This is Longevity Partner Content. The ever-rising number of people battling with substance addiction, which makes life a constant struggle for addicts and their families, has resulted in an increased necessity for better treatment techniques. Fortunately, most rehabilitation centers and drug addiction experts have been up to the task through constant endeavors to find long-term solutions to patients. There has been a push for the discovery of more effective treatment. This stems from a worrying cycle where an addict gets out of a rehabilitation center relapses after a short period and is back again for treatment. This has resulted in drug addiction experts and scientists looking beyond the traditional limits of what defined addiction treatment and seeking more suitable alternatives, particularly ibogaine.
An estimated 40 -60% of people who have undergone addiction treatment are likely to experience some kind of relapse (1). While this is not an encouraging statistic, drug addiction similar to any other chronic condition, is not the most straightforward condition to manage. Relapse is not a sign of treatment failure. Rather, it’s a call to action. The current treatment plan is not working so it needs to be adjusted in some way.
Generally, there are lots of causes for relapse by individuals undergoing treatment.
Each addiction case is unique. Thus, each patient must have a fully customized way to manage their treatment. This is primarily why the expertise of drug addiction specialists is unavoidable for anyone who wants to take full charge of their lives for the long term.
Focus on alternative treatment programs
A lot of research has focused on emerging areas of alternative treatment models that can complement or replace traditional treatment plans. While the term ‘alternative’ has stuck, this no longer strictly refers to ‘out of the mainstream procedures’ but to therapies that are becoming accepted in place of traditional approaches. One of the primary factors that has propelled this niche segment is the expectation that these treatment models will significantly bring the much-needed change to the cycle of relapses faced by addicts. However, on the other hand, it is equally the reality that there is no magic treatment, which will instantly put an end to the drug addiction epidemic globally. Still, the push for better results from addiction treatment programs has been the foundation for introducing new therapies that will make it easier to cure addiction.
Currently, a substance addiction treatment technique that is increasingly becoming more popular is the use of ibogaine. The iboga shrub, hailing from in West Africa, is the host of this psychedelic substance. Traditional healing ceremonies and rituals have been using the substance for centuries. Belgian and French explorers first recorded its use and effects back in the 1800s. However, it was not until the mid-twentieth century that it was carefully studied. It has since been discovered to be highly effective in treating addictions, and while it has been termed as a miracle cure for addiction, given the high success rates witnessed over the years, it takes seasoned professionals to offer the best ibogaine treatment. This is because it comes with lots of risks from unregulated treatment, considering it is a powerful psychedelic.
The working mechanisms of ibogaine
According to recent studies on opioid addiction, the right dose of ibogaine offers fast-acting interruption of drug addiction symptoms. This can consequently see the individual suffering from addiction return to their pre-addicted state. They will then go on to live a life free from substance abuse worries. Primarily, when a person takes ibogaine, it then connects with several neurotransmitter systems. It then links to the receptors associated with addiction. These receptors include sigma-2-receptors. They are associated with cocaine addiction, opioid receptors, and serotonin receptors that are responsible for social behaviors. One thing about the use of ibogaine is that its effects take place rapidly. There is also a unique interruption therapy that puts an end to an active addiction by interrupting the brain’s dopamine uptake. By interrupting the crucial pathways in the brain responsible for addiction, it re-sets one to a state before the addiction.
Ibogaine becomes suitable for use once it is converted to noribogaine after the first-pass metabolism by the liver. As such, this conversion allows it to continue working for up to four months. This consequently assists in the management of post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal symptoms are common amongst individuals getting treated for addiction. The result is that the treatment provides one with the maximum chance to get away from addictive drugs. They will then go on to have a life free from the chains of addiction. As a metabolite of ibogaine, noribogaine has the high efficacy required to manage drug-dependence disorders and alleviate the cravings that can result in relapse. Consequently, this provides the perfect opportunity where with the right guidance; it is possible for an individual battling addiction to change their life completely.
What about the side effects?
Generally, individuals who get treated with ibogaine get to be in an oneirophrenic state where they get to have visualizations. This is always within the first few minutes of ingesting the plant-based substance. Also, these dream-like visions tend to have little or no relation to the patient’s life. However, this quickly fades away as after half an hour to 45 minutes the drug withdrawal symptoms start to disappear.
