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Iboga Blog
ibogaine treatment
2nd September 2019
Making Recovery Last: The Importance of Iboga Aftercare
If you’ve been paying attention to the rapidly evolving world of addiction treatment, you’re probably already aware of iboga’s remarkable ability to interrupt the debilitating downward spiral of substance misuse. Iboga has allowed thousands of addicts to effectively treat their withdrawal symptoms. It re-wires neural pathways that have been warped by substance misuse, returning sufferers to a pre-addicted state. But Iboga isn’t a cure-all or a magic bullet. It interrupts addiction and allows people to enter recovery with a blank slate on which to write a brand-new life story. But in order to give that story a happy ending, addicts absolutely must dedicate themselves to iboga aftercare.
Today we’ll be taking a look at some iboga aftercare options that can help your recovery last a lifetime...
Addiction's roots
As we’ve gained a greater understanding of addiction, the idea of the “demon drug” that robs addicts of free will has fallen by the wayside. Addiction is increasingly being viewed as a response to physical and mental pain, and treatment has been evolving to address the psychological roots of the affliction. Influential thinkers like Dr. Gabor Mate and Johann Hari have inspired many to explore the traumas that allow addiction to develop and to treat the ailment with understanding and compassion. As our understanding of addiction has increased, we’ve come to realize that it isn’t an affliction that can be treated uniformly. Every recovering addict must deal with their pain and their triggers in the manner that works best for them. Finding aftercare solutions that offer you the tools you need to address, cope with, and move forward from trauma and pain is an essential step in the recovery process.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are two tools that we would unreservedly recommend to those in recovery. Mindfulness therapy can allow you to avoid negative and self-destructive mind-frames, and allow you to deal with cravings and emotions in a positive way. Mindfulness and meditation and Kundalini yoga have been proven to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and other toxins in the body. Addiction allows those in pain to numb themselves, and a fundamental part of the recovery process is learning to live with your pain. Mindfulness therapy is an incredibly powerful tool for learning to live with and love yourself!
The CBT Difference
Like mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is an effective way to explore and learn to cope with the problems at the root of addiction. Most addicts begin their downward spiral when a substance offers them powerful positive (“this drug makes me feel great”) or negative (“I need to eliminate this stress/pain”) stimuli. Over time they program themselves to unconsciously respond to feelings or situations with “automatic thoughts” or “triggers”: a certain stimulus causes an automatic desire to use a substance to bring pleasure or eliminate pain.
CBT teaches patients to identify and avoid triggers and replace unhealthy behaviors with beneficial ones. It also seeks to change belief systems and alter unhealthy and negative automatic thoughts that spur addiction. Like mindfulness, CBT promotes attention to the self and self-regulation of emotions, two mental tools that can help those in recovery recognize and deal with negative patterns of thought and behavior.
Making Connections
We’ve already written about Johann Hari and the social connection theory of addiction, as well as Dr. Bruce Alexander’s influential Rat Park study. Both are somewhat controversial, but every addiction professional will agree that connecting with others in recovery is an essential piece of the aftercare puzzle. As the SAMHSA fact sheet notes, “research indicates that active participation in any type of peer support group increases the likelihood that members will abstain from alcohol and nonprescription drugs. Furthermore, abstinence rates increase with greater group participation.” The Surgeon General has also found that “controlled studies have demonstrated benefits for consumers participating in self-help" and that "participation in self-help groups has been found to lessen feelings of isolation, increase practical knowledge, and sustain coping efforts."
There are a number of peer support organizations out there, ranging from traditional 12 Step groups to Double Trouble in Recovery for addicts suffering from co-occurring disorders, to SMART Recovery (an alternative to 12 step programs that focus on teaching the skills necessary for building a balanced life). At Iboga Tree Healing House we offer a weekly online aftercare session, which allows up to 8 former clients to meet once a week and share their experiences, trials, and triumphs. Being close to those who have shared your Iboga experience can offer the support and encouragement that everyone on this journey will need.
HALT!
Relapse is always a danger for those in recovery, no matter how careful or committed they are. In fact, many experts would argue that addiction is an affliction that lasts a lifetime and can never be “cured.” Self-care and self-awareness are a must for successful relapse prevention, and one of the simplest tools for ensuring you aren’t vulnerable to triggers is the HALT principle. HALT (asking yourself if you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired) allows you to recognize and deal with problematic emotions that can lead to relapse before they create significant harm. Focusing on nutrition, dealing with emotions constructively, avoiding isolation, and recharging your body and mind will allow you to deal with everyday stresses in a positive fashion and build a healthy and rewarding life for yourself.
The holistic aftercare options we offer at Iboga Tree Healing House, ranging from equine-assisted therapy to Kundalini Yoga and massage, are intended to foster the ability to deal with problematic thoughts and emotions in a positive way. Arming yourself with strategies and techniques for combating cravings and dealing with difficult situations should be a key component in your aftercare plan.
