Ibogaine is an alkaloid found in western Central Africa. When taken in small doses, it acts as a stimulant and can manage opiate withdrawal symptoms. Also, it can help with other things such as cravings for drugs or alcohol that one may be experiencing due to their addiction. However, when you take too much iboga-type, sedative-like effects will lead you to dissociative states. This is where you feel disconnected from yourself, along with any negative feelings about life choices made while using drugs. This could cause someone who has been badly hurt by these substances to reopen old wounds—meaning healing must happen before anything else happens.
How does ibogaine help treat drug addictions?
Once you take ibogaine, it’s changed into an active metabolite known as noribogaine. The active metabolite noribogaine has been shown to have unique activity at primary pharmacological targets that control addiction circuits in people’s brains. This may be why ibogaine is effective for treating addictions associated with drugs like heroin or cocaine.
Ibogaine also boosts serotonin, an important neurotransmitter in the brain that can be affected by chronic use of opioids or other addictive substances such as marijuana. With that said, ibogaine will not give someone new desires for harmful substances. Rather, what we see after taking ibogaine dominates your mind, so you can’t go back again.
Ibogaine is an effective treatment for drug addiction because it blocks the withdrawal symptoms and cravings while also helping to alleviate depression during recovery. Besides helping with depression during recovery periods, studies have shown iboga to alleviate emotional distress associated with quitting taken substances. The metabolite also works wonders when it comes to getting clean again because, unlike most rehab centers which focus only on changing your behavior, not getting you clean.
Also, studies have shown that ibogaine works wonders for those who have experienced Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. It can help reduce cravings and depression and increase energy levels during the early stages of recovery from drugs or alcohol addiction.
Moreover, ibogaine can help you start getting clear thoughts. This is because the substance can help you create a new plan for your life, thus assisting you to have a clean life as you transition to sober living.
With that said, you must note that the effectiveness of ibogaine in blocking the side effects of opioid withdrawal is around 50 – 80%. Most people recovering from drug abuse say that their desire for drug abuse significantly reduced after taking ibogaine. However, there’s one thing you must note before starting ibogaine treatment—it acts as an addiction interrupter, but not a cure for drug addiction.
According to the doctors at Clear Sky Recovery, ibogaine treatment center, patients need a quiet and calm environment while undergoing ibogaine therapy. Besides, they must be under medical supervision all the time until they finish their therapy. Moreover, recovering addicts need to note that ibogaine can make them stay alert and awake for several days. Thus, they are encouraged to take a lot of rest before and after their treatment program.
Now, there’s one thing that everyone must understand—ibogaine treatment is not the only solution for drug addiction. Thus, recovering addicts are advised to seek alternative therapy and follow-up care to avoid the possibility of a relapse. Let’s look at other support treatment options for ibogaine treatment.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are the most common type of addiction treatment. They help people change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy – this is a type of behavioral therapy that helps people to change the thoughts and beliefs that contribute to addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs.
- Motivational enhancement therapy – this type of behavioral therapy helps people become motivated to change their behavior. Motivational enhancement therapy helps people find their reasons for wanting to change.
- Contingency management therapy – this is a type of behavioral therapy that uses rewards to help people change their behavior. Contingency management therapy uses positive reinforcement to reward people for completing healthy behaviors.
- Family therapy – this type of behavioral therapy involves family members in the treatment process. Family therapy helps families understand and support their loved ones during addiction treatment.
Behavioral therapies are effective in treating addiction. They can help people to overcome their addictions and stay sober.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment is the use of medications to treat addiction. These medications help to reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. They also help to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
There are three types of medication-assisted treatment:
- Methadone maintenance therapy – this involves the use of methadone to treat addiction to heroin and other opioids. Methadone helps to reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. It also helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Buprenorphine maintenance therapy – this is the use of buprenorphine to treat addiction to heroin and other opioids. Buprenorphine helps to reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. It also helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Naltrexone therapy – this is the use of naltrexone to treat addiction to alcohol and other opioids. Naltrexone helps to reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. It also helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-assisted treatment can be very effective in treating addiction. It can help people to overcome their addictions and stay sober.
Detoxification
Detoxification is the process of removing drugs and alcohol from the body. It is often the first step in addiction treatment. Also, detoxification helps people to overcome physical dependence on drugs and alcohol. It also helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms, which can be very uncomfortable. They can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Detoxification can help to make withdrawal less painful and more comfortable.
