Ibogaine for Opioid Use Disorder: An Unrecognized Risk.

Ibogaine, a psychedelic substance, is attracting interest as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), with many states funding research. Some proponents frame ibogaine as an alternative to standard, mortality-reducing medications for OUD (MOUD), rather than as a complement. The path to remission varies, but switching from methadone or buprenorphine to an unproven therapy like ibogaine could increase the risk of opioid overdose for some individuals. The addiction medicine community should be aware of this risk and continue to defend evidence-based care while ibogaine is developed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The psychedelic substance, ibogaine, has garnered growing interest among policymakers, researchers, and the public in its potential use for opioid use disorder (OUD). Many states are allocating significant funds to investigate it further. However, some proponents of ibogaine are framing it in opposition to (versus complementary to) standard, mortality-reducing medications for OUD (MOUD). Although the path to OUD remission and recovery varies greatly among individuals, the stakes are high: "detoxification" from methadone or buprenorphine in favor of an as-yet unproven therapy like ibogaine could result in an increased risk of opioid overdose for some. The addiction medicine community should be aware of this potential risk and defend evidence-based care, even as treatments like ibogaine are developed for OUD.