A phenomenological investigation into the lived experience of ibogaine and its potential to treat opioid use disorders
Barsuglia, J. P., Bucky, S. F., Camlin, T. J., Eulert, D., Horvath, A. T., Polanco, M.
This interview study (n=10) suggests that ibogaine has the potential to attenuate opioid abuse and discusses common subjective themes reported by recipients of ibogaine therapy.
Abstract
Background and aims: This study examined the lived experience of individuals who underwent ibogaine treatment for an opioid use disorder.Methods: 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.Results: 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.Conclusion: 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.