Iboga Wellness Institute

Apply Now

Detoxification Program at The Iboga Wellness Institute

A Medically Guided Alternative to Conventional Detox

Detoxification is often the most physically and emotionally demanding stage of recovery. Traditional detox programs frequently rely on tapering schedules or substitute medications that manage symptoms but leave the neurological roots of addiction largely untouched.

At The Iboga Wellness Institute, our Detoxification Program offers a fundamentally different approach. Through medically guided ibogaine therapy, we support individuals in interrupting withdrawal, stabilizing the nervous system, and addressing the core neurobiological drivers of addiction — not just surface symptoms.

This program is designed for individuals who have tried conventional detox methods and are seeking a more comprehensive, science-informed path to recovery.

Why Conventional Detox Often Falls Short

Addiction is now widely understood as a neurological condition involving changes to dopamine signaling, stress regulation, and reward circuitry. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains how chronic substance use alters brain pathways responsible for motivation, impulse control, and decision-making, increasing relapse risk even after detox is complete.

Most conventional detox programs focus on physical stabilization alone. While this can reduce immediate medical risk, it often leaves cravings and compulsive patterns intact — which is why relapse rates following standard detox remain high, especially for opioid and alcohol dependence.

This gap is what has led many individuals to explore alternative approaches such as ibogaine therapy.

How Ibogaine Detoxification Is Different

In the context of addiction therapy, ibogaine is unique. Rather than suppressing withdrawal symptoms with replacement drugs, ibogaine interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction, including dopamine, serotonin, and NMDA receptors.

Clinical overviews published by Recovery.com describe how ibogaine’s multi-system neurological action may help interrupt withdrawal and significantly reduce cravings in a short time frame.

Similarly, Healthline notes that ibogaine’s effects differ from traditional detox medications because it targets the underlying brain mechanisms associated with dependency rather than simply managing symptoms.

At The Iboga Wellness Institute, ibogaine is administered only under strict medical supervision, with individualized dosing and continuous monitoring to prioritize safety.

Who the Detoxification Program Is For

Our Detoxification Program may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:

  • Opioid dependence, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids
  • Alcohol dependence
  • Stimulant use, such as cocaine or methamphetamine
  • Polysubstance use
  • Repeated relapse despite prior detox or rehabilitation attempts

Many clients come to us after years of cycling through traditional treatment programs, seeking an approach that addresses both the physical withdrawal process and the neurological imprint of addiction.

To see how this program fits within our broader treatment ecosystem, visit Our Programs at The Iboga Wellness Institute.

What the Detoxification Program Includes

Comprehensive Medical Screening

Prior to treatment, all clients undergo detailed medical evaluations, including cardiac screening and medication review. This is essential, as ibogaine carries known cardiac risks when administered improperly — a concern highlighted in clinical safety discussions published by Renew Health.

Medically Supervised Ibogaine Administration

Ibogaine is administered in a controlled clinical environment with continuous cardiac and vital-sign monitoring. Dosing protocols are individualized based on health history, substance use patterns, and overall physiological resilience.

Therapeutic Support and Integration

Detoxification is not only physical. Psychological insight and emotional processing often occur during ibogaine treatment. Licensed clinicians support clients before and after treatment to help translate insight into sustainable behavioral change.

Holistic Nervous System Support

Nutrition, hydration, rest, and supportive wellness practices are integrated to help stabilize the nervous system and support recovery during and after detox.

Safety Is Central to Every Detox Experience

Ibogaine is a powerful compound and should never be approached casually. Public health reporting and medical literature consistently emphasize that ibogaine’s risks are significantly increased when used outside of structured medical settings.

This is why safety is foundational to every detox experience at The Iboga Wellness Institute. You can learn more about our approach by reviewing our safety and medical screening protocols.

