Star of David, or another organized religion. Others might immediately think of new-age touchstones like healing crystals or meditation. And most people have strong, instinctive positive and negative responses to religious concepts and images. But spirituality isn’t some vague riddle or standard set of rules and morals. Spirituality is something that is woven into the fabric of your everyday life, and learning to access it, explore it, and draw strength from it can be an invaluable resource as you go through the process of recovery
Understanding "Spirituality"
Many people are put off by the religious overtones of the concept of spirituality, but at Iboga Tree Healing House we feel that spirituality is the search for meaning, purpose, and a sense of connection to the world around you. For many people, it involves a search for connections with something greater than oneself, such as God, the universe, humanity, or nature. But it doesn’t have to be anything more specific than exploring the meaning of your experiences. There isn’t a right or wrong way to be spiritual, and for most people perspectives on spirituality evolve as they go through life, encounter new ideas, and develop new perspectives.
What Spirituality Isn’t
Many people who consider themselves Atheists or Agnostics and others who have painful or traumatic memories connected with religion are justifiably leery of being compelled to join in religious practices and ceremonies. But spirituality shouldn’t be tied to any particular God, moral code, or set of practices. While closely connected to religious belief, spirituality is personal and can remain private. The search for meaning and purpose can be undertaken through prayer, yoga, and tai chi. But it can also be accomplished in ways that don’t carry any religious baggage such as mindfulness practice, keeping a journal, or spending time in nature. You can define your own spiritual beliefs and the path which will keep your soul in tune with them.
Why Is Spirituality Important In Recovery?
One of the greatest benefits of spiritual practice is the connection you’ll rebuild with yourself. One of the first things people lose in addiction is their connection to their own personal sense of morality. Spirituality will allow you to re-discover your sense of right and wrong. Knowing your own beliefs and principles will allow you to develop your own, personalized guide to living a good life, and pursuing your goals in a positive and constructive fashion. One incredibly important pillar of the recovery process is re-learning how to be honest and truthful in your dealings with yourself and others, and spiritual practice is immeasurably helpful in this regard.
Another moral lesson that spiritual exploration often imparts is the importance of respecting yourself and others. Addiction has a corrosive effect on self-esteem and creates a deep sense of shame among the addicted. The overwhelming desire to get more of what you need also forces the addict to take advantage of others, ignore their needs and desires, and behave with monstrous selfishness. If you grew up an in abusive situation, the need to learn respect for yourself and others is even more acute. The good news is that embarking on a spiritual journey is almost guaranteed to build a sense of respect. As cultural anthropologists have noted: “Respect is essential to all the world's religions and is universally seen as a building block to a more human and humane world.”
Spirituality is also a wonderful tool for gaining perspective on your problems. An understanding of the inter-connectedness of people, nature, and the universe can help you realize that seeking understanding and support from those around you isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. Learning to admit the existence of problems and ask for help in dealing with them can make all the difference when you’re attempting to heal yourself and rebuild your life, and the sense of fellowship that can be developed with spiritual practice makes it much easier to share your burdens with the people around you. Spirituality makes it much easier to let go of your pride, admit that you are flawed, and receive support from your peers, friends, and family. Exploring your humanity allows you to see that we all share human weaknesses and that by working together we can turn that weakness into a strength.
Spirituality is also beneficial for giving recovering addicts a sense of purpose and meaning in their new lives. One of the most attractive elements of addiction is that it boils down all of life’s myriad problems into a single, simple dilemma: how can I get more of the substance I need? When you enter recovery, you might feel overwhelmed by all of the new challenges that appear. Getting your finances in order, sorting out relationships that have been strained to the breaking point, re-building your professional life, and dealing with legal issues are a few common issues that spring up. If you don’t find a sense of purpose and meaning as you confront these thorny problems, relapse will seem like a tempting way of escape.
Spiritual exploration will also push you towards building a meaningful life, allowing you to discover your unique talents, abilities, and gifts, and illuminating the ways you can make use of them for the benefit of yourself and others. Most spiritual paths will help seekers realize the importance of using their wisdom, struggles, and experiences to help others. For those in recovery, this is a beautiful way to help yourself and rebuild your shattered self-esteem by helping others. Watching others follow the 12 Steps or another path towards sobriety will reinforce the lessons you’ve learned, and fill your heart with hope, love, and renewed conviction.
Iboga Tree Healing House and Spirituality
At Iboga Tree Healing House, we feel that nurturing spirituality is an integral part of the recovery process. Iboga therapy is a fundamental part of the Bwiti spiritual traditions of Africa, and one of its effects in addition to interrupting addiction is building connections to what Douglas Adams called “Life, the Universe and Everything.” We also attempt to create a sense of spirituality in our clients by offering a wide range of holistic therapies, including yoga, mindfulness and meditation. If you’re looking for a treatment center that fosters spirituality as it helps patients to recover, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
4th March 2020 • Sticky Post
Treating Addiction: How Does NAD+ Help?
What Is NAD+?
NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is scientifically defined as a naturally occurring co-enzyme of niacin. A close relative of vitamin B3, it aids in our bodies’ production of energy by converting energy obtained from food into cellular energy. The substance was discovered in 1906, and a recent study by Harvard researchers found that the NAD+ helped to reverse the effects of aging in mice. The body’s production and supply of NAD+ decreases with age, but Harvard professor of genetics David Sinclair, the study’s director, found that regular injections of NAD+ reversed the effects of vascular degeneration and muscle atrophy among the rodents studied. NAD+ essentially allows for the growth of new blood vessels, which keep muscles and other cells in the body from wasting away. It is also has been proven to increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to repair itself.
The results of this study have led many anti-aging clinics to offer NAD+ therapy, which is also touted by providers for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, increasing focus and energy, aiding in detox from drugs and alcohol, increasing the metabolic rate, and improving cardiovascular health. While long term studies on the effects of NAD+ don’t yet exist, the medical establishment seems quite optimistic about its therapeutic uses.
How Does NAD+ Impact Addiction?
