Examination of the Phenomenology of the Ibogaine Treatment Experience: Role of Altered States of Consciousness and Psychedelic Experiences.
Annamarie Heink, Steve Katsikas, Tiffany Lange-Altman
Journal of psychoactive drugs January 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1290855 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIbogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance, has been reported to have anti-addictive properties that aid in treating substance use disorders. An online survey of 27 individuals who used ibogaine in the past found that they tended to describe thematically similar experiences post-treatment. Using a psychometrically sound measure of altered states of consciousness (5d-ASC), the study found positive correlations between various dimensions of the altered states and treatment outcomes, including ability to make changes in one's life, reduced cravings, and how changed the person was as a result of ibogaine treatment. Generalizability is limited due to high attrition and low sample size.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Retrospective survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 27 |
| Population | Individuals who used ibogaine in the past |
| Intervention | Ibogaine |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Ibogaine Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Addiction treatment Psychedelics Psychedelic experiences Opiate addiction |
| Citations | 35 |
| Key finding | Positive correlations were found between dimensions of altered states of consciousness induced by ibogaine and treatment outcomes such as ability to make changes, reduced cravings, and personal change. |
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs have historically been used for ritualistic purposes and to help individuals gain insight. Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance, has been reported to have anti-addictive properties that aid in the treatment of substance use disorders. An online survey obtained retrospective data from individuals who used ibogaine in the past. Individuals who used ibogaine tended to describe thematically similar experiences post-treatment. This study adds to the literature by using the 5d-ASC, a psychometrically sound measure of altered states of consciousness (ASCs), to examine the ASCs induced by ibogaine and discusses the demographic characteristics of those who seek ibogaine treatment (N = 27). The study also examined several aspects of ibogaine treatment experience, including reasons for seeking treatment, course of treatment, and treatment outcome. Results indicated a positive correlation between the various dimensions of the ASCs and the outcome (ability to make changes in one's life, cravings, and how changed the person was as a result of ibogaine treatment). While this study is limited in generalizability due to high attrition and low sample size, it deepens the understanding of the phenomenological experience of ibogaine and explores the possible utility of ibogaine in the treatment of substance use disorders.