Can Ibogaine Be Dangerous?
The use of ibogaine is gaining notice around the world as a psychoactive substance used as sacred medicine by some people. It was used historically in opioid addiction treatment because it can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and eliminate cravings. It is not a legal drug and may cause serious harm and addiction for people who use it. The challenge is to find a way to understand the drug, its history, and how it came to be in modern day use.
Trading Drugs
Heroin addiction can be the starting point for people to use Ibogaine. When trying to cope with the symptoms of withdrawal from heroin, ibogaine can support feeling more emotionally and physically stable. It may also take the edge off just enough that it becomes a trade-in, or cross-addiction. There are risks associated with cross-addiction that may pop up over time. Ibogaine is not a cure-all for people who have addictions.
Contact Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center Today
Medical reports of issues with Ibogaine use are widely reported. It can interfere with people’s heart rates and lead to long-term health consequences. Short term, people may hallucinate, experience nausea or vomiting. It is classified as a Schedule I substance, described as a drug with no medicinal use and a high potential for abuse. Some studies have been done that look at successful use of ibogaine in the treatment of substance abuse but smaller samples of those who are successful does not mean it is good for everyone. Because ibogaine may be neurotoxic at high dosages, there are some instances of people who have died from treatment. Other issues that have popped up include:
- Classification: the FDA classifies ibogaine as a Schedule I drug, putting in the same place as heroin or ecstasy as a drug
- Illegal in the United States but still available in other countries
- It is not good to trade one drug for another in treatment
The treatment a person receives in rehab depends on where they go and who is treating them. Treatment philosophies vary widely, so it is important to look into this before starting any program. Treatment of addiction has shifted and recovery centers are more holistic in nature. They look more broadly at the mind-body connection to support people in recovery. Recovery is not just a one and done thing. It is about looking at how a person will respond to treatment asking if this is the right path for them. Long term, the risks of ibogaine use are many. The key is to find hope and healing on the other side of recovery which, for many, will be a journey of discovering what works and what doesn’t to aid them in the healing process.
The Palmetto Center has a detox and treatment program designed with you in mind. We focus on what your needs are at the time of arrival and focus on your specific program to support the journey after you leave. We provide a professional program to help licensed professionals find support for addiction. If you are thinking about treatment, give us a cal: 866-848-3001.