An interesting fact gleaned from research which has been conducted is that addicts typically have lower than average levels of NAD+ in their bodies. Some even speculate that lower than average levels of the substance might be one of the causes of dependence on alcohol and drugs. Some diseases that frequently co-occur with addiction also have the effect of depleting the body’s stores of NAD+, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.
One provider of the therapy explains its use in detox and recovery like this: “NAD+ has a significant role in reducing the withdrawal effects by restoring the neurotransmitter balance, which shifts significantly after the drug that's been withdrawn has been removed. As a result, the patient experiences almost no withdrawal symptoms whilst and after completing the infusion cycle.”
Dr. Mark Collins, a British physician and psychologist specializing in addictions, is more measured in his assessment, stating “I have now witnessed its use in many patients, and I am very impressed with the short-term results, what is clearly needed is more research, and in particular longer-term outcome studies.”
Testimonials from addicts who have used NAD+ to aid in their recovery are positive. A recent Vice article by a reporter who experimented with NAD+ treatment to combat cravings for alcohol offered a generally positive review. The reporter also interviewed a crack addict who found that “I’d be lying if I said the thoughts [about picking up] aren't in my mind, and in my mind often, but that deep 'urge' that addicts will know about isn't there any longer.”
While most NAD+ treatments rely on intravenous injections, the substance can also be obtained through foods and nutritional supplements. Milk, fish, mushrooms, whole grains, peanuts, and garden vegetables are all rich in this nutrient. And Dr. Collins notes that “It's been known for decades that a high dose of vitamin B3—the 'poor man's' way of elevating NAD levels—has a beneficial effect for alcoholics, both in terms of detoxification and, perhaps more importantly, in reducing craving and anxiety levels after detoxification.”
In fact, Bill Wilson (better known as Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous) experimented with large doses of NAD+ in 1960. He began taking 3000 mg of niacin (a vitamin which naturally contains NAD+) and found that it reduced the fatigue and depression which had plagued him for years. Excited about this discovery, “Wilson gave the same doses to 30 of his close friends in AA, hoping it could be replicated. Of the 30, 20 he later reported became free of anxiety, tension, and depression in one or two months.” Wilson tried to share news of his discovery and wrote a pamphlet, but the treatment was deemed too controversial by AA’s board of directors and his campaign was suppressed.
Treatment Successes, But No Long-Term Studies
Flood doses of NAD+ have been used to treat addiction in South Africa since the 1960s, and the first clinic offering the treatment, the Springfield Wellness Center, founded by Psychotherapist Paula Mestayer and her Psychiatrist husband Richard, opened in America in 2001. They have since treated over 1000 patients, and Paula Mestayer says that the treatment “is not a cure, but rather maintenance,” and that many clients find it necessary to come back for booster doses. She also has found that the treatment is most effective when treating dependence on alcohol and opiates.
In spite of 70 years of evidence of the substantial benefits NAD+ therapy can offer addicts and those afflicted with a host of other ailments, there haven’t been long-term clinical studies on its efficacy and effects. It is reminiscent of ibogaine’s painstaking journey into the mainstream. While side-effects of NAD+ are usually limited to dizziness and perhaps a day or two of flu-like symptoms, we can’t be absolutely sure that NAD+ treatment is 100% safe in the long-term. But as the opioid epidemic rages on around the world and overdose tallies mount, investigating a promising treatment like NAD+ is indeed a sensible option.
At Iboga Tree Healing House, we feel that it’s the responsibility of governments and addictions professionals to explore every avenue that could possibly lead to the end of addiction. And as we come to understand the cognitive and neurological processes which create the addicted mind, treatments such as NAD+ and iboga seem ever more sensible and promising.
24th February 2020 • Sticky Post
Addiction Treatment in Sweden: Why Swedish Addicts Are Heading Abroad
Sweden’s drug problem has been getting worse over the past few years. Despite its progressive reputation on social and environmental issues, the country has stubbornly clung to an outdated and ineffective method of dealing with addiction and the addicted. Unlike many of its neighbors, who have followed Portugal in adopting an approach based on the principles of harm reduction, Sweden still takes a zero-tolerance approach to drug use. As the government acknowledges, Sweden makes no distinction between “hard” and “soft” drugs, and police have the power to detain and demand a urine test from anyone who appears to be under the influence, followed by criminal charges and possible jail time.
As a result, Sweden has come under criticism from the World Health Organization and the UN for failing to embrace advances in drug treatment. The Swedish government has failed to implement programs that are proven to improve public health and remains stubbornly resistant to needle exchanges and other innovations that have been proven to save lives and public money. As Malmo University researcher Torkel Richert notes: “The bigger picture is that Sweden has for a long time had a big increase in overdoses. And if you compare it to Europe in general, we’re doing badly.”
Why Are Swedes Looking To Portugal For Addiction Treatment?
Portugal was in the midst of an epidemic of heroin addiction when they made the dramatic decision to embrace the principles of harm reduction and decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. As one of the architects behind Portugal’s new approach explains it: “We realized we were squandering resources. It made much more sense for us to treat drug addicts as patients who needed help, not as criminals.” By removing the threats of prosecution and incarceration, Portugal has reduced the stigma surrounding addiction, and the number of addicts receiving treatment has increased by 60% since 1998. The results the country has achieved simply by treating addicts with dignity and viewing addiction as a health issue has caused countries such as Canada, France, Switzerland, and Germany to embrace harm reduction. Portugal’s clear-headed, compassionate approach to treating addiction makes it an ideal destination for those attempting to overcome substance abuse problems.
Sweden offers some publicly funded drug treatment options, and there are privately run residential treatment facilities. In theory, seeking treatment in these centers will not put you at risk of increased attention from the police or the stigma of being an addict in a society that views drug use very harshly, but if you’re living in a small community, word might still spread. If you’re looking to be treated with dignity and respect, experience compassionate treatment, and maintain your privacy, going abroad might be your best option. As Richert notes, the “attitude towards drug addicts in Sweden has been embarrassing in many ways. They're a very stigmatized group. The phrase here in Sweden was 'it should be difficult to be a junkie'. And politically the idea is that if it is tough, more will want to stop.” If you’d like to be treated as a person, rather than a junkie, as you begin your recovery journey, you might want to consider seeking treatment in Portugal!
