Ibogaine.
The root of the plant Tabernanthe iboga has long been used as a religious sacrament by the Bwiti culture of Gabon and Cameroon in West Africa. The powder that is made from the rootbark of the plant is at the heart of their religious rituals. Depending upon the dosage and the individual experiencer, mild hallucinogenic states are produced when the plant is ingested orally. Aside from being a staple of the Bwiti religious experience, the plant has been found to have another important use. In 1962, 19 year old heroin addict Howard Lotsof first experimented with ibogaine, as the oral preparation is called. Although he was only seeking a “high” from the drug, after the effects wore off 30 hours later Lotsof noticed he had lost all craving for heroin—without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. He then gave ibogaine to seven other heroin addicts, five of whom gave up their heroin habits immediately after having one ibogaine experience. Thus began a decades-long journey into the preliminary investigation of ibogaine as a treatment for many types of addiction including alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine, and opioids.
Many of those who have “kicked their habits” using ibogaine say it is a miracle treatment. Others say it provides a “window of opportunity” of diminished cravings for several months following treatment, during which time other types of aftercare may be required to prevent possible relapse. Whichever the case, hundreds of former addicts attest to the ability of ibogaine to quickly reverse years of addictive behavior.
Ibogaine is a Schedule I drug in the U.S., one of the most highly controlled of all substances. Furthermore, it is illegal in many other countries throughout the world. Nevertheless, a number of treatment facilities currently offer ibogaine therapy in many locations throughout the world.