IBOGAINE

How is Ibogaine used?

Traditionally, the Babongo and Mitsogo peoples in West Central Africa, who follow the Bwiti religion, have used ibogaine in healing ceremonies and spiritual celebrations for its stimulating effects.

People take it by chewing on the shrub’s roots or by swallowing the powder mixed with water.

Beyond religious ceremonies, some individuals struggling with substance use have found that ibogaine helped them reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms from substances like opioids (e.g., heroin, pain pills, fentanyl) and cocaine.

What does ibogaine look like?

Iboga is a shrub commonly kept as a decoration in West African countries. In Gabon, where iboga is most common, the roots are sold in markets as pieces of bark or in powdered form.

Outside of Africa, people sell it illegally online as a brownish powder marketed as an aid for detox in treating substance use disorders.

How does ibogaine affect people?

Ibogaine produces strong mind-altering effects, including hallucinations (e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and experiencing a different state of mind. It’s like having vivid dreams while being awake.

Even though scientists don’t completely understand how ibogaine works, they know it affects various parts of the brain. It can impact brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Researchers have divided the ibogaine experience into three phases. The first phase is dream-like, when individuals experience an altered version of their surroundings and recall memories. This phase lasts from 4 to 8 hours. The second phase is emotionally neutral and reflective, lasting from 8 to 20 hours. The third phase involves greater awareness and mild stimulation, continuing for up to 3 days.^[1] Some reports suggest that ibogaine can create a more intense experience than other substances like psilocybin.^[2]

Some people describe impacts like:

• Feeling remorse and regret for their actions towards others
• Spiritual transformation
• Guilt relief
• Higher self-esteem and lesser or no feelings of worthlessness.^[3]

Why is there growing interest in ibogaine?

Since the 1960s, many people have been sharing stories about how a single dose of ibogaine can help reduce the desire for substances and ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. They claim that just one dose can prevent a relapse for weeks, months, or even years.

One reason ibogaine has become more popular is because it’s seen as having anti-addictive properties. People say it doesn’t cause cravings or withdrawal symptoms, even after being used multiple times. It’s estimated that over ten thousand people have sought treatment in countries where this substance is not regulated.^[4]  It has also become particularly popular among veterans with traumatic brain disorders.

Is ibogaine legal or illegal?

Ibogaine is illegal in several countries, including the United States. It is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it is seen as having no recognized medical benefits and a high risk of misuse. Unlike cannabis or psilocybin, no state has decriminalized its use.

Ibogaine is legal in Australia, Finland, New Zealand and Uruguay. Some countries, like Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Hungary, and South Africa allow it as a controlled substance that can only be prescribed by a doctor. And, in places like Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany, or Gabon, there are no specific rules about it.^[5]

Ibogaine is used to treat addiction in clinics and facilities in countries where it is legally prescribed or where its use is unregulated, including New Zealand and Mexico. Additionally, certain countries, such as Spain and Brazil, are testing ibogaine to assess its safety and effectiveness.

Additionally, in 2026, President Trump passed an executive order to accelerate U.S. research on the use of ibogaine to treat mental health and substance use disorders.^[6]

What does the research say about ibogaine?

Research suggests that ibogaine might help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings as well as some mental health disorders. However, there have only been two scientifically sound trials testing the use of ibogaine as a treatment for substance use disorders. One of these trials had mixed results. While ibogaine reduced withdrawal symptoms in people who used opioids compared to the placebo group, the difference was not significant.^[7] Another trial found a significant reduction in symptoms and future relapses for people with cocaine use disorder.^[8]

Other studies have shown ibogaine may show promise in:

• Treating mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts
• Treating veterans with traumatic brain injuries.^[8]
• Short-term ability to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. ^[9]
• Long-term reduction of opioid use.

In general, however, there has not been enough research to prove ibogaine is safe and effective.^[10]  Additionally, some studies involved participants who knew they were taking ibogaine, which can lead to biased results.^[11]

A 2022 evaluation of research on psychedelic medications for mental health and substance use disorders was not optimistic about ibogaine. It concluded that ibogaine may not reduce short-term opioid withdrawal symptoms and that it is unclear if it can reduce long-term opioid use.^[12]

What are the risks?

