Changes in Withdrawal and Craving Scores in Participants Undergoing Opioid Detoxification Utilizing Ibogaine.

Ibogaine, a plant-derived compound, reduces opioid withdrawal and craving during detoxification. In 50 participants with opioid use disorder undergoing a week-long ibogaine treatment protocol, withdrawal and craving scores were significantly lower 48 hours after administration compared to baseline. At that point, 78% showed no objective clinical signs of opioid withdrawal, 79% reported minimal cravings, and 68% reported only mild subjective withdrawal symptoms. The findings suggest ibogaine can facilitate opioid detoxification by easing withdrawal and craving, but controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is currently an epidemic in the United States (US) and ibogaine is reported to have the ability to interrupt opioid addiction by simultaneously mitigating withdrawal and craving symptoms. This study examined opioid withdrawal and drug craving scores in 50 participants with OUD undergoing a week-long detoxification treatment protocol with ibogaine. The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) was used for baseline characterization of participants' OUD. Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS), Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (SOWS), and Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS) scores were collected at 48 and 24 hours prior to ibogaine administration, as well as 24 and 48 hours after ibogaine administration. At 48 hours following ibogaine administration, withdrawal and craving scores were significantly lowered in comparison to baseline: 78% of patients did not exhibit objective clinical signs of opioid withdrawal, 79% reported minimal cravings for opioids, and 68% reported subjective withdrawal symptoms in the mild range. Ibogaine appears to facilitate opioid detoxification by reducing opioid withdrawal and craving in participants with OUD. These results warrant further research using rigorous controlled trials.