Ibogaine Detox
Does it really work?
Iboga and ibogaine are arguably best known for their capacity in helping combat withdrawal symptoms during opiate detox. There are a lot of centers and articles that boast ibogaine detox’s ability to reset the brain into a ‘pre-addicted state’ and reset the opiate receptors so there is no desire to use drugs after a single treatment. This has made it a very popular tool for those hoping to change their lives and get off drugs for good.
Unfortunately, none of that is true. Ibogaine does not reduce cravings for drugs or reset the brain in any capacity. It does, however significantly reduce the symptoms of withdrawal experienced during opiate detox. Ibogaine is the only non-opiate and non-addictive substance in the world that is known to have such an effect on withdrawal and that fact alone makes it worthy of further exploration and utilization in the western world.
While it is true that ibogaine has this unique capability, the capacity of ibogaine in combating withdrawal has been twisted into an over exaggerated versions of an addiction ‘cure’. Ibogaine detox is not a cure or a quick fix for any addiction.
Addiction to drugs is an overwhelmingly destructive disease that affects the lives of millions of people. Addictions can, and usually do become all-consuming. All time, money, and energy is put into using and getting more of the drug, leaving no time for family or personal relationships.
New Life Iboga stopped offering ibogaine detox services in 2016 after becoming discouraged by the amount of frustrated and desperate people (usually parents or significant others) contacting us on behalf of a loved one struggling with addiction. It became emotionally draining and disheartening to hear these people – bewitched by the miracle properties of ibogaine boasted by centers driven by profit – thinking they could send their sons, daughters, wives, husbands and friends of for a single week off ibogaine treatment and have them come home fixed, cured, complete – the person they were before drugs entered their lives.
The journey to sobriety is long and hard. The best chances for success include participation in a after care program. Since we do not have the resources to offer longer stays or have any partnerships with continuing care programs, we feel that an ibogaine detox at our center would not help any participant achieve long term sobriety.