Explore effective strategies for dealing with persistent cravings after a successful Ibogaine detoxification. Gain insights from experts, learn from success stories, and discover how to lead a healthier life post-detox.
Although it isn’t a magic bullet, many have found relief through Ibogaine detoxification. Still, one challenge that often surfaces is the persistent cravings that follow after detox.
In this blog post, we will explore some effective strategies to manage these cravings post-Ibogaine treatment.
Let’s dive in…
Understanding Ibogaine Treatment and Detoxification
Ibogaine therapy can be transformative for individuals grappling with substance dependence and opioid dependence. Ibogaine has shown promise in treating opioid withdrawal, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. However, it’s essential to understand that Ibogaine isn’t a cure for addiction, but a powerful tool to start the journey of recovery.
Despite the effectiveness of Ibogaine in minimizing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings initially, post-treatment cravings can still occur.
As noted by Dr. Martin Polanco, founder of the Crossroads Treatment Center, “Ibogaine is like a reset button for your brain’s addictive tendencies, but like any reset, old patterns can creep back in if not addressed correctly”.
He also added in one of his interventions on Ibogaine-psychedelic opioid misuse therapy that Polanco warns people should research their provider, saying “the quality of treatment and medical oversight can vary from one clinic to another.”
The Journey of Ibogaine Detoxification
Iboga detoxification is a unique and transformative process designed to combat substance addiction and opioid detoxification.
It begins with a thorough assessment to ensure the patient’s suitability, followed by the administration of Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance known for its ability to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. It is particularly effective in reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms, and providing relief from the severe discomfort associated with opioid detoxification.
The patient then experiences an introspective phase, often uncovering and addressing the root cause of their addiction.
This is followed by an extended period of rest and integration, where patients begin to process their experiences and prepare for a life of sobriety.
The journey is challenging but can be a pivotal step towards lasting recovery.
Post-Detox Cravings and Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect
After completing an Ibogaine detox, opioid-dependent patients often experience post-detox cravings as the body and mind adjust to the absence of the previously abused substance. This is especially true for those with prescription opioid dependence, who may face unique challenges in their recovery journey.
These cravings can manifest as strong urges or thoughts towards the substance, and can often be accompanied by mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. It’s important to note that these are normal parts of the recovery process and there are strategies available to effectively manage them.
Why Cravings Occur after Detox
Cravings after detox and acute opioid withdrawal happen because the brain got used to having the substance and now misses it. Studies have shown that acute opioid withdrawal can significantly impact opioid withdrawal ratings, highlighting the severity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Imagine your brain like a car engine – the addictive substance was like oil, helping it run smoothly. After detox, the “oil” is removed. The engine (your brain) has to adjust and learn to function properly without it.
This adjustment period can cause cravings as the brain seeks to return to its previous state of comfort. It’s a natural response, but with time and the right support, it will lessen.
Effective Strategies for Dealing with Persistent Cravings
Mindfulness and Meditation
Research has also indicated the benefits of mindfulness in treating substance abuse disorders. Mindfulness helps by allowing individuals to accept their cravings without judgment and letting them pass, reducing their intensity over time.
Continuing Therapy
Post-treatment therapy for opioid-dependent patients is also crucial. According to a study published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies, ongoing therapeutic support post-Ibogaine treatment significantly improves long-term abstinence rates.
Support Groups
Connecting with others who have walked a similar path can be extremely beneficial. Many online platforms, like the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, offer community support for those dealing with post-detox cravings.
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can significantly reduce cravings, as shown by a study from the American Journal of Health Behavior.
Expert Opinions on Post-Detox Cravings
According to Dr. Mark Hyman, a well-designed detoxification plan can help you reclaim control of your appetite, end cravings, speed up your metabolism, lose belly fat, and even reverse disease.
This is particularly important for those dealing with post-detox cravings and opioid overdose. Experts also highlight the growing issue of prescription opioid dependence and the need for effective treatment methods.