On the bright side, the dream-like visions do subside. Once they do, the patient gets to a state where they can evaluate their state by using past behaviors as the vantage point. According to drug addiction experts, this is important. In fact, this plays a role as to the effectiveness of the use of ibogaine for detoxification and long-term recovery. There is something vital that happens during the dream-like visions. One gets to conveniently confront all past destructive behaviors and face their fears. Consequently, this helps the individuals undergoing treatment to take an active part in the mental and emotional work that full recovery demands.
What are the dangers of ibogaine?
One fact about ibogaine treatment is that it does not work the same for all individuals. It is for this reason that specialists do not recommend self-medication and purchasing drugs online. This is because it is one of the world’s most dangerous psychedelics. The main danger is the heart risks that come from using the drug. Also, mixing it with other medicines can quickly become fatal. In fact, most countries prohibit the trade of the substance and they only allow drug addiction specialists to use it.
You need to trust a drug addict specialist certified to offer this treatment. They will take a keen interest in all the current and prior medication a patient has been taking. The risk of having cardiac complications is always higher when a patient is using Cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) blockers/competitors, antidepressant drugs, anti-arrhythmic drugs, and antipsychotics.
It’s not a cure-all drug
There is also the fact that there are lots of false claims as to the efficacy of ibogaine. Some of the notable claims that have been sold to the public include that it can cure Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
The truth is that while there are lots of clinical tests on the use of ibogaine for other lines of treatment, there is a lack of clinical evidence to support the claims. Unfortunately, these outrageous claims have resulted in lots of illegitimate information that has painted the industry in a bad light as a lot of people chase false hopes. Therefore, it is important that ibogaine treatment is conducted in a highly regulated environment.
The Right Approach to Ibogaine Treatment
As demand for ibogaine has soared over the years, the market has become filled with different forms of the drug. It takes a seasoned expert to clearly distinguish these many forms of ibogaine. This is because successful treatment dictates the use of highly purified versions of the plant root. Treatment centers that have been certified to offer the therapy understand this. Hence, they will never provide you with the less-effective and cheaper semi-synthetic ibogaine that currently dominates the market. Instead, they use highly purified ibogaine hydrochloride in the treatment. It will have undergone laboratory tests and meet stringent guidelines set by the USFDA. Not all ibogaine in the market is equal. It’s important to never take chances when it comes to drug addiction treatment. This is because the most effective product and the program will guarantee long-term results.
One should have the right customized treatment that will propel them to start a new life. They simply need to go to treatment centers that have a history of implementing an ibogaine therapy program. Leading specilaists will provide better guidance and guaranteed satisfaction. All in all, the use of ibogaine treatment is currently implemented for individuals fighting against the addiction of cocaine & crack, OxyCodone & OxyContin, Methamphetamine, Adderall, Methadone, alcohol, and Buprenorphine. Opt for a treatment center that has invested in this line of treatment. They will be the silver lining that individuals battling with addiction require for a turn-around in their lives.
The Bottom Line
Finally, and most importantly, as with any other drug addiction treatment, ibogaine treatment does not mark the beginning and end of one’s recovery program. There is more than a team of drug addiction specialists providing the right dose and monitoring the effects. Supported by other aspects, there is also a holistic treatment. Primarily, the detoxification by ibogaine offers an addict the chance to seize an opportunity. This opportunity will allow them to let go of their old behaviors. This is a window opportunity for the individual undergoing treatment.
Since this is a re-birth, pre-care, and aftercare is as important as the treatment itself. In fact, this is the surest way to have a solid foundation for breaking free from the chains of addiction.
For both pre-care and aftercare, it is crucial to have certified clinical psychologists and recovery coaches to provide much-needed guidance. There should also be much more support and dedication that must come from individuals battling addiction, family, and friends. Relapses can easily occur from external triggers. Thus, a top priority should be re-integrating in a non-toxic environment. This environment should be far away from the factors that led to the addiction. Support from family and friends will be vital to offer love and care. In doing so, it will avoid mental fears plus feelings of loneliness that gradually push individuals back to drug use.
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The word ‘addiction’ has its roots in a Latin term meaning ‘enslaved’ or ‘bound to’. This is accurate, as a person suffering from substance abuse literally becomes a slave to his or her addiction. Click here for more if you want to better understand substance abuse and addiction.
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