Begin Your Recovery Journey

Detoxification is not the end of recovery — it is the beginning. By addressing both withdrawal and the neurological roots of addiction, the Detoxification Program at The Iboga Wellness Institute offers a foundation for long-term healing and stability.

If you’re ready to explore a medically guided alternative to conventional detox, we invite you to take the next step.

References & Further Reading

Safety / oversight considerations: Renew Health
https://renewhealth.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-ibogaine-therapy-for-substance-use-disorders/

Similar Insights

Explore our care environments and facilities

Treatment Centers

Explore program costs and financing options

Pricing & Financing

Review studies, data, and ongoing research

CLINICAL RESEARCH

WHAT IS IBOGAINE?

APPLY NOW

What All Our Accommodations Include:

Your Private Room

Private bedrooms with dedicated personal space for rest and introspection

Sound machines, heaters, fans, lamps, and room dividers for optimal comfort and tranquility

Premium linens, plush bedding, blackout masks, and essential recovery items

Nourishment & Daily Essentials

Three thoughtfully prepared meals daily featuring fresh, organic, locally-sourced ingredients

Gluten-free, anti-inflammatory cuisine crafted from whole, unprocessed foods

Artisan gluten-free baked goods, caffeine-free herbal teas, electrolyte-enhanced hydration with BCAAs

Curated daily supplements and wholesome snacks

Therapeutic Services

On-site therapeutic services, including massage, reiki, guided meditation and mindful movement, and breathwork sessions

Books, art materials, and entertainment options – optional creative and restorative activities

Outdoor Spaces

Tranquil garden settings thoughtfully curated for meditation, introspection, and peaceful restoration

Luxurious wellness amenities featuring swimming pool, spa facilities, and lush tropical gardens

Care & Support

Attentive daily housekeeping and dedicated culinary team

Comprehensive on-site medical staff with round-the-clock patient monitoring

High-speed internet connectivity throughout the facility

Post-Treatment Days: Integration & New Patterns The days after ibogaine treatment are critical. Your brain is in a state of heightened neuroplasticity—heightened learning and healing capacity. We use this time to:

  • Process what came up during treatment with daily therapy sessions
  • Learn new coping skills to replace old survival patterns
  • Address any remaining emotional material
  • Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques
  • Begin rebuilding your relationship with yourself
  • Connect with other people going through similar healing (if you choose)
  • Create a detailed plan for continuing your healing at home

Days 3-4: The Healing Experience Ibogaine therapy for psychological healing is profound and often life-changing. Here’s what happens:

  • You receive ibogaine in a safe, peaceful setting with medical staff present
  • The experience typically lasts 4-12 hours, during which you’re lying comfortably with eyes closed
  • You’ll wear an eye mask and headphones with music specifically designed to guide the ibogaine journey to its deepest healing potential
  • Many people report reviewing their life experiences from a new perspective, gaining the freedom to reframe old narratives
  • Traumatic memories often surface, but without the overwhelming emotional charge
  • Deep insights about patterns, relationships, and self-worth emerge naturally
  • A trained therapist is present to support you through difficult moments
  • Medical monitoring continues throughout to ensure physical safety
  • Many clients discover or reconnect with their spirituality during this process, experiencing a profound sense of connection—whether to God, universal consciousness, or something larger than themselves

What clients describe:

“I saw my trauma, but it didn’t destroy me this time.”
“I forgave myself for things I’ve carried for 20 years.”
“I understood why I’ve been the way I’ve been.”
“For the first time, I felt peace.”

Days 1-2: Building Trust & Understanding Before any treatment, we need to understand your story and what you’re carrying. This phase includes:

  • In-depth sessions with our licensed therapist
  • Review of your trauma history in a safe, confidential, judgment-free environment
  • Assessment of current symptoms and how they impact your life
  • Medical clearance to ensure treatment safety
  • Preparation for the ibogaine experience with an ibogaine workbook designed by our professionals
  • Education about what to expect, how to get the most from treatment, and what the experience feels like

This isn’t about forcing you to relive trauma—it’s about understanding what we’re helping you heal. We move at your pace, with compassion and respect for your journey.