Best of all, you begin getting these results within the first few days. Another source suggests that experiencing cravings is a normal part of the addiction recovery process.
Holli Bassin suggests that fighting and resisting food cravings is the hardest part of a detox.
Success Stories: Triumph over Cravings Post-Detox
Deborah Becker, a senior correspondent, and host at WBUR brings to light the story of Dustin Dextraze, a man who started an addiction to prescription painkillers and moved to a less expensive option in heroin, which was also easy to access, an addiction that cost him his family and job.
Dustin Dextraze, like many drug-dependent subjects, faced significant challenges in overcoming his addiction. Ibogaine, a psychoactive drug, has been used by many to successfully transition from opioid dependence to sobriety.
He finally decided to get help and considered ibogaine, which saw him travel to Mexico for treatment. He recounts lots of interesting visions he had during his iboga journey I saw my kids when I left them, and I knew that they were sad and afraid that I wasn’t coming back, so I kept saying, ‘I didn’t leave them. It also showed me other embarrassing things I’ve done… I don’t want to go into detail about a lot of it.
But once I said, ‘OK, I did those things,’ it got better. At first, it seemed like it wasn’t the greatest experience, because it wasn’t but it was exactly what I needed.
Dextraze says He returned home and has since put his life together, reunited with his family, and got himself a part-time job while attending counseling and support group meetings and trying to stay clean from drugs.
More stories…
Vice carries the story of Richard, who has been taking opioids for more than 10 years and just like Dextraze he lost his family, job, and friends.
Following his ibogaine treatment, he was reported to be free from cravings but had wildly incessant yawning and mild anxiety a few days after his trip.
Alex, another person with heroin addiction who found refuge in ibogaine…
It was a completely different situation, as he explains, “Had I not had caregivers to support me during the recovery phase, I would have been in a real bind.
Immediately after my treatment, I required the kind of care akin to that of a newborn. Everything feels heightened following an ibogaine session.
A minimum recovery period of two weeks is recommended post-treatment. This period is crucial for assimilating the experience and focusing on self-care. It’s essential to establish a robust support system and seek sound guidance during this time.
I experienced some immediate benefits. Interestingly, ibogaine helped alleviate issues that I didn’t initially intend to treat – the discomfort and posture problems stemming from a past car accident.
However, adapting to my body’s needs has been a challenge, especially after two decades of numbing my feelings.
Now, I must foster healthy habits, considering the heightened neuroplasticity of the brain for three months post-iboga.
I must consciously avoid stressful environments and toxic relationships that might push me back into old patterns”.
This was an interview conducted by UsersNews, before and after his ibogaine experience
Life after Successful Ibogaine Detox for Opioid Dependent Patients: A Path to Sobriety and Health
Life after a successful Ibogaine detox for opioid withdrawal symptoms signifies the start of a new journey toward sobriety and health. It’s about rebirth, the shedding of old habits, and the adoption of new, healthier ones. This period is marked by a greater sense of clarity, self-understanding, and the motivation to live a substance-free life.
There can be challenges, like managing post-detox cravings and adjusting to a lifestyle without the substance of abuse, but there are also immense rewards. It’s a time of rebuilding relationships, regaining physical health, and developing emotional resilience.
Support systems such as therapy, counseling, support groups, and a healthy lifestyle can play crucial roles in maintaining sobriety and health.
They help provide the tools to cope with stress, avoid triggers, and manage any potential relapses.
Overall, life after successful Ibogaine detox is a path of continuous growth, learning, and healing, leading to a more fulfilling, healthier life.
Concluding Thoughts
Cravings after Ibogaine detoxification can be challenging. However, with the right tools and strategies in place, one can effectively manage these cravings and continue their journey toward sobriety.
Remember, every person’s journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s essential to find what works best for you and stay committed to your recovery process.
A few Take home Questions
Why is Ibogaine Illegal in the US?
