An Addiction Cleanser – Ibogaine

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive plant originating from West Africa.  It was traditionally used as a hallucinogenic drug used in the rites of passage for young men. However in the 1960s, it was discovered that it had anti-addictive qualities that could assist heroin and other drug users to break from their habit.  This non-addictive substance has found to be successful in as little as a one-dosage treatment, and minimizes majority of associated withdrawal symptoms. It causes some intense visual and psychological experiences that can profoundly change the addict - many of these users do not relapse after ibogaine. Ibogaine is technically legal in Canada, but not approved by Health Canada. However, it is illegal in the United States.

There are dangers with ibogaine, as several users have died from its usage. It is no “magic bullet” or “cure”, but to complement existing drug therapy. The fact the substance is illegal in numerous countries may have to led to minimal scientific research done so far. As well, proponents such as Marc Emery believe that drug companies  are reluctant to fund R&D because of the lack of profit associated with only one to two dosages per addict.  Regardless, numerous addicts, even those on methadone, that have taken ibogaine swear by it. It is only a matter of time before scientists can isolate the chemicals in this substance that can free addicts from suffering.

This idea is not new to Vancouver. In 2003, the Prince Of Pot, Marc Emery created an ibogaine therapy centre for addicts in the DTES. It cost him about $1500CDN per person, which provided about 2 dosages. Unfortunately lack of funding led to the closure of the centre. The program was re-started through the Iboga Therapy House, a non-profit business located on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.  Its high cost, and lack of actual research into the long-term effects prevents the government from endorsing or funding, in what could be still be described as an “experimental drug”.  However if factoring health costs in treating addicts in critical stages, it may actually be cheaper. In a controlled setting with a reasonable dosage, the treatment can be safe and effective.