Vision Quest to End Addiction:
Ibogaine Research Continues in the Caribbean
Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid derived from the West African rain forest shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Anecdotal reports from addict self-help networks have long reported that Ibogaine may decrease the signs of opiate withdrawal and reduce drug craving for cocaine and heroin. Beginning in the 1960's and continuing today, interest in Ibogaine for drug dependence treatment has grown. In Europe and South America, self-help networks provided Ibogaine treatments for detoxification. Preclinical studies in animal models supported these claims.
The team of researchers at the University of Miami School of Medicine was the first to propose a scientific study of Ibogaine in drug-dependent patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has permitted the study of Ibogaine in male volunteers. Unfortunately, the studies have not gone forward in the U.S. because of a lack of funding. The Ibogaine Research Project at UM had to cease all clinical research in 1995.
However, the Healing Transitions Institute for Addiction Recovery, Ltd. has provided an opportunity to continue our initial research program with this experimental drug. In a private clinical setting on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, W.I., Ibogaine is administered under medical supervision and the client is monitored closely for the next 24 to 36 hours. The client then remains in a residential program for two weeks to work intensively with program staff. This recovery period allows the client to develop insights into his or her drug or alcohol problem, to begin the healing process and to develop coping skills to block relapse to previous patterns. The process continues after he or she leaves the island and returns home. This information is very important for the success of the research program and serves to guide and provide a rationale for future medical development of Ibogaine in the U.S. To participate in this program and to receive treatment, a person must be in good health.
The treatment approach uses a combination of tested techniques, along with newly developing behavioral interventions, to enhance the effects of Ibogaine. By making the treatment short term (14 days), we have attempted to maximize the impact of this intervention, while at the same time minimizing the costs. However, it should be understood that total treatment for a lifetime drug-free state cannot reasonably be accomplished in this time frame. This is why we ask the prospective client to provide us with a referral from his current treatment provider, counselor or family physician. This arrangement will help as we work to develop an after-care plan for the client.
Further ibogaine study is needed. Our research is now focusing on the use of ibogaine in treating heroin and methadone withdrawal. Thus far, preliminary evaluations suggest Ibogaine provides a gentle detoxification, decreases post-withdrawal cravings, and improves one's mood. Client support has been remarkable. As one client said, "I was depressed before coming here for treatment. Today, my withdrawal symptoms are gone and, overall, I feel mentally and physically healthy again."
In addition, Ibogaine therapy has an added benefit in that it fosters a therapeutic alliance between the client and the treatment counselor. Two predictors for successful long-term abstinence are meaning seeking and motivation for personal change. Another client gave us his impressions: "Ibogaine is a teaching tool. It taught me that there is potential inside. And if you tap that potential, you can use it to help in your recovery."
These promising findings suggest that Ibogaine treatment may be a powerful first step on the road to recovery. While the studies are still preliminary, the results to date offer great hope for people who desire to break the vicious cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.
Deborah C. Mash, Ph.D.
Director of Research