How Ibogaine Works as an Addiction Disruptor

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring compound derived from the Tabernanthe iboga tree, native to West Africa. It is gaining increasing attention from researchers as part of the so-called “psychedelic renaissance”, a new medical trend focused on the therapeutic use of psychedelics for treating addiction and other mental health disorders. In particular, ibogaine has been long-recognized as an effective treatment for opioid addiction, with research dating back to the 1960s showing anecdotal evidence of its efficacy. In order to understand why ibogaine works so effectively, it is important to look at the underlying neurochemical effects of the substance.

How Ibogaine Disrupts Addiction

Ibogaine has the ability to disrupt the neurochemical addiction loop that is caused by opiate molecules hijacking specific neuroreceptors. This loop, which is often referred to as a physical addiction, is more accurately described as a neurochemical dependence. The hijacking of these receptors leads to a painful "open position" that can only be relieved through drug use. Thus, users become trapped in an endless cycle of drug seeking behavior. Ibogaine is able to disrupt this cycle by targeting the opioid receptors and helping them to reset to their normal state. This allows patients to break the addiction loop and live a healthier life without the need to seek out drugs. Additionally, ibogaine is able to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms

Ibogaine’s Mechanism of Action

As a natural alkaloid, ibogaine goes through a process of metabolization when administered orally. The neurochemical effects of ibogaine can be felt within an hour. Low doses stimulate the central nervous system, while higher doses cause hallucinations. Patients don’t immediately feel the neurochemical reaction of ibogaine targeting opioid receptors through the intervention of serotonin, dopamine, and other chemicals. The mechanism of action closes the opioid receptors, thus resetting them to a previous state.

How Ibogaine Alleviates WithdrawalSymptoms

Many patients who have completed residential ibogaine programs say they "felt like new" after detoxifying from hallucinations. This happens because the neurochemical loops of their brains’ reward systems have been disrupted. In other words, they no longer feel those terrible cravings accompanied by depression, fatigue, despair, chills, and other unpleasant symptoms.

This "new state" enables patients to continue their recovery processes without fear that desperation will cause them to relapse. It’s important to clarify that ibogaine only addresses severe opioid withdrawal and not the compulsion itself, although the psychedelic properties of the substance also play a role in this regard.

Ibogaine Therapy for Compulsion

Ongoing research shows ibogaine’s mechanism of action can also help patients who have become dependent on stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. The same can be said about nicotine addiction.

From a mental health perspective, patients who go through ibogaine therapy often report they feel empowered to leave their addictions behind, and this is probably related to what they experienced during their hallucinatory periods. Researchers don’t have a clear neurochemical explanation for this as of 2023, but a few studies suggest that the forced introspection caused by psychedelics makes patients realize they have great opportunities to modify their compulsive behaviors.

Although research suggests ibogaine may help an individual stop using addictive substances, it’s not a miracle cure for addiction disorders. Continuing therapy and rehabilitation are still essential for a complete and enduring recovery. Ibogaine treatment may serve as a useful detoxification tool by interrupting the substance abuse and addiction cycle, but people who go to ibogaine clinics will continue to need behavioral therapy and other forms of addiction treatment to maintain long-lasting sobriety. Ibogaine treatment is currently illegal in the U.S., but there are facilities outside the United States that offer it. For ibogaine treatment, Tijuana, Mexico, is one of the most popular destinations among Americans.