A phenomenological investigation into the lived experience of ibogaine and its potential to treat opioid use disorders
Thaddeus James Camlin, Donald Eulert, A. Thomas Horvath, Steven F. Bucky, Joseph P Barsuglia, Martin Polanco
Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2018.004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals who underwent ibogaine treatment for an opioid use disorder |
| Intervention | Ibogaine treatment |
| Topics | Addiction Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Craving Lived experience Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Interpretative phenomenological analysis Qualitative research |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key findings | Ibogaine treatment attenuates opioid withdrawal and results in a more optimistic outlook on self and life. |
Abstract
This study examined the lived experience of individuals who underwent ibogaine treatment for an opioid use disorder. Semi-structured interview questions probed for potential changes in predetermined categories derived from a literature review. Participants' experiences with ibogaine were analyzed for commonalities and emergent themes. Categories that emerged revealed themes about subjective neurological and physical effects, auditory and visual phenomena, impact on withdrawal and craving, and shifts in outlook on self and life. Ibogaine treatment provides a subjectively powerful physiological, emotional, and psychological experience, attenuates opioid withdrawal, and results in a more optimistic outlook on self and life.