Ibogaine

What Is Ibogaine?

Ibogaine is a psychedelic medicine believed to work on serotonin transporters to create psychoactive effects. It is derived from plants such as Tabernanthe iboga and has been used ceremonially in Central Africa for its hallucinogenic and dream-inducing effects but is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S.

Some claim that the psychedelic experience created by ibogaine could be beneficial in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), with research suggesting that this altered state may alleviate symptoms of withdrawal and help curb cravings.

Effects Of Ibogaine

Ibogaine causes hallucinations and vivid dreams. It may have a positive effect on substance cravings by acting on several receptors in the brain, including:

• Serotonin transporters and receptors
• Dopaminergic receptors
• Nicotinic receptors
• GABA receptors
• Muscarinic receptors

The psychedelic effects start within a few hours of use and may last up to 24 hours, occurring in three phases:

• Visionary phase
• Introspection phase
• Residual phase

Because of its effects on multiple receptors in the brain, ibogaine may have benefits for the treatment of depression, PTSD, and addiction. However, some researchers have expressed concerns about the number of receptors that it can affect because this lack of selectivity can contribute to increased risks of side effects and more drug interactions.

Is Ibogaine Safe?

Ibogaine may have undesirable side effects in some people and, in some situations, the drug may be dangerous. Ibogaine should be used only under strict medical supervision in countries in which the drug is legal.

Side effects of ibogaine include:

In some cases, ibogaine use has been associated with weakness, seizures, arrhythmias, respiratory failure and insufficiency, and even cardiac arrests. Ibogaine may cause electrical abnormalities in the heart known as QT prolongation. This electrical abnormality can lead to a life-threatening arrhythmia known as Torsade de pointes.

Is Ibogaine Legal?

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency lists ibogaine as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that the drug is illegal for use in the U.S. outside of a few very strictly regulated purposes. For ibogaine, these purposes are generally carefully monitored research settings.

While illegal in the U.S., there are other countries where the use of the drug is allowed. Mexico and Canada are among the countries that have legalized the use of ibogaine.

Ibogaine For Addiction Treatment

Ibogaine is being studied for potential benefit in treating opioid use disorder, cocaine (and other stimulants), alcohol, and possibly nicotine addiction.

A 2022 literature review from The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment noted that the available data suggest that ibogaine may be an effective therapeutic option for SUDs, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These data also suggested that ibogaine may have positive effects on depression and trauma symptoms, though several of the included studies included reports of toxicity.

Ibogaine Treatment Clinics

Because ibogaine use is illegal in the U.S., people seeking to use it for opioid detoxification or part of their addiction treatment plan must travel to countries where the drug is legal. Several clinics in other countries offer ibogaine as part of their treatment regimen, including Mexico, where the drug is legal.

Ongoing Studies

While there is some evidence that ibogaine may be beneficial for certain conditions, including addiction and PTSD, the studies available are small. Additional larger studies are needed to determine whether the drug is safe and effective, and to evaluate it’s success rate.

There are ongoing studies evaluating modified versions of ibogaine as well as nonpsychoactive versions of the drug to make them safer while promoting their treatment effects. These ongoing studies aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug, as well as to determine dosing guidelines and long-term effects. This research is also designed to determine the medical conditions for which ibogaine has the most benefit.

Renewed interest in ibogaine and other psychedelic drugs as emerging treatment options for substance use disorder and PTSD may bring additional funding to ibogaine research. In June 2025, Texas approved legislation to fund $50 million in research on ibogaine treatment for addiction and other conditions.

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Find An Addiction Treatment Center

While ibogaine therapy could show promise as a future treatment for addiction, if you or someone you love is currently struggling, evidence-based treatment options are available today. These programs often utilize treatment medications and behavioral therapies to uncover the root cause of addiction to help you start living a healthier, substance-free life.

There is no bad time to seek help for addiction. Contact a treatment provider or explore our rehab directory today to learn more about your treatment options.