Netflix has a great documentary right now called, Breaking the Habit," the story of one man's struggle to end his heroin addiction. It's a poignant story, as it reminds viewers that 90% of those who are addicted to heroin will never recover. It was the first time I heard about ibogaine, as it detailed the story of David, who traveled to Mexico for a controversial treatment designed to help addicts detox quickly.
Studies suggest that ibogaine has considerable potential in the treatment of addiction to heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methadone, and alcohol. There is also indication that it may be useful in treating tobacco dependence.
A single administration of ibogaine typically has three effects useful in the treatment of drug dependence. Firstly, it causes a massive reduction in the symptoms of drug withdrawal, allowing relatively painless detoxification. Secondly, there is a marked lowering in the desire to use drugs for a period of time after taking ibogaine, typically between one week and several months. This has been confirmed by scientific studies. Finally, the drug's psychoactive nature is reported to help many users understand and resolve the issues behind their addictive behaviour.
It's not magic. While ibogaine can help detox, the addicts have to change their behaviors, attitudes and often, their entire lives must be uproooted. Those who are most successful are those who actually pack up their bags and move to create a new drug-free life. The documentary did a good job of presenting those who succeeded and those who didn't using ibogaine. Anyone have any experiences?
