At the clinic, I and 29 other heroin addicts get our dose of ibogaine. The treatment costs between $2000 and $6500 depending on which clinic you go to. As it starts to take effect I feel an intense wave of energy emanating from the centre of my chest that permeates my entire body. This euphoric state also brings me instantaneous relief from the discomfort I was feeling after going without heroin for almost 24 hours. With my withdrawal symptoms completely gone, I am perplexed by the state of clarity I am in while seeing the most profound stream of visual phenomena. I am also filled with a sense of awe at the potential for a life free of heroin. Emotional memories force me to deal with some of the deep subconscious guilt I have repressed for years. This powerful state persisted for over 12 hours. After remaining at the clinic for a week I was allowed to return home and over the next six months felt almost no cravings whatsoever. Despite the earlier research, ibogaines mechanism of action is still not clear. And the lack of controlled human trials has prevented anyone finding out more. What is known is that the drug affects multiple receptors in the brain. Its ability to lessen cravings may be the result of its blocking of NMDA receptors. Drug-induced craving is linked to increased activity of these receptors and blocking them can inhibit cravings in animals. The long-term relief from withdrawal symptoms probably comes from the fact that ibogaine is sequestered in fat tissue and slowly released into the bloodstream for up to six months.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 05:15:11 +0000
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