What Does Treatment Abroad Offer That Addiction Treatment In Sweden Doesn't?
1) Environment 
Leaving an environment full of familiar stressors and temptations can have a beneficial effect on treatment. Traveling abroad can bring a profound sense of relief and relaxation. Portugal is a picturesque country with a lovely Mediterranean climate. It’s dotted with quaint villages, ancient ruins, majestic castles, and miles of beautiful coastline. And there are few regions better suited to recovering your health than Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo region. A land of rolling hills and vast plains, the Alentejo offers visitors the opportunity to recover their health and connections to the natural world by riding horses, watching birds, stargazing, hiking and cycling. Swedish visitors are especially appreciative of the temperate climate, peaceful lifestyle, and delicious regional fare. All while enjoying a rehab facility that rivals a luxurious resort or hotel for a fraction of the cost of treatment back home. You’ll disconnect from a toxic environment and share amazing new experiences with people from all around the world!
2) Privacy
While increasing numbers of people are coming to the understanding that addiction is a medical issue, there is still a significant social and professional stigma that comes with seeking treatment for substance abuse. If you head to Portugal, it’s easy to tell friends, family members, and colleagues that you’re off on a much-needed vacation and avoid awkward conversations and prying questions. There’s also no risk that someone will spot you emerging from a clinic or support group meeting and start whispering.
3) Promising Treatments Unavailable In Sweden
We’ve written a lot about the undeniable power of ayahuasca and iboga to combat the addictive properties of opioids and other drugs and to open the addicted mind to the idea of a positive transformation into sobriety. Because Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, promising treatments that cannot be obtained in a safe medical setting in addiction treatment in Sweden can be accessed here with the supervision of healthcare professionals. If you think treatment that uses a psychoactive substance is your best option, we’d strongly recommend getting away from Sweden, where strong anti-drug laws put you at risk of prosecution and incarceration. Iboga has been considered a “Class 1” drug in Sweden since 1985. Its legal status came up for review in 2007, but the government ultimately decided against allowing medical use. A movement exists in Sweden to legalize the use of the powerful addiction interrupter, but given the track record of the Swedish government, we wouldn’t expect progressive reforms any time soon.
In spite of our belief in iboga’s remarkable ability to interrupt addiction, we would strongly advocate against using it in regions where draconian laws force its use underground, creating potentially fatal health risks.
4) Easy Intake
When you’ve reached rock bottom, a treatment center that can quickly start the process of detox and recovery can be a lifesaver. The prospect of waiting six months for the in-patient treatment you need can be a heart-breaking, motivation-sapping roadblock. Sweden’s drug programs are underfunded, one of the main reasons why the majority of Swedish addicts are pushed into outpatient treatment programs for addiction treatment in Sweden. Treatment centers abroad can immediately start the intake process, allowing you to strike back at your addiction when you’re feeling hopeful and motivated. This can make all the difference in the world!
Iboga Tree Healing House
At Iboga Tree Healing House we have a unique ability to accommodate clients from around the world with our welcoming, open-minded, and international staff. You’d be hard-pressed to find a treatment center more committed to the safety of its clients than Iboga Tree Healing House. We’re also deeply committed to maintaining a supportive and non-judgmental environment for facilitating recovery and personal growth.
In addition to offering iboga treatment, we also provide a wide array of holistic treatments, including breathwork, kundalini yoga, equine-assisted therapy, kambo, and more. All of these practices are extremely beneficial for re-energizing both body and spirit to pursue recovery. In combination with our ten hectares of outdoor space, large terraces, and outdoor swimming pool, we let nature remind our clients to be grateful and receptive for new horizons and second chances. We have many testimonials from people around the globe who’ve benefited immeasurably from experiencing our treatments in beautiful, sunny Portugal. If you’d like to experience the many benefits of treatment abroad, don't hesitate to get in touch!
18th February 2020 • Sticky Post
Finding The Right Iboga Treatment Program: 5 Important Tips
Finding The Right Iboga Treatment Program
So you’ve heard a lot about what iboga treatment is capable of doing to interrupt addiction, allow individuals to face trauma, or facilitate spiritual growth. You’ve poked around the internet to find out how iboga treatment works, and you’ve seen testimonials from people who’ve transformed their lives with the help of this powerful substance. You’re ready to take the plunge, and it’s time to find the iboga treatment program that will guide you through this life-changing experience. Today, we’ll give you five tips to find a program that meets your unique, individual needs.
1) Safety is Paramount
We have written extensively about the need for medical supervision and responsible use of iboga because we care passionately about it. Iboga is an extremely powerful substance, and we simply cannot overstate the importance of choosing a treatment center that takes the necessary precautions to keep you healthy and safe. This means that a clinic should be asking you for a detailed medical and psychiatric history. They should know what substances you’ve been using, how much you’ve been using, and for how long. They should take a full blood panel, and perform tests to ensure that your heart, liver, and kidneys are functioning properly. They should have a detailed emergency plan in place. Their staff should have medical training, and they should have a doctor on staff.
The Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance has a lot of information on the safety of iboga use, and they offer a list of guidelines for clinical use. We would strongly recommend making sure that whatever iboga treatment program you choose follows these procedures. Any clinic that is willing to put your well-being at risk by ignoring established clinical guidelines doesn’t deserve your trust or your business!
2) Keeping it Legal
Iboga is a psychoactive substance, and as a result, it is illegal in many jurisdictions where it is wrongly regarded as a drug with potential for abuse. If you’ve decided that you want to free yourself from addiction and start a healthy and productive future, the last thing you want is to risk possible prosecution and incarceration. Iboga treatment is completely illegal in a number of countries, including the USA, France, Italy, and the UK. We would strongly recommend that you seek treatment in a country where clinics are free to operate, as you will almost certainly receive a higher level of care, from professionals rather than amateurs operating in a black market. It is also worth considering that a treatment center which is operating illegally might be reluctant to call an ambulance or rush you to a hospital should something go awry during your ibogaine treatment experience.