Ibogaine is illegal in the US primarily due to safety concerns and the lack of FDA approval. Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, ibogaine is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
The DEA has placed it in the same category as other substances like heroin and LSD. This classification is largely based on historical data and the psychoactive nature of ibogaine, which can produce intense hallucinations and other unpredictable effects.
Additionally, concerns over serious side effects and fatalities associated with ibogaine use have contributed to its illegal status.
Despite anecdotal reports and some research suggesting its effectiveness in treating opioid addiction and other substance dependence, the US regulatory authorities require extensive clinical trials and safety evaluations before considering its legalization for therapeutic use.
What is the Drug Ibogaine Used For?
Ibogaine is primarily used for the treatment of substance dependence, particularly in the context of opioid detoxification. It is known for its potential to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making it a promising tool for addiction recovery.
Ibogaine therapy involves using the psychoactive compound derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant to “reset” the brain’s addiction pathways. This treatment has been noted for its efficacy in managing acute opioid withdrawal and facilitating long-term recovery.
In addition to treating opioid dependence, ibogaine has been explored for its potential to address other forms of substance abuse, including cocaine dependence and alcohol abuse. It is also used in some therapeutic settings to promote introspection and psychological healing, helping individuals uncover and address the root causes of their addictive behaviors.
What Does Ibogaine Do to the Brain?
Ibogaine affects the brain by interacting with various neurotransmitter systems, primarily targeting the opioid receptors. It acts as a non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, which helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in opioid-dependent patients.
Ibogaine also has a unique ability to induce a state of deep introspection and vivid hallucinations, which can facilitate psychological breakthroughs and emotional processing.
The primary action of ibogaine is to reset the brain’s addiction pathways. It disrupts the cycle of addiction by resetting neural circuits associated with drug dependence. This reset effect can lead to significant reductions in cravings and withdrawal symptoms, offering a window of opportunity for individuals to engage in further addiction treatment and recovery efforts.
What are the Long-Term Side Effects of Ibogaine?
The long-term side effects of ibogaine can be significant and include both physical and psychological risks. Some of the reported long-term effects are:
1. Cardiovascular Issues: Ibogaine has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias and other heart-related problems. This risk necessitates thorough medical monitoring during treatment to prevent adverse events.
2. Neurological Effects: While ibogaine can help reset addiction pathways, it can also lead to neurotoxic effects if not administered correctly. Prolonged use or high doses may result in lasting changes to brain function.
3. Psychological Impact: The intense psychoactive effects of ibogaine can lead to lasting psychological changes. Some patients report persistent changes in perception, mood, and cognition. There is also the risk of developing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can include prolonged emotional instability and cognitive impairment.
4. Potential for Relapse: Although ibogaine can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it is not a cure for addiction. Without comprehensive post-treatment support and relapse prevention strategies, individuals may still be at risk for returning to substance abuse.
5. Other Health Risks: Long-term use of ibogaine can lead to liver toxicity and other organ damage, particularly if not used under medical supervision. Regular physical examinations and monitoring are crucial to mitigate these risks.
Overall, while ibogaine offers promising benefits for addiction treatment, its use must be carefully managed in clinical settings with appropriate medical support to ensure safety and efficacy.
References:
Brown TK. Ibogaine in the treatment of substance dependence. Curr Drug Abuse Rev. 2013;6(1):3-16.
Polanco M. Crossroads Treatment Center. www.crossroadsibogaine.com.
Bowen S, et al. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for substance use disorders: A pilot efficacy trial. Subst Abus. 2009;30(4):295-305.
Schenberg EE, et al. Treating drug dependence with the aid of ibogaine: A retrospective study. J Psychedelic Stud. 2014;1:10-19.
Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance. www.ibogainealliance.org.
Zhou X, et al. Effects of diet and physical activity on reversing drug addiction: A systematic review. Am J Health Behav. 2021;45(3):449-468.