Iboga Aftercare: Staying On The Path
It’s a mistake to think of iboga therapy as a cure for what ails you. Maintaining your sobriety requires careful preparation and a lifetime’s worth of effort. But trust us, emerging from addiction as a healthy, positive, and well-adjusted individual is worth the time and effort. At Iboga Tree Healing House we work with all of our clients to create a personalized ibogaine aftercare plan that will help you to deal with the challenges that lie ahead. If you’re ready to change your life for the better, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
24th July 2019
Choosing an Iboga Treatment Center: 4 Key Things to Consider
You’ve probably heard about the immense potential iboga has shown for treating addiction. In case you haven’t, you can read about iboga’s uncanny ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms, minimize cravings, and reset brain function to pre-addiction levels here.
Iboga treatment is not something you should enter on a whim. In order to ensure that the treatment is right for you, that the iboga treatment center you have chosen is capable of meeting your needs, and, most importantly, that your health and safety are the paramount concerns of the people guiding you through this potentially risky treatment, you need to take the utmost care in choosing an Iboga treatment provider. Here’s our guide to choosing the right Iboga treatment facility.
1) Safety!
Iboga has shown immense potential, but using it comes with serious health risks. Although methadone has been proven to lead to fatalities more frequently than iboga, iboga use has indeed been fatal in some rare cases. Iboga can exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions, blood clots, kidney and liver problems, and psychological issues. However, the vast majority of iboga fatalities have resulted from self-administration and irresponsible or inexperienced treatment providers.
If you’re seriously considering iboga treatment, we would urge you to take a long look at the safety precautions employed by treatment providers. At Iboga Tree Healing House, we keep an ACLS certified medical doctor in-house, rather than a phone call or ambulance ride away. We have a one-to-one nurse to patient ratio, and we insist on a full medical history and full set of lab tests prior to treatment. We also monitor our clients with an EKG machine while they are under the influence of iboga. It is our firm belief that every iboga-related death has been preventable, and that with proper precautions, an experienced staff, and a focus on client safety, treatment facilities can eliminate all of the fatalities from iboga treatment.
2) What are your individual needs?
Every person seeking treatment is different, and every treatment center is different. Although this may seem trite, it’s a key consideration in choosing the right facility for you. Iboga is a powerful tool for overcoming addiction, but it isn’t a magic bullet or a cure-all. You will almost certainly need aftercare to overcome the issues and traumas that led you to addiction in the first place and those in your life that your affliction has caused. You’ll need to rebuild yourself and replace the toxic habits and patterns of thought and behavior addiction has entrenched with positive and healthy ones.
We offer a wide range of holistic treatments ranging from kundalini yoga and holotropic breathwork to equine therapy, and we are convinced of their effectiveness. We also recognize that they aren’t for everyone. You need to look for a facility that offers the tools you need to build a positive and healthy life. That could be a 12-Step Program, intensive psychotherapy, prolonged inpatient treatment, or something else entirely. Carefully consider your own needs, and what has and hasn’t worked in the past, before selecting a treatment center.
3) Value For Money 
Price is obviously a concern for many seeking treatment. But your primary goal here should be to find the right treatment center for you. Addiction is expensive, and pinching pennies to stay at a facility that doesn’t meet your needs will cost more in the long run. We’d recommend deciding on the resources, length of stay, and aftercare you need first, then choosing a facility that meets your needs at a reasonable price. The cheapest options are probably cheap for a reason, and when you’re putting your health and safety into someone else’s hands, it’s wise to make sure that they aren’t cutting corners.
Another great idea if you’re looking for a cost-effective treatment center is to look at the options available abroad. With high-end treatment centers in the US and UK charging upwards of $60,000 USD a month, value-conscious consumers are gravitating towards overseas clinics. Seeking treatment abroad can allow those in recovery to get more bang for their buck in terms of accommodation, ancillary treatments, and care. It can also offer a greater degree of privacy and relaxation. You’ll be in a positive, sunny environment far away from colleagues and family members who you’d prefer to keep your struggles from. Overseas options have the added benefit of providing distance from toxic influences and environments associated with stress and substance misuse.
4) Applicable Laws
Iboga is currently illegal in the US and UK, as well as a host of other jurisdictions in the “First World.” The Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance has a handy map which illustrates where Iboga use is legal. If you’re looking to get clean, you probably don’t want to risk possible arrest and prosecution while you are at your most vulnerable. You will also want to choose a facility that won’t hesitate to get you the medical treatment you need if something goes wrong. Portugal is an excellent choice for pursuing iboga treatment because, while the treatment has yet to be officially approved for addiction, it is not illegal or subject to regulation.
Make It Happen!
You know what to do, it’s time to get it done! Reflect carefully and honestly on your needs, and look for facilities that are capable of meeting them. Make sure that every precaution will be taken to protect your health and keep you safe. Decide whether you’d like to be close to the support of family and friends, or if you’d be more comfortable making a fresh start in a new environment. When you’ve arrived at these decisions, it’s time to embark on a new life free from the struggles of addiction!
29th April 2019
What You Need to Know About Iboga Therapy
If you’re here, you’ve probably heard about Iboga’s remarkable utility in treating all manner of addictions. You’re curious about how this substance works, and concerned about the risks associated with a psychoactive substance that’s illegal in some countries.