3) What else is on offer?
If you’re using iboga to break free from addiction to a substance of abuse, you’ll have a window of approximately 6 months of freedom from cravings. If you’re using iboga to treat mental illness or pursue personal growth, iboga’s effects on your central nervous system will be most pronounced in the period immediately following treatment. In both cases, you have a crucial window of time following your iboga experience where your mind and body will be extremely receptive to making positive changes and developing healthy habits.
Therefore, you need to find a treatment center that allows you to hit the ground running when iboga’s effects wear off. If you want to focus on traditional drug counseling, talk therapy, or CBT, find a center that provides those options. If you think yoga, mindfulness training, or art therapy would work better for you, explore treatment centers that offer alternative treatment modalities. You are the only person who knows the type of future you hope to build for yourself. You know what therapies you will respond to. Explore your own motivations, desires and needs, then look for an iboga provider who can give you what you need.
4) Environment is Everything
Your iboga experience will be an incredibly intense 8-12 hour journey through your past, your subconscious, and your deepest self. You will probably find yourself face to face with traumatic experiences from your past, and with the reality of who you are and what your life has become. A great deal of your time pre-and post-treatment will be spent preparing yourself for this, and recovering from it, so it is essential to find a clinic that offers you a peaceful and relaxing environment, with all of the amenities you find essential for your comfort. A friendly staff, a clean room, exercise facilities, nutritious food, pools, hot tubs, privacy, and beautiful natural settings can ensure that you have a positive experience, as well as speeding up the recovery process and putting you in the right mindset for beginning your new life.
5) Aftercare Matters
Creating and following a detailed plan for maintaining sobriety has been proven to profoundly affect treatment outcomes. Arming yourself with a solid plan for dealing with life after addiction will be a key factor in making iboga therapy work in the long-term. A center that can help you design and execute your blueprint for success, provide effective post-treatment aid and counselling, and help you make connections with the support network you’ll need to build a new life is a must. Whether you draw support from peers or professionals, you’ll find that fellowship makes you stronger, and we recommend that everyone join a peer support group, whether Smart Recovery, a traditional 12 Step Program, or another alternative. At Iboga Tree Healing House we also offer a weekly online aftercare program known as The IRM - Ibogaine Recovery Movement, which allows up to 8 former clients to meet once a week and share their experiences, trials, and triumphs. Those who have already undertaken the iboga journey will be able to offer you insights and advice that will prove invaluable.
Choose Wisely
If you’re going to use iboga, you are putting your life in the hands of the clinic you choose. No matter how desperate you are to get help with addiction or mental health issues, we implore you to put in the time and energy necessary for finding a responsible, professional clinic that meets your needs. If you have any questions about our methods, facilities, or programs, don’t hesitate to get in touch today!
12th February 2020 • Sticky Post
Making the Most of Addiction Treatment: 8 Things to Remember
Everyone who enters an addiction treatment program with the goal of ending their addiction and reclaiming their life should be congratulated. But evidence has shown us that certain methods, practices, and behaviors can greatly influence your chance of success in recovery. An inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program is an excellent first step, but it is only one step on a long journey toward reclaiming your life and finding fulfillment. Today we’ll be taking a look at what you can do to get the most out of your addiction treatment experience and pave the way toward recovery that lasts.
1) Stay Openminded
Never lose sight of the fact that your previous attitudes, thought patterns, decisions, and behaviors have led you to addiction treatment. You’re in treatment because you’ve recognized that the time has come for dramatic changes in your life. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself at the beginning of treatment is an open mind. There are myriad options that are available for healing yourself. 12 Step Programs, SMART Recovery, traditional psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, iboga, yoga, exercise, mindfulness, ayahuasca, nutritional therapy, art, music, abstinence, medication, and family support have all helped thousands battle their addictions, and there are even more treatment options out there.
Effective treatment isn’t one size fits all, and everyone entering the process should look at every option before choosing the method they think will meet their individual needs. It’s also important to remind yourself that you are looking to make a drastic change in your life. You’ll need to step outside of your comfort zone and confront painful memories, physical and mental challenges, and learned behaviors. Being uncomfortable and experimenting with new ways of thinking and living is going to be part of the recovery process.
2) Ask For Help
For every addict who has “gone cold turkey”, there are thousands who have relied on peer support, sponsors, family members, friends, and recovery professionals. There is absolutely no shame in needing support and guidance in rehab. The people around you in treatment have been through these wars, and they’ll be happy to share what they’ve learned with you. Remember that 12 Step programs view themselves as “we” programs, meaning that together, their members can do what no individual member could manage alone. We think this is a beautiful message for the entire recovery community. All of us are in the same boat, and we’re all here to help.
3) Honesty Matters
Addiction forces every addict to become a habitual liar. Addicts lie to themselves even more than to their co-workers or loved ones, telling themselves that they’re in control, that they’re about to cut back or stop, that they’re okay. Entering treatment is an act of breathtaking honesty, a necessary admission that you’ve become powerless, and a commitment to change your life. But old habits die hard, and the shame of admitting that you still crave a substance, or that you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed and anxious as you begin to rebuild your life can result in a return to dishonesty. Finding someone you can be completely honest with, and sharing every struggle and craving you experience can be hugely beneficial. Keeping a journal in order to explore all of your thoughts, feelings, and struggles with a clear eye is also massively helpful. Dishonesty will likely isolate you from your peers, cause you to feel ashamed, and push you toward “emotional relapse.” Honesty will allow you to get the help you need, and create the foundation for true healing.
4) Family Matters, Too
Family support is quickly becoming a cornerstone of treatment at many recovery centers. A sense of isolation is an extremely common side-effect of addiction, and involving loved ones in recovery can be a significant counterweight to that debilitating feeling, motivating addicts to rebuild meaningful bonds of love. In addition to the sentimental argument, medical studies have shown that perceived social and emotional support from loved ones leads to better treatment outcomes. Sharing your struggles and triumphs with the people you love provides powerful motivation and support to those in rehab.