Ibogaine can cause serious heart problems. In fact, this is why research in the United States stopped in the 1990s.

More than 30 deaths have been linked to ibogaine in the last 40 years (though it is important to note that many of these cases involved other substances).^[13] Most of these deaths were related to heart failure.

In one instance, a person with a heroin use disorder died hours after swallowing a powder labeled Tabernanthe iboga, which they bought online to help with their detox during addiction treatment. Their death was likely due to the heart-related effects caused by the ibogaine powder, although codeine and morphine were also present.^[14]

Aside from the risk of fatal outcomes, ibogaine has been associated with a significant likelihood of developing headaches after treatment.

Additionally, although ibogaine can easily accessed online, it is unregulated and under-researched, meaning that someone could purchase ibogaine without knowing what’s in it or what the proper dosage is.

Another concern is that the demand for ibogaine has increased in recent years, putting stress on Gabon’s natural resources. This has also led to more vendors selling potentially contaminated or fake iboga, both in local markets and internationally.^[15]

What about microdosing?

Some research has indicated that microdosing, or using small doses of ibogaine, might be an effective treatment for opioid use disorder and reduce risks associated with its use.^[16] However, there has been very little research on this.^[17]

What if my loved one is considering ibogaine?

Reports from people who’ve experienced it firsthand suggest that ibogaine is unlikely to be popular as a recreational drug. However, some individuals still use it to treat substance use disorders in treatment facilities outside of the United States or even on their own. This is risky for two reasons: no quality control of the product and ibogaine’s impact on the heart.

If you know or suspect that your loved one is thinking of using ibogaine for substance use treatment outside of the US or without professional help, here are some suggestions:

• Establish and create a safe space for open communication so that your loved one feels comfortable sharing their experiences and reasons for deciding to use ibogaine.
• Share your concerns about the potential risks and health dangers associated with ibogaine use. Remind them that your worry is because you care about their safety and well-being
• Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from healthcare providers, addiction specialists, or mental health professionals, and access treatments that are medically safe and proven to help, such as:
  • Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
  • There is also an earpiece that helps ease the pain of withdrawal symptoms and assists in the treatment process of opioid use disorders.

Reducing the risks of ibogaine use

The safest choice is not to use ibogaine. But if your loved one insists on trying it, consider sharing ways to reduce the risks. Remember that your top priority is keeping them safe. Reducing risks doesn’t mean promoting substance use; it means finding ways to minimize the consequences.

Here are some suggestions if your loved one participates in a medical trial or travels to a clinic abroad to receive treatment:

• Accredited medical facility: Find a fully accredited medical facility that also offers therapy. Ensure that the staff are credentialed physicians and therapists who can manage an emergency.
• Research: It’s a good idea to get as many references as possible about the facility. If possible, try to get in touch with someone who has tried that clinic and ask them about their experience.
• Consider costs: These treatments are not covered by insurance and can cost thousands of dollars.

Medical facilities should offer the following:

• Medical screening: Your loved one’s health should be evaluated with a thorough medical screening. Ibogaine might cause heart issues, especially for those with existing heart conditions. Also, the screening must consider interactions with other medications your loved one is taking, if any. Ibogaine may not be appropriate for people with serious mental illness.
• Professional supervision: Ibogaine should be administered by experienced healthcare professionals who know about its risks.
• Dosage control: It’s crucial to use the right amount to minimize side effects. People react differently to ibogaine, so starting with a lower dose helps assess their response before a full treatment.
• Preparation and aftercare: Education about potential risks and side effects before starting treatment should be offered. Also, be sure support is available afterward to help with any psychological or physical effects. Some studies have found that giving magnesium to patients before and during ibogaine treatments minimizes the risks of heart failure.^[18]
• Monitoring: Vital signs must be regularly checked during and after ibogaine use to quickly identify and address any issues.

If your loved one decides to try ibogaine in a clinical trial, you can apply to become part of a research study. Check out this database of privately and publicly funded clinical trials.