Ibogaine refers to a natural psychoactive substance found in the Iboga plant. This hallucinogen has both dissociative and psychedelic properties and is banned in a couple of countries. It is used to treat addiction to cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, methadone, alcohol and other drugs. Derivatives of this substance that do not have hallucinogenic properties are now being developed. Within African spiritual traditions this substance is used in ritual and medical purposes by the Bwiti people.
In the year 1962 Howard Lotsof became the first to advertise the anti additive properties of the substance but its use by the westerners predates this year by a century. It has been used as a dieting drug which was marketed in France going by the name Lambarene and in the 50s the CIA also did some studies on its effects. It is either semi-synthesized from a precursor compound known as voacangine another plant alkanoid or as an iboga plant extract an indole alkaloid.
Although a full organic synthesis of this substance has been achieved, the process is too challenging and expensive to produce commercially significant yield. This is basically because the synthesis has to be conducted in an anoxic environment and this process was published in the U. S in 1956. Although its prohibition has slowed scientific research in several countries regarding its anti-addictive properties, its use as treatment for drug abuse has grown.
There are 2 phases through which this hallucinogen is broken down, the first phase being the visionary phase and the second being the introspection phase. Phase 1 normally last between 4 to 6 hours and the psychotherapeutic effect of the substance is experienced once the second phase starts. Through it, drug addicts are able to conquer their fears as well as negative emotions. A dream like altered state of consciousness is catalyzed by the extract.
Among the first noticeable effects of taking a large dose is ataxia which makes it difficult to coordinate muscle motion. This is followed by dry mouth or xerostomia, nausea and vomiting. The duration taken by these symptoms may be long ranging from 4 to 24 hours. Sometimes this substance can be administered by enema to help subjects avoid vomiting the dose.
Eliminating or reducing opioid addiction is the most studied therapeutic effect of the extract. It can affect compulsive behavioral patterns and can also be used to treat addiction to other kinds of drugs. Instructive replays of things that led to addiction is a visual phenomena as reported by those that have experienced effects of this substance. Also reported are shamanic therapeutic visions which are a great help in overcoming fear and negative emotions that drive one to addiction.
Aftercare, therapy and intensive counseling is proposed to be of significant value during the interruption period. Some may require a second or third session over a period of 12-18 months with a minority relapsing back to opiate addition after a few days or weeks. This type of treatment also works with LSD producing a therapeutic effect on alcoholism.
There might not be enough evidence to support the effect of this substance as a chronic pain management drug, but it can potentiate morphine analgesia. A book by Claudio Naranjo titled The Healing Journey document Ibogaine as a psychotherapy adjunct.
In the year 1962 Howard Lotsof became the first to advertise the anti additive properties of the substance but its use by the westerners predates this year by a century. It has been used as a dieting drug which was marketed in France going by the name Lambarene and in the 50s the CIA also did some studies on its effects. It is either semi-synthesized from a precursor compound known as voacangine another plant alkanoid or as an iboga plant extract an indole alkaloid.
Although a full organic synthesis of this substance has been achieved, the process is too challenging and expensive to produce commercially significant yield. This is basically because the synthesis has to be conducted in an anoxic environment and this process was published in the U. S in 1956. Although its prohibition has slowed scientific research in several countries regarding its anti-addictive properties, its use as treatment for drug abuse has grown.
There are 2 phases through which this hallucinogen is broken down, the first phase being the visionary phase and the second being the introspection phase. Phase 1 normally last between 4 to 6 hours and the psychotherapeutic effect of the substance is experienced once the second phase starts. Through it, drug addicts are able to conquer their fears as well as negative emotions. A dream like altered state of consciousness is catalyzed by the extract.
Among the first noticeable effects of taking a large dose is ataxia which makes it difficult to coordinate muscle motion. This is followed by dry mouth or xerostomia, nausea and vomiting. The duration taken by these symptoms may be long ranging from 4 to 24 hours. Sometimes this substance can be administered by enema to help subjects avoid vomiting the dose.
Eliminating or reducing opioid addiction is the most studied therapeutic effect of the extract. It can affect compulsive behavioral patterns and can also be used to treat addiction to other kinds of drugs. Instructive replays of things that led to addiction is a visual phenomena as reported by those that have experienced effects of this substance. Also reported are shamanic therapeutic visions which are a great help in overcoming fear and negative emotions that drive one to addiction.
Aftercare, therapy and intensive counseling is proposed to be of significant value during the interruption period. Some may require a second or third session over a period of 12-18 months with a minority relapsing back to opiate addition after a few days or weeks. This type of treatment also works with LSD producing a therapeutic effect on alcoholism.
There might not be enough evidence to support the effect of this substance as a chronic pain management drug, but it can potentiate morphine analgesia. A book by Claudio Naranjo titled The Healing Journey document Ibogaine as a psychotherapy adjunct.
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