5) Listen Up
This sounds simple. It is simple. But it’s also shocking how often we remain deep in our own thoughts while others try to communicate with us. Truly focusing on what other people try to share with us allows us to build meaningful connections. It also means that we’ll be taking their advice to heart. Remember, you came to rehab to look for answers. When others try to help you find them, the least you can do is give them your undivided attention.
6) Give Addiction Treatment Your All
In treatment, you are trying to change the thought patterns, physiological changes, and behaviors that have developed over years or even decades of addiction. If you think that this can be accomplished easily, you’re wrong. It isn’t a straightforward process, and it will demand a tremendous physical and mental effort. To succeed, you’ll need to enter rehab prepared to work hard, and ready to confront parts of yourself that you’ve been avoiding. If you’re breezing through the process, it means you’re doing it wrong. Treatment requires confronting pain, trauma, and your worst self. The good news is, it’s worth the struggle!
7) Addiction Stays With You After Treatment
Medical evidence shows that “continuing care” beyond the initial phase of treatment yields significant benefits for those in recovery. You should work with your treatment provider to create an aftercare plan that works for you. This doesn’t mean just going to peer support meetings. It could mean therapy, whether traditional or CBT. It could mean continuing daily yoga or mindfulness practice. Aftercare could be as simple as defining your core values and aspirations for life and building a system of rewards for making progress towards your goals. As with choosing a rehab center, creating the right aftercare plan for yourself depends on your personality and individual needs. But continuing the daily practices you adopt in treatment, whether meditation, meetings, prayer yoga, journaling, or simply going for a walk and making your bed, is highly recommended for creating positive patterns of behavior.
8) Reach Out And Help Others
The “we” idea discussed earlier is a beautiful way to view rehab. Virtually no one overcomes addiction by themselves. Taking the lessons you’ve learned from your experience and sharing them with those in need is a wonderful way to find meaning in your own life, and a constant reminder of the devastating toll addiction takes on individuals and society. By helping others battle addiction, you’re helping yourself and creating a better world. We can’t recommend it highly enough.
If you’re interested in putting this advice to work and think ibogaine treatment is something you’d like to explore, don't hesitate to get in touch with Iboga Tree Healing House today!
6th February 2020 • Sticky Post
Addiction Treatment in Israel: Why Addicts Are Looking Abroad
Israel has been developing a serious drug problem over the past few years. Neighborhoods like East Jerusalem and South Tel Aviv have been ravaged by epidemics of heroin use, while regions like Gaza, with constant stress and 45% unemployment, have led residents to turn to drugs in desperation. As increasing numbers of Israelis are diagnosed with PTSD and depression, the estimated 120,000 addicts in the country are likely to swell even further. While politicians and the media are beginning to recognize the severity of the nation’s drug problem, Addiction treatment in Israel lacks the resources to effectively combat substance misuse and addiction.
Israel has drug treatment facilities, but options in the country are limited. Individuals seeking new and alternative methods for ending the nightmare of addiction are forced to look abroad. Choosing a facility in another country has the added benefit of guaranteeing privacy, a valid concern in a nation where conservative thinking stigmatizes substance-dependent individuals. That’s why many people seeking addiction treatment in Israel are beginning to look abroad, where waiting times are reduced to nothing, addicts are treated in positive, non-judgemental settings, and a luxurious experience can be had without financially crippling fees.
Why Portugal has become a popular alternative to addiction treatment in Israel
Portugal was in the midst of an epidemic of heroin addiction when they made the dramatic decision to embrace the principles of harm-reduction and decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. As one of the architects behind Portugal’s new approach explains it: “We realized we were squandering resources. It made much more sense for us to treat drug addicts as patients who needed help, not as criminals.” By removing the threats of prosecution and incarceration, Portugal has reduced the stigma surrounding addiction, and the number of addicts receiving treatment has increased by 60% since 1998. The results the country has achieved simply by treating addicts with dignity and viewing addiction as a health issue has caused countries such as Canada, France, Switzerland, and Germany to embrace harm-reduction. Portugal’s clear-headed, compassionate approach to treating addiction makes it an ideal destination for those attempting to overcome substance-abuse problems.
Retorno, one of Israel’s leading treatment centers, has been accused by multiple former clients of subjecting them to dehumanizing and sadistic practices. The center’s “tough love” approach includes forcing clients to shovel manure and dress as babies when their behavior was deemed immature. While modern psychologists find these practices to be “ineffective and possibly detrimental”, Israel’s Ministry of Social Services deems isolation (Retorno had a punishment bench where transgressors were forced to sit for hours at a time in the desert sun), enforced silence, and anger therapy (standing in a circle of peers who are instructed to shout at and insult you) to be effective techniques for treating addiction. If you’re looking to be treated with dignity and respect, addiction treatment in Israel might not be your best option.
The Many Benefits Of Treatment Abroad
1) Environment
Leaving an environment full of familiar stressors and temptations can have a beneficial effect in treatment. And traveling abroad can bring a profound sense of relief and relaxation. Portugal is a picturesque country with a lovely Mediterranean climate. It’s dotted with quaint villages, ancient ruins, majestic castles, and miles of beautiful coastline. And there are few regions better suited to recovering your health than Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo region. A land of rolling hills and vast plains, the Alentejo offers visitors the opportunity to recover their health and connections to the natural world by riding horses, watching birds, stargazing, hiking, and cycling. Israeli visitors are especially appreciative of the temperate climate, peaceful lifestyle, and delicious regional fare. All while enjoying a rehab facility that rivals a luxurious resort or hotel for a fraction of the cost of treatment back home. You’ll disconnect from a toxic environment and share amazing new experiences with people from all around the world!
