A Mixed-Method Analysis of Persisting Effects Associated with Positive Outcomes Following Ibogaine Detoxification.
Alan K. Davis, Elise Renn, Austin-Marley Windham-Herman, Martin Polanco, Joseph P Barsuglia
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2018 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2018.1487607 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective mixed-methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Patients who received treatment for chronic opioid use in Mexico between 2012 and 2015 |
| Intervention | Ibogaine detoxification |
| Topics | Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Heroin Persisting effects Prescription opioids Chronic opioid use Enhanced gratitude Inner peace Increased spiritual awareness Stronger relationships Lasting positive impact |
| Citations | 34 |
| Key points | Treatment responders reported greater persisting changes in coping with stress, tolerating difficult feelings, and reduced unhealthy anger, as well as increased inner peace, joy, love, and spiritual awareness after ibogaine detoxification. |
Abstract
We examined persisting effects, self-perceived challenges, and potential benefits associated with positive outcomes following ibogaine detoxification using data collected as part of a larger online retrospective study of 73 patients who received treatment for chronic opioid use in Mexico between 2012 and 2015. A mixed-methods design was used comparing treatment responders versus non-responders, as well as content coding of themes from open-ended questions. Most participants reported positive persisting effects of ibogaine detoxification (e.g., enhanced personal sense of gratitude and authenticity, and meaning and appreciation for life). Compared to non-responders, treatment responders endorsed greater persisting changes in their ability to tolerate difficult/painful feelings, capacity for coping with stress, and reduced unhealthy anger. Treatment responders reported greater change in subjective levels of inner peace, joy, feelings of love/openheartedness, and experiences of sacredness in life. Qualitative analyses revealed that treatment responders reported a heightened sense of spiritual awareness and greater connection to their intra-/interpersonal relationships after ibogaine detoxification. Notable challenges of ibogaine detoxification included psychological and health-related difficulties during treatment and challenges with post-treatment integration. Findings highlight the persisting effects associated with positive response to ibogaine detoxification and possible post-treatment needs (i.e., more integration/aftercare resources). Future research using rigorous experimental designs is needed.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on ibogaine, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The ibogaine medical subculture. Individuals who had taken ibogaine in the global medical subculture | 2008 | Ethnographic study with systematic quantitative data collection | n = 3,414 |
| A phenomenological analysis of the subjective experience elicited by ibogaine in the context of a drug dependence treatment Patients with substance-related disorders | 2017 | Qualitative study | n = 22 |
| Treating drug dependence with the aid of ibogaine: A qualitative study Patients with substance use disorders, including psychostimulant users | 2017 | Qualitative study | |
| A phenomenological investigation into the lived experience of ibogaine and its potential to treat opioid use disorders Individuals who underwent ibogaine treatment for an opioid use disorder | 2018 | Qualitative study | |
| The Ibogaine Experience: A Qualitative Study on the Acute Subjective Effects of Ibogaine Individuals who had recently taken ibogaine | 2020 | Qualitative study | n = 20 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 31
- Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs: A systematic review Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews March 16, 2020
- Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 2018
- A systematic literature review of clinical trials and therapeutic applications of ibogaine. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment July 1, 2022
- Subjective effectiveness of ibogaine treatment for problematic opioid consumption: Short- and long-term outcomes and current psychological functioning. Journal of Psychedelic Studies November 1, 2017
- Ibogaine and Subjective Experience: Transformative States and Psychopharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2019
and 26 more in the library
Cites 16
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- Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later Journal of Psychopharmacology May 30, 2008
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and 11 more in the library