The Ibogaine Experience: A Qualitative Study on the Acute Subjective Effects of Ibogaine

Ibogaine, the main alkaloid in the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, produces a range of acute subjective effects. Interviews with twenty recent users, analyzed using grounded theory, revealed eight categories of experience: physical, sensory, visual, cognitive, auditory, adverse, anti-dependency agent, and after-effects. Ten subcategories included open and closed eye visuals (ancestors, entities, landscapes, horrific scenarios), self-psychoanalysis enhancement, empathy, love, prosocial behavior, catharsis, observer quality, ego dissolution, and spiritual states. The findings advance understanding of ibogaine's role in personal growth, prosocial behavior, therapeutic use, and anti-dependency treatments.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Ibogaine is the most abundant alkaloid present in the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga . As a result of the lack of research on the acute subjective effects, the purpose of this study was to identify categories of the ibogaine experience and gain a better understanding of the internal processes while under its effects. We created a semistructured interview and recruited twenty individuals who had recently taken ibogaine. The interviews were analyzed according to grounded theory approach. We identified eight categories (physical, sensory, visual, cognitive, auditory, adverse, anti‐dependency agent, after‐effects) and ten subcategories (open eye visuals; closed eye visuals: ancestors and entities, sceneries and landscapes, horrific scenarios; self‐psychoanalysis enhancement; empathy, love, and prosocial behavior; catharsis; observer quality; ego dissolution; spiritual states) of the acute subjective effects of ibogaine. The study contributes to the advancement of our understanding of ibogaine and its role in personal growth, prosocial behavior, therapeutic use, and anti‐dependency treatments.