2) Privacy
While increasing numbers of people are coming to the understanding that addiction is a medical issue, there is still a significant social and professional stigma that comes with seeking treatment for substance abuse. If you head to Portugal, it’s easy to tell friends, family members, and colleagues that you’re off on a much-needed vacation and avoid awkward conversations and prying questions. There’s also no risk that someone will spot you emerging from a clinic or support group meeting and start whispering.
3) Promising Treatments Unavailable At Home
We’ve written a lot about the undeniable power of ayahuasca and iboga to combat the addictive properties of opioids and other drugs and to open the addicted mind to the idea of a positive transformation into sobriety. Because Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, promising treatments that cannot be obtained in a safe medical setting in Israel can be accessed here with the supervision of health-care professionals. If you think treatment that uses a psychoactive substance is your best option, we’d strongly recommend doing getting away from Israel, where strong anti-drug laws put you at risk of prosecution and incarceration. In spite of our belief in iboga's remarkable ability to interrupt addiction, we would strongly advocate against using it in regions where draconian laws force its use underground, creating potentially fatal health risks.
4) Easy Intake
When you’ve reached rock bottom, a treatment center that can quickly start the process of detox and recovery can be a life-saver. The prospect of waiting six-months for the in-patient treatment you need can be a heart-breaking, motivation-sapping roadblock. Addiction treatment in Israel is underfunded, one of the main reasons why an estimated 75% of addicts are not receiving treatment. Treatment centers abroad can immediately start the intake process, allowing you to strike back at your addiction when you’re feeling hopeful and motivated. This can make all the difference in the world!
Iboga Tree Healing House
At Iboga Tree Healing House we have a unique ability to accommodate clients from around the world with our welcoming, open-minded, and international staff. You’d be hard-pressed to find a treatment center more committed to the safety of their clients than Iboga Tree Healing House. We’re also deeply committed to maintaining a supportive and non-judgemental environment for facilitating recovery and personal growth.
In addition to offering iboga treatment, we also provide a wide array of holistic treatments, including breathwork, kundalini yoga, equine-assisted therapy, kambo, and more. All of these practices are extremely beneficial for re-energizing both body and spirit to pursue recovery. In combination with our ten-hectares of outdoor space, large terraces, and outdoor swimming pool, we let nature remind our clients to be grateful and receptive to new horizons and second chances. We have many testimonials from folks who’ve benefited immeasurably from experiencing our treatments in beautiful, sunny Portugal. If you’d like to experience treatment abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
18th September 2019 • Sticky Post
10 Ways to Overcome Addiction
It’s not easy to overcome addiction. For those afflicted, it can be almost impossible to visualize. At times it will seem incredibly difficult to accomplish. But you can do it. You probably became addicted because of pain or trauma. It may be that a chemical imbalance or genetic predisposition was a factor. You might have stumbled into dependence on powerful prescription painkillers. But in order to beat your addiction, one of the first steps you must take is coming to terms with its root causes.
Almost no one conquers addiction alone. The first step you should take is finding health-care professionals you trust, who take an approach that meets your individual needs. There isn’t one formula that works for everyone, and you’ll find a wide variety of approaches and strategies for creating and maintaining sobriety. Before choosing a treatment provider, you should determine what therapies and circumstances you think will work for you. With that in mind, let’s examine the steps on your path towards a healthy, addiction-free life.
1) Therapy and Counseling
Individual therapy is highly effective because it allows addicts to examine their unique traumas and triggers. The wonderful feature of group therapy is that it allows sharing and fellowship between recovering addicts who benefit greatly from friendship and support, and it lets participants share strategies and insights on their affliction. Most comprehensive treatment programs will offer patients a mixture of group and individual therapy, and both have been clinically proven to dramatically improve outcomes.
2) Support Groups
These programs are immensely valuable because they allow former addicts to guide those struggling with addiction through the recovery journey. They also allow those rebuilding their lives access to a wide network of peers who can offer support and friendship at a time when it might be unwise to spend time with problematic friends and family members. There’s no teacher like experience, and the advice of those who’ve gone through the harrowing experience of addiction and come out the other side is immeasurably useful. While the “Anonymous” family of groups put a religious slant on peer support, other options like SMART Recovery and Iboga Tree Healing House’s online aftercare program may fit better with your experiences and values.
3) Detox and Clinical Therapy
Detoxification can be a horrific ordeal with substances like opioids or heroin, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding the right treatment to get you through this phase of recovery can remove one of the biggest obstacles standing between your addicted self and a new life. Medical supervision and anti-craving drugs can help you through, getting all traces of methamphetamine, benzos, or whatever substance you’re dependent on out of your system, so you can focus on dealing with the behavioral and psychological aspects of rebuilding yourself.
4) Alternative Detox Options
A number of powerful psychedelic and entheogenic substances have shown immense promise in treating addiction and deserve to be considered by those entering treatment. Many addictions experts, like Dr. Gabor Mate, have embraced treatments which allow the addicted to explore the roots of trauma and learn to live with themselves. Iboga has been shown to offer the same benefits in terms of exploring past trauma, as well as re-wiring key neural functions to a pre-addicted state. Iboga has also been proven to dramatically reduce withdrawal symptoms for opiate and opioid addiction, and to reduce cravings for a period of approximately 6 months. Other psychoactive substances that have shown promise in treating addiction, including psilocybin and MDMA, have helped some addicts through their recovery, but at this stage, the evidence supporting their use is mostly anecdotal.
5) Dual Diagnosis
When patients have a condition that leads to or exacerbates addiction, such as a mental health disorder, addiction treatment becomes more complex. Not every treatment center is equipped to provide integrated treatment that addresses both afflictions at once. If you suffer from dual diagnosis, it’s imperative that you find treatment centers and professionals who are capable of providing simultaneous treatments for both of your disorders. Some treatments which may be effective for one of your conditions might worsen the other. You need to find responsible and experienced practitioners who can find the right treatment options for you.
