Ibogaine
Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:20 pm
I used ibogaine in June to help end an addiction to heroin and cocaine. I have been working on my aftercare since, and have tried going to NA meetings, but I have encountered people there who expressed that it's better if I don't mention ibogaine, or am "discreet" about it. One went so far as to say that ibogaine is "incompatible with the 12 steps."
Ibogaine is an African root bark used by the Bwiti in Gabon as part of their rites of initiation. In high doses, it induces visions, and produces a metabolite that is released from the body fat for about six weeks after treatment. This metabolite attaches to mu, kappa and delta opioid receptors, increases serotonin transport, and gives the addict a window of opportunity to make deep and lasting changes. It also causes new pathways to grow in the brain via the expression of GDNF - literally rewiring the brain and solidifying the changes the individual brings about.
This is not methadone or suboxone. This is not an opioid replacement therapy.
I did not expect to wake up the next day and have a perfect life! Since my treatment, I have been using body work (massage and chiropractic care, partly for overall well-being and partly for the chronic pain issues that were one activating event in my addiction). I have been talking to a therapist. I have attended SMART and NA meetings. I have been talking to supportive friends and had loving support from my significant other, who also got clean using ibogaine in June and has been attending 12 step meetings since shortly thereafter.
Now I am suffering with PTSD, probably from a combination of different events that have occurred over the last year of my life. Going to NA meetings and reading their literature about being "powerless" makes me absolutely suicidal. Combined with the unkind reception I've gotten regarding ibogaine, I'm inclined not to return. Yet, my SO has successfully combined the two...
To me, NA seems to hold itself out as the "only" option for addicts. Yet, it is not evidence based, it boasts a very low success rate, and seems cultish in its intolerance of any beliefs that challenge its own.
Anyone have a thought to share? Can anyone explain why the hostile attitude toward ibogaine? No flames, please.
Ibogaine is an African root bark used by the Bwiti in Gabon as part of their rites of initiation. In high doses, it induces visions, and produces a metabolite that is released from the body fat for about six weeks after treatment. This metabolite attaches to mu, kappa and delta opioid receptors, increases serotonin transport, and gives the addict a window of opportunity to make deep and lasting changes. It also causes new pathways to grow in the brain via the expression of GDNF - literally rewiring the brain and solidifying the changes the individual brings about.
This is not methadone or suboxone. This is not an opioid replacement therapy.
I did not expect to wake up the next day and have a perfect life! Since my treatment, I have been using body work (massage and chiropractic care, partly for overall well-being and partly for the chronic pain issues that were one activating event in my addiction). I have been talking to a therapist. I have attended SMART and NA meetings. I have been talking to supportive friends and had loving support from my significant other, who also got clean using ibogaine in June and has been attending 12 step meetings since shortly thereafter.
Now I am suffering with PTSD, probably from a combination of different events that have occurred over the last year of my life. Going to NA meetings and reading their literature about being "powerless" makes me absolutely suicidal. Combined with the unkind reception I've gotten regarding ibogaine, I'm inclined not to return. Yet, my SO has successfully combined the two...
To me, NA seems to hold itself out as the "only" option for addicts. Yet, it is not evidence based, it boasts a very low success rate, and seems cultish in its intolerance of any beliefs that challenge its own.
Anyone have a thought to share? Can anyone explain why the hostile attitude toward ibogaine? No flames, please.