Breaking Free of Addictions:
Research Continues on St. Kitts
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, Deborah C. Mash, Ph.D.

Ibogaine is a rain forest alkaloid found in the root of Tabernanthe iboga (Apocynacea family), a shrub tha the body and for promoting a sense of well-being. The anti-addictive properties of Ibogaine were first reported in 1982. Ibogaine has been studied under FDA approval in the United States, but lack of research funding has limited progress. Despite these obstacles, new information on the visionary drug has come from offshore research studies. t grows in West Central Africa. The indigenous people there use Ibogaine in low doses to combat fatigue, hunger and thirst, and in high doses as a sacrament in religious rituals. The pharmacological properties of Ibogaine have been researched for over 100 years. In fact, Ibogaine was marketed in France under the trade name Lambarene until 1970 for its generalized effects on the body and for promoting a sense of well-being. The anti-addictive properties of Ibogaine were first reported in 1982. Ibogaine has been studied under FDA approval in the United States, but lack of research funding has limited progress. Despite these obstacles, new information on the visionary drug has come from offshore research studies.

Our research has shown that Ibogaine may have a number of different therapeutic effects that include the blockade of withdrawal symptoms from heroin, methadone and other opiates, and the reduction of cocaine and heroin craving. Also, mental processes are improved, and clients report more physical energy after the Ibogaine treatment. In addition to these effects, Ibogaine has given many clients a feeling of peace and contentment with themselves, their families and their relationship to a higher power.

The "visionary" effects of Ibogaine seem to help the client bolster his or her desire to change old patterns of behavior. Drug and alcohol dependent clients report that Ibogaine put them into a waking dream state. The Ibogaine dreams often center on significant developmental events that occurred during early childhood and other formative periods of their life. In the cognitive phase, after the dreams or visions cease, clients often gain insight into their addictive personality traits and self-destructive behaviors. Some clients report that Ibogaine allows them to make a thorough "life review," and to inventory the mistakes and consequences of their addictive lifestyle.

Our studies suggest that the benefit of the Ibogaine treatment is maximized when included in a program of behavioral therapy, as with most pharmacological agents. This approach is the one that is used at the Healing Transitions Institute for Addiction Recovery, Ltd. During the post-Ibogaine treatment stabilization phase, the client works intensively with program staff. This recovery period helps the client to develop insights into his/her addiction, to begin the healing process, and to learn the necessary coping skills that will prevent relapse to previous patterns of drug or alcohol use. The recovery process must continue after the client completes their individualized program and leaves St. Kitts. Ibogaine is not a "magic bullet," but our studies suggest that for clients who are ready to change, the treatment is a powerful catalyst for long-term recovery from drug and alcohol dependence.

Deborah C. Mash, Ph.D.

Director of Research Healing Transitions Institute for Addiction Recovery, Ltd.