6) Family Involvement
Addiction often has its roots in family dynamics. If your parents are alcoholics or addicts, you are far more likely than the average person to share their addiction. There is no consensus among treatment providers on how best to deal with familial issues. Some centers opt to seclude the addict to work on themselves without possibly toxic interactions. Others include the family, in order to correct the issues that could harm their loved one’s recovery while leveraging their love and support. We would recommend involving families in treatment, as studies have shown family support can predict positive outcomes, but some may benefit in their effort to overcome addiction without subjecting themselves to negative or toxic relatives.
7) Treatment Centers
Inpatient and outpatient treatments each come with a set of benefits and drawbacks, it’s up to you to determine which will give you the greatest chance to overcome addiction. Inpatient treatment offers supervised detox, and the opportunity to undergo an intensive program of individual and group therapy. It can also offer a luxury experience which allows the user to relax and recover in an idyllic setting. On the other hand, outpatient treatment can allow those in recovery to attend daily meetings and have their withdrawal and recovery monitored by a caregiver. Outpatient treatment allows recovering addicts to receive therapy without putting their lives on hold for 30-90 days and lets them adjust to their sober lives incrementally.
8) Aftercare
Aftercare is an essential component of any effort to overcome addiction. When you finish treatment, your recovery journey has just begun. It’s time to develop strategies for fighting off craving and dealing with triggers. Peer support groups are highly recommended, as are holistic therapies such as mindfulness training, yoga, and breathwork. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment that has helped many addicts break free from negative automatic thinking and deal with their cravings in a positive manner.
Another essential component of aftercare is building the foundation for a healthy life. It can be helpful to start by outlining your value system, with a focus on honesty, trust, and forgiveness. Addiction has taken you far away from your best self, and outlining and committing to values you may have abandoned will help you rebuild connections with your community, your family, and yourself. It can also be very helpful to build a reward system for accomplishing goals both large and small. You have the opportunity to enjoy a world of things and places at this stage of recovery, and rewarding yourself with something as small as an ice cream or as big as an international vacation can return positive motivation to your life.
9) Connecting
Virtually nobody can overcome addiction alone. One of the most beautiful parts of the recovery journey is finding support from the people around you as you reclaim your life. As we’ve already mentioned, peer-based support groups and re-building family connections can greatly improve your chances for success. As you go through treatment, remember that the therapists, peers, psychologists, sponsors, and caretakers you encounter are an invaluable resource. Take advantage of their experience, and the love and support offered by family members and true friends. And before you choose a treatment provider, make sure that they can offer you the resources you’ll need after discharge!
10) Set Your Goals
It’s easy to say you’re ready to overcome addiction, but triumphing over it is the work of a lifetime. And the decision to break free is yours and yours alone. It begins with admitting to yourself that a substance or behavior has taken over your life and that it’s time to regain control. It’s helpful to start by reflecting honestly on all the harmful effects your addiction has had on you and your loved ones. Think about all of the changes addiction has made in you, and reflect on the person you were, the person you’ve become, and the person you’d like to be in the future. It won’t be easy to become that person, but at Iboga Tree Healing House we have seen our clients emerge from the wreckage of addiction and build happy and productive lives. If you’re ready, contact us today!
5th September 2019 • Sticky Post
Iboga Therapy: Here's What We've Learned
Back in January of this year, experienced iboga aficionado and Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance Executive Director Jeremy Weate sat down with Third Wave to discuss important lessons learned during the opening of our premiere ibogaine treatment facility in Portugal.
Having experienced the realities of providing Iboga treatment to persons in varied states of physical/mental health, and knowing the dangers inherent in our chosen field, we felt, it was worth recounting the hard-won lessons we’ve learned for all those who might follow in our footsteps.
That’s why we’ve decided to revisit 7 of the most important lessons we’ve learned with Iboga Tree Healing House Founder Alvaro De Ferranti to delve a little bit deeper into what administering iboga to dozens of clients has taught us thus far, and how we have learned to address each issue to minimize the risk.
1) Safety
Nothing is more important than the safety of our clients. There are often difficult choices to be faced in determining iboga dosage. Experience has taught us that conservative dosing is a must, even if clients are sometimes disappointed in the lack of a visionary experience. We feel that every death associated with Iboga use has been preventable, and we will do whatever it takes to keep our clients alive and well.
How do we at Iboga Tree Healing House determine ibogaine dosage for our clients? We’ll let Alvaro take it from here:
“There are recommended doses in the GITA literature (www.ibogainealliance.com) which we use as a guideline. We tend to dose women less than men, and clients in poor physical shape less than those who are in good form. However, dosing has a lot to do with factors that go well beyond body weight which tends to be the standard marker for dosing. We look at the individual holistically. We aim to understand their whole physical condition, their medical history, their family medical history, their experience (if any, with entheogens), the substance(s) they consume, and of course their psychological state. Safety being our priority, dosing, although medical in its approach, is intuitive, and only experience can forge this relationship with our dosing regimen."
2) Emergency Planning
Emergency planning is vital. We at ITHH quickly learned the importance of thoroughly going through our emergency plan before treating every single client. If a cardiac incident occurs, every second is vital, and we need to be ready to jump into action. It doesn’t feel good to call an ambulance, but we’d rather call a million ambulances than a single hearse. The Iboga community is understandably anxious about publicizing adverse health outcomes, but medicalization, regulation, and legitimization should be our goals, and transparency is the best way to achieve them.
Here’s how Alvaro and Iboga Tree Healing House's medical staff have planned for potential emergencies to ensure that we are prepared for any medical eventuality:
“Safety being our primary concern, we take emergency planning very seriously. On treatment day, we undertake an emergency drill as if it were our very first drill. We do this without fail. The on-duty team get together, each person is handed a role, and we act out our emergency plan. Whenever we have had any issues, our emergency plan has kicked in and we have managed to avert disaster. We will never compromise on the importance of our emergency plan. The planning is client-centric and starts well before this drill. By this time, we understand the client fully, and are clear on what issues we may face, and as a result, we prepare accordingly.
In the room, we have a continuous heart monitor, defibrillator, pacer, oxygen, oximeter, blood pressure measuring machine, supporting oral and iv medication (like diazepam), crash cart, and all ACLS medication and supporting items like geddels for non-invasive assisted breathing.
