Implementing the use of Ibogaine in Treating Addiction

We’ve previously written about integrating Ibogaine treatments into the health protocols of those suffering of substance addiction, most particularly opiate addiction. However, because the plant is currently illegal in the United State, and because claims very among Ibogaine users themselves, it’s no wonder that using Ibogaine to treat substance addiction is controversial, at least in this country.

Considering its wonderful track record, we’re not sure why Ibogaine hasn’t become accepted for use in the United States, and additionally we have a harder time understanding why Ibogaine treatments are not an integral part of the way that we treat substance abuse in the States? At any rate, we have new news. The state of Vermont has initiated a radical new treatment modality that effectively utilizes Ibogaine as a more traditional look in treating addiction.

Ibogaine’s Origins

Derived from the Iboga shrub, Ibogaine is a naturally occurring compound that’s active mechanism serves to interrupt the dangerous cycle of substance abusers, particularly for those suffering of addiction to opiates. It’s recently been reported that Ibogaine also carries other benefits to both neurological and psychological ailments, with the ability to open up deep personal insights by promoting personal retroactive review for its users.

Today, patients that are seeking Ibogaine treatments for any disease or addiction are forced to travel to countries in which Ibogaine is legal, such as Mexico and Costa Rica.

On rare occasions, some of the patients that have undergone Ibogaine treatments have reported that the symptoms related to their addiction of withdrawals and cravings, have subsided for extended periods of time, or completely. Still, today, Ibogaine continues to be listed as a felony Schedule I controlled substance in The United States.

Why Vermont?

Unfortunately, over the course of the last few years, Vermont has become the epicenter of our nation’s worst to date heroin addiction epidemic. The state has also therefore become a focal point for concerns in regards to those suffering of addiction to opiates and opiates in general. In 2014, and according to the Vermont Department of Health, the number of in state heroin-related deaths reached an all-time high at 35 souls. That’s an increase of over 66% from 2013’s number from 21. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin noticed the quickly increasing prevalence of opiate abuse and addiction in the northern region of the state and spent the entirety of his State address speaking solely of Vermont’s rapidly growing heroin issue. In addition, Shumlin made it a point that Vermont’s 250 % increase in heroin treatment and 700% increase in treatment since the year 2000 should make it obvious that solutions applied to treating heroin addiction aren’t working.

Ibogaine Addiction Treatment in the United States

Most recently, The Vermont House of Representatives introduced a bill designed to regulate and tax medical marijuana, a right that generally goes beyond the state’s legislation rights.

The bill, called H. 387, was created to create funds and manpower to start a pilot program focused on utilizing Ibogaine in the treatment of substance abuse, heroin abuse specifically. Introduced on March 10^th, by Rep. Paul Dame (R) and Rep. Joseph “Chip” Troiano (D) the bill has since been referred to the House Committee on Human Services. The three-year pilot program that the bill has proposed aims to dispense Ibogaine in the treatment and care of those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Those who would like to join are only eligible if they’ve been diagnosed with a sever and persistent substance abuse disorder by a health care provider, and in addition, that such diagnosis was make in the course of a legitimate health care provider-patient relationship. The patient seeking eligibility must also have their personal physician confirm that the medical efforts that we’re made in this specific patients case were to no avail as the patient’s reliance on drugs or alcohol have continued without pause. The bill also proposes that a Certified Ibogaine dispensary that would be operated by the Department of Health be issued to the state. Rep. Dame went on to say that “[the Ibogaine treatment dispensary] is an interesting idea that has shown results in other countries.” Rep. Dame also believes that the bill will help save the state, and country millions of dollars in reduced treatment costs, in addition to a shortened waiting list for pre-existing addiction treatment programs.

However, this Vermont based bill is not actually the first piece of legislation in the United States regarding the treatment of addiction with Ibogaine. In the early ‘90s, then Senator Joseph Galiber (R) introduced a bill to New York State’s legislature that would essentially make it mandatory for the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to promote and support Ibogaine research as a treatment for heroin and cocaine addiction. Unfortunately, the bill was axed and never left the committee’s floor.

Contact Us

If you or one of your loved one’s are currently suffering with substance abuse or addiction, don’t hesitate to contact our offices today. Our high end drug rehab “The Holistic Sanctuary“ offers holistic Ibogaine treatments at our state of the art facilities in beautiful Baja, Mexico.