Addiction can take a toll on your health. No matter what type of addiction you might have, its dependence can make your life a whole lot harder. Gambling, alcohol, and drugs can lead to mental addiction. It can be tough to put an end to your habit. It is not easy to quit. In fact, you might find it to be impossible.
The fact is that dependent behavior only stabilizes with time. Even if you try the usual techniques on psycho-correction, you cannot always expect to see results. However, there is no need to lose hope as ibogaine therapy might just be what you need. It refers to using alternative methods for treating a variety of addictions. By opting for a short-term course, it is possible to fundamentally change your consciousness to understand the internal problems at play. Thus, you would be in a better position to leave gambling, drugs, and alcohol for good. As for ibogaine therapy, it does not have any addicting effects.
What Is Ibogaine?
In the simplest of words, ibogaine is a powerful psychoactive substance derived from iboga root extract. It has been used for centuries in West Arica for both ritual and medicinal purposes. When the substance is used in small doses, it acts as a stimulant and removes fatigue. Thus, it enhances energy. On the other hand, if the dosage is high, an individual would experience a dream while being awake. The vivid dreams and memories would be activated by the subconscious.
Research
Ibogaine therapy was introduced after the effect of iboga root extract was investigated during the 1960s. Only when the substance was studied at a scientific level did its many benefits became apparent. The course of the research showed that ibogaine can assist in improving objective perception of difficult experiences. Thus, it could be used for helping close emotionally unresolved conflicts. An accidental discovery of this research was its ability to eliminate cravings for psychotropic drugs without causing any withdrawal syndromes.
Although the research was conducted in 1962, it was only in the early 1990s that the US National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated developing ibogaine to be used for treatment. Preclinical trials were finances for the testing of the drug on animals. After ibogaine was proven to be safe, clinical trials on humans were held at the University of Miami. It was found that ibogaine suppresses the need for alcohol, stimulants, and opiates which could considerably reduce opiate addiction withdrawal symptoms. There was no neurotoxic effect from the study. In fact, ibogaine effectively decreases tolerance to opiates and alcohol.
Ibogaine Efficacy
Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Research (MAPS) has carried out multiple studies on the efficacy of ibogaine therapy. The findings have only proven just how effective ibogaine therapy can be. In fact, the results showed that 80 to 85 percent of patients who underwent the treatment for at least a year no longer continued taking psychotropic drugs.
There have also been plenty of studies conducted in Brazil to determine the efficacy of ibogaine therapy. They revealed that about 61 percent of patients that underwent a combination treatment consisting of psychotherapy and ibogaine consciously stopped consuming alcohol, cannabis, crack, and cocaine.
In addition to the amount of toxic substances used and their negative consequences, it was also found that the financial, social, and general condition of patients improved. They were even able to work on their relations with loved ones and improve ties. Using ibogaine helps with detoxification. It is clear that absolute abstinence from psychotropic substance consumption is inevitable with ibogaine therapy in comparison to other treatment options.
Safety
To ensure that patients get the right treatment, constant medical supervision is offered. This helps ensure safety of the patients. Besides this, there is also a comprehensive examination of the patient to prevent over-usage.
Contraindications
The following contraindications should be kept in mind before undergoing ibogaine therapy.
- Severe Mental Disorders
- Cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmia
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Thromboses
- Strokes And Other Vascular Pathologies
- Heart Failure
- Anemia
A comprehensive preliminary detoxification is a prerequisite for the treatment. It helps prevent serious consequences of the combined effects of ibogaine, alcohol, and drugs on the body, especially if it has not been a long time since opiates were last taken. Keep in mind that self-treatment with ibogaine is strongly discouraged and outright dangerous. To achieve the desired result without any harm, the drug has to be taken under medical supervision at a medical center. Only unrefined plant raw materials should be used for the treatment.
Are There Any Risks?
Using ibogaine does come with serious risks such as death which is why you have to stick to a medical expert. Complications that one might experience are mentioned below.
- Ataxia
- Heart Complications
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Seizures
There is no denying that ibogaine treatment can be quite risky. It is important that you only opt for it by working with a medical profession.
Additional Treatment Options for Addiction
When it comes to addiction, there are additional treatment options that you can discuss with your doctor before deciding to go with ibogaine therapy. These are mentioned below.
- Behavioral Counseling: Psychologists who have been trained in drug addiction work towards helping individuals start a new, drug-free life. Everything is kept confidential which means that you have nothing to worry about. Make sure to find someone who you have no trouble communicating with and feeling comfortable around.
- Detoxification: It is done to rid the body of the drug itself. It can either be done with the assistance of a medical professional at home or at a treatment center. There are plenty of treatment centers throughout the country. Hence, you should be able to find one that is suits your needs.
Conclusion
Overcoming addiction is a long process. However, it is definitely possible. Ibogaine therapy offers great hope to those of you who are struggling to start a new life. It is believed that our post will help point you in the right direction.