We have safety covered.”
3) Cautious Dosing
Flood dosing does not work for everyone. Some brains and bodies can withstand a heavy dose of iboga (20mg/kg and up) but others can’t. Re-setting the addicted brain doesn’t require a flood dose, and you can experience the benefits of treatment without taking unnecessary risks.
Here’s why we at Iboga Tree Healing House always defer to qualified medical staff when determining iboga dosage, regardless of what clients might request:
“Clients do not determine doses. This is a medical decision. I must stress, that even if a client has had an iboga flood in the past, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will react the same way as their previous time, and they may well not be suitable for a flood the next time around. Again, experience will determine what is best.”
4) Honesty
It’s important to be realistic and honest about what Iboga can and can’t do. Like many in the community, we’ve been outspoken advocates for Iboga’s utility in treating addiction. But we’ve learned that it’s essential to let our clients know that Iboga is an addiction interrupter and not a cure. We always emphasize that other tools are necessary to maintain recovery over the long term. We are also aware that the iboga journey is not widely understood, and that misinformation about iboga is all too common. While skepticism is often indeed a healthy reaction to a new idea, it can also hold one back at times. At Iboga Tree Healing House, we’ve learned to provide all the information we can and let our prospective clients make their own decisions about whether our program is right for them.
Here’s how we address fear-based skepticism about iboga treatment:
“Skepticism is often based on fear. Fear of the unknown. We provide tools and information to help clients get over their fears. By the time we have helped the client understand their pending ‘initiation’, skepticism is a faded memory. We have never treated anyone who was a skeptic by the time they entered the doors of Iboga Tree Healing House. We have several testimonials online to vouch for the effectiveness of our program. Iboga is one of many tools we use to help people move forward in their lives, to help them discover the deep-rooted issues that trigger their addictions, and their self-limiting beliefs, and help remove those blockages to open up the door to the ‘good life’.”
5) The Holistic Way
Experience has taught us that we can fight addiction most effectively by combining Iboga treatment with holistic therapies and conventional modalities. We’ve seen firsthand the benefits of talk therapy and peer support, and while we’re enthusiastic proponents of energetic, holistic treatments and Iboga therapy, we feel that combining all three methods is the most effective way to end the cycle of addiction. Taking iboga by itself and shirking the other aspects of a robust, holistic recovery plan will accomplish very little.
Here’s how a holistic program of recovery can help to ensure long-term recovery:
“Often, the lingering memories of a client’s stay at Iboga Tree Healing House revolve around what happened in the therapy room and beyond. Our therapies, even if there may have been resistance at the beginning, are the disciplines clients take home with them, not just as memories, but to implement into their essential daily practice, their lifeline.”
6) Preparation
Pre-treatment is an essential building block for success. We’ve learned that postponing treatment when our clients aren’t ready is a necessary step for achieving positive results. We employ a narrative approach to lead our clients away from their addicted selves and portray the iboga experience as a hero’s journey. We feel this helps clients establish and entrench their vision of a substance-free life and gives them their best chance at success.
Here’s why Alvaro believes pre-treatment to be an integral aspect of any successful iboga treatment experience:
“Pre-treatment therapy, although not a mandatory prerequisite to join our program, it is an essential component for the client to get the most out of their Iboga treatment. As we’ve said many times, Iboga is not an instant cure-all but is the most profound catalyst to change. It is unrivaled in its ability to take away withdrawals and create a pre-addicted state brain reset, however, its success is dependent on how one prepares for and integrates the ibogaine experience. Pre-therapy is conducted by our in-house therapy team. We know, those that undertake pre-treatment, are more likely to benefit from the experience.”
7) Aftercare
The importance of aftercare for those who’ve completed iboga treatment cannot be overemphasized. One of our favorite parts of conventional addiction treatment is the fellowship and peer support created by 12 Step group meetings and mentorships. We’ve tried to build a similar structure with our own weekly support meetings. Our goal is to build and sustain a self-supporting community of people who have recovered through Iboga.
Here’s how 12-step fellowships can help to keep one’s recovery journey on the right path:
“During their time at Iboga Tree Healing House, clients are informed on what support groups are out there. From 12 Steps to SMART (there are so many these days). We don’t recommend it, we simply inform of what is on offer. Support is support, if it works for you, then great, if it doesn’t, look for another group or organization. We help them research which fellowships are available close to home so they can hit the ground running. Other than this, every client is invited to join the IRM for life. The IRM is our very own online fellowship, the Ibogaine Recovery Movement. And, like all grassroots movements, it is building momentum.”
It’s worth noting, however, that Iboga remains stigmatized in many 12-step circles, something Alvaro hopes will change in the very near future:
“Some of our clients have indeed suffered from skepticism, judgment, and hostility at 12 Step and SMART meetings. Unfortunately, some attendees are rather closed-minded. I’ve found, however, that if you persist, keep showing up, share your story, gradually it all turns to acceptance.
Funnily enough, I got sacked by my one and only NA sponsor for not informing him that I had taken a ‘drug’ to get off drugs. Little did he know, Iboga is not a drug, it’s a medicine. At the time I was full of resentment, but now I understand that education is so important, and slowly slowly, some of the more closed groups will gradually open up. It won’t be long before there is an ‘iboga initiate’ in every meeting! This is why we are exhibiting at the iCCAD conference in London, to educate, to inform, to make some noise!”
Iboga Tree Healing House (Alvaro’s 2 cents) 
“Tabula Rasa Retreat is not just an Ibogaine treatment centre, it is so much more. We have worked tirelessly, from first-hand addiction experiences to in-depth medical research, to speaking to leading experts around the world, to learning on the job, to find that magic formula. We discovered, there is no magic formula! Addiction is a complex disease and requires tackling from multiple angles. As mentioned earlier, Iboga is an important tool in the toolbox of addiction treatment. As we research further and learn more, we will keep adding to that box. Not one client is the same; it makes perfect sense that a bespoke approach is required to help in the best way we can. We never rest on our laurels.”