Neurological Rehabilitation:

  • Daily physical therapy sessions to retrain movement patterns and restore function
  • Occupational therapy to help you relearn daily activities with your improved mobility and reduced pain
  • Cognitive exercises to strengthen memory, focus, and mental clarity
  • Movement workshops designed to “lock in” your neurological gains
  • Personalized home exercise plans you can continue after leaving

Holistic Healing Support:

  • Therapeutic massage (2-3 sessions per week) to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support your body’s healing
  • Aqua therapy for gentle, low-impact movement that rebuilds strength without strain
  • Adapted yoga to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness
  • Meditation and breathwork to regulate your nervous system and reduce pain signals
  • Hypnotherapy for pain management and progressive muscle relaxation
  • Sound healing sessions to promote deep relaxation and cellular healing
  • Nutrition counseling to optimize your diet for brain health and inflammation reduction

Integration Sessions:

  • One-on-one counseling to process your experience and prepare for life after treatment
  • Education about maintaining your improvements long-term
  • Development of your personalized aftercare plan with specific protocols for your condition
  • Training in self-care techniques you can use at home
  • Connection with our alumni community for ongoing peer support

What Happens:

  • You’ll receive ibogaine in carefully calibrated stages, customized to your specific condition and body chemistry
  • The experience is introspective and often deeply reflective—many clients describe profound insights about their condition and healing
  • Our medical team monitors your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and vital signs continuously throughout the entire process
  • You’re never alone—medical staff and support personnel are with you around the clock, ensuring your safety and comfort
  • Most clients begin noticing symptom improvements within 24-48 hours of treatment

Your Comfort Matters:

  • Private, peaceful recovery room designed for healing
  • 24/7 access to medical staff and emotional support
  • Nutritious meals and hydration tailored to your needs
  • A safe, supportive environment where you can focus entirely on healing

Before treatment begins, we need to understand exactly what’s happening in your body and brain. Our medical team conducts:

  • Heart screening (EKG and cardiac evaluation)
  • Movement and function assessment
  • Pain and symptom mapping
  • Blood work to check overall health
  • Review of all current medications and treatments

We use this information to design your personalized treatment protocol—the right dose, the right timing, the right support therapies. Important: If any test results require additional caution or monitoring, we have the option to begin with micro-dosing protocols on Day 2, ensuring the safest possible approach for your unique situation.

You’ll wake up after treatment feeling different. Most people describe an absence of withdrawal symptoms (or minor, manageable ones), dramatically reduced cravings, mental clarity they haven’t felt in years, and physical energy returning. Your brain enters a window of heightened neuroplasticity—a critical period when new patterns can take root. We maximize this opportunity with:

  • Daily medical monitoring with physician check-ins to ensure continued stability and assess how you’re feeling physically and mentally
  • Individual therapy sessions to process what came up during treatment, understand the insights you gained, and begin emotional healing
  • Addiction counseling to help you understand your triggers and patterns, and build practical relapse prevention skills
  • Group discussions with others in recovery to share experiences and build connection
  • Physical activity to rebuild your body’s strength and natural endorphin production
  • Nutritional guidance to support your healing brain and body
  • Sleep optimization which is critical for maintaining sobriety and emotional stability
  • Reconnection work to help you rediscover who you are without substances

We strongly encourage working with an integration coach in the months following treatment to support your continued healing and help you navigate the challenges of rebuilding your life.

Before we start, we need to make sure your body is ready. This critical preparation phase includes:

  • Complete medical evaluation including comprehensive cardiac screening with EKG to assess heart rhythm and function
  • Detailed substance use assessment to understand your patterns, history, and what substances you’ve been using
  • Blood work to check liver and kidney function, electrolyte balance, and overall health markers
  • Stabilization support if you’