A phenomenological investigation into the lived experience of ibogaine and its potential to treat opioid use disorders
Thaddeus James Camlin, Donald Eulert, A. Thomas Horvath, Steven F. Bucky, Joseph P. Barsuglia, Martin Polanco
Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2018.004 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople who took ibogaine for opioid use disorder reported a powerful experience that reduced withdrawal and craving and led to a more optimistic outlook on self and life. Participants described subjective neurological and physical effects, auditory and visual phenomena, and shifts in their perspective. The treatment attenuates opioid withdrawal and produces a subjectively intense physiological, emotional, and psychological experience.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Individuals who underwent ibogaine treatment for an opioid use disorder |
| Intervention | Ibogaine treatment |
| Topics | Addiction |
| Keywords | Craving Lived experience Psychotherapist Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key finding | Ibogaine treatment attenuates opioid withdrawal and results in a more optimistic outlook on self and life. |
Abstract
This study examined the lived experience of individuals who underwent ibogaine treatment for an opioid use disorder. 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. 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. 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.