Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences
This interview study (n=13) explores the subjective experience of those seeking out ibogaine treatment for addictions. The themes focus on psychological effects such as transpersonal experiences, autobiographical memories, and personal insights.
Authors
- Jamie Hallak
- Rafael dos Santos
- Gonzalo Ona
Published
Abstract
Introduction
Ibogaine is one of the alkaloids naturally found in plants such as Tabernanthe iboga, which has been traditionally used by members of the Bwiti culture. Since the discovery of its anti-addictive properties by Howard S. Lotsof in 1962, ibogaine has been used experimentally to treat substance use disorders (SUD), especially those involving opioids. We aim to provide a detailed understanding of the underlying psychological aspects of underground ibogaine use for the treatment of SUD.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 participants with SUD, which motivated their self-treatment with ibogaine. The data were analysed using the grounded theory approach and considered the context of the treatment, and the nature of the occurring hallucinogenic and cognitive phenomena during the treatment experience.
Results
We identified several psychological effects that the study respondents experienced, which seem to play a substantial role in the therapeutic process concerning SUD. The evoking of interpersonal and transpersonal experiences, autobiographical memories, and preparation, integration and motivation for a lifestyle change are important components that participants reported during and after ibogaine intake.Discussion and conclusion: Ibogaine is increasingly being used for the treatment of SUD, due in part to the limited treatment options currently available. Its beneficial effects seem to be related not only to its complex pharmacology but also to the subjective experience that ibogaine induces. The main aspects of this experience are related to autobiographical memories and valuable personal insights, which together appear to help individuals cope with their SUD.
Research Summary of 'Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences'
Introduction
Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid present in plants used traditionally by the Bwiti culture and, since the 1960s, has been applied experimentally to treat substance use disorders (SUD), particularly opioid, alcohol and stimulant dependence. Earlier work suggests a multi-target pharmacology (including modulation of opioid, nicotinic and glutamate receptors and induction of neurotrophic factors) that may reduce withdrawal and cravings, but limited research has also pointed to substantial psychological and subjective effects — autobiographical recall, transpersonal visions and meaningful insights — that could contribute to therapeutic benefit. A debate exists in the field over whether altered subjective experience is necessary for clinical benefit from hallucinogens or whether pharmacological actions alone suffice. This study aims to explore underground (non‑medical or non‑official) ibogaine use for SUD from the perspective of people who self‑treated with the compound. Rodríguez‑Cano and colleagues set out to characterise the acute subjective psychological effects that participants experienced, to identify psychological processes (for example autobiographical recall, abreactive processes and transpersonal experiences) that may be relevant to recovery, and to document physical adverse effects, after‑effects on substance use and factors (such as motivation and aftercare) that participants judged important for longer‑term outcomes. The authors argue that subjective effects are an important component of ibogaine's therapeutic potential but that motivation and supportive aftercare determine lasting change.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
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- APA Citation
Rodríguez‐Cano, B. J., Kohek, M., Ona, G., Alcázar‐Córcoles, M. Á., dos Santos, R. G., Hallak, J. E. C., & Bouso, J. C. (2023). Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences. Drug and Alcohol Review, 42(2), 401-414. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13587
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Papers cited by this study that are also in Blossom
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Dos Santos, R. G., Hallak, J. E. · Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews (2020)
Yaden, D. B., Griffiths, R. R. · ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science (2020)
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Frampton, C. M., Yazar-Klosinski, B., Nollar, G. E. · The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (2017)
Talin, P., Sanabria, E. · International Journal of Drug Policy (2017)
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Cited By (3)
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Erny, T., Cano Montenegro, E. Y., Barth, J. et al. · Journal of Psychedelic Studies (2026)
Knuijver, T., Heine, R. T., Schellekens, A. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2024)
Ona, G., Reverte, I., Rossi, G. N. et al. · Journal of Psychopharmacology (2023)
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