If you’re looking to know more about the fascinating history of Iboga, click here, but if you’d like to learn everything you need to know about Ibogaine’s use in treating addiction, keep reading!
How It Works
Iboga’s powerful addiction treatment properties were discovered by an American named Howard Lotsof. As a 19-year-old addict, Mr. Lotsof experimented with psychedelic substances to treat his addiction and discovered that a single dose of Iboga brought an end to the physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal, and dramatically reduced his cravings for drugs. What did it feel like? In the words of one recovered addict:
"As it starts to take effect I feel an intense wave of energy emanating from the center of my chest that permeates my entire body. This euphoric state also brings me instantaneous relief from the discomfort I was feeling after going without heroin for almost 24 hours.
With my withdrawal symptoms completely gone, I am perplexed by the state of clarity I am in while seeing the most profound stream of visual phenomena. I am also filled with a sense of awe at the potential for a life free of heroin. Emotional memories force me to deal with some of the deep subconscious guilt I have repressed for years.
This powerful state persisted for over 12 hours. After remaining at the clinic for a week I was allowed to return home and over the next six months felt almost no cravings whatsoever."
While scientists are not exactly sure how Iboga works, they know it interacts with sigma receptors and 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. Sigma receptors are “opioid receptors” that are activated by drugs like heroin. Researchers theorize that Iboga lightly stimulates them, helping to ease withdrawal symptoms, much like how a nicotine patch helps smokers treat nicotine withdrawal. 5-HT2A receptors are the ones typically activated by psychedelic drugs, and it’s believed that activating them helps to treat depression, while also disrupting thought patterns, allowing the user freedom to break free from negative thoughts and self-destructive patterns of behaviour.
Iboga has been proven to successfully disrupt addiction for a period of 3-6 months for individuals who habitually use opioids, opiates, and stimulants. It resets the brain to a pre-addiction state, and helps cleanse all traces of drugs from your body. However, it is not a magic bullet for treating addiction, and those who hope to lead healthy lives must put in the work to prepare themselves for a life free from addiction. For those addicted to Benzos and alcohol, Iboga therapy can provide substantial benefits, but it cannot help with the withdrawal process.
Iboga use: the risks
Iboga use is not without its risks. We certainly don’t want to sugar-coat the fact that there have been some deaths associated with iboga therapy. Between 1990 and 2008 a total of 19 deaths were associated with Iboga use, and the rate of death during treatment episodes was 1 in 427 (for comparison, the rate of death in Methadone treatment was 1 in 364). Deaths during treatment have mainly been associated with bradycardia (slowing of the heart), liver problems, seizures, and lethal interactions with other substances. Another thing to consider is that Iboga therapy generally restores addicts to a “novice state”, meaning that following treatment their tolerance for substances is significantly lower than it had been, thus increasing the risk of overdose.
So yes, Iboga therapy carries significant risks. But should these risks stop people from seeking it out? The first thing to bear in mind is the dangerous nature of addiction. In the United States, 115 people die every day from the misuse of opiates and opioids. And overdoses are on the rise, in fact, they increased a full 54% in American cities during 2017, according to government studies. Not to mention the fact that drug users suffer from diseases like HIV and Hepatitis at far greater rates than the general population. Individuals suffering from a substance use disorder are 4 times more likely to die from unnatural causes than the average person.
The dangers of heroin addiction are so horrifying that the risk of using Methadone, a treatment associated with a higher rate of death than Iboga, is considered acceptable by doctors and governments the world over. And when comparing the risks of Iboga and Methadone, it should be noted that many of the deaths associated with Iboga use have occurred when the drug was self-administered and used without any degree of medical supervision. Methadone treatment, in spite of being prescribed and administered by medical professionals, is still more dangerous than Iboga!
Iboga safety
While risks are inherent in any treatment of addiction, many of them can be minimized, or even eliminated by taking proper precautions. With Iboga, the first step is to find out if it is safe for you.
Individuals suffering from heart defects and other heart problems are at the greatest risk. Those with impaired liver or kidney function, some psychological disorders, and epilepsy should probably avoid using Iboga. You can see our inclusion and exclusion criteria here, and while we are firm believers in the efficacy of Iboga therapy, we recognize that it can’t work for everyone.
At Iboga Tree Healing House, we provide you with the safest possible setting for Iboga therapy. Unlike the vast majority of Iboga clinics, we have a medical doctor in-house, rather than on-call or at a nearby hospital. We have a nursing team that is based on a 1:1 nurse per patient ratio. We insist on taking a full medical history prior to treatment, as well as a full set of lab results including a full blood panel, liver function analysis, ECG/EKG and more. We also monitor our patients with an EKG machine during treatment. Furthermore, every member of our medical team is ACLS certified by the American Heart Association.
The safety of our clients is our number one priority, and we feel that by taking every precaution, we can offer Iboga therapy that minimizes the health problems associated with treatment and eliminates the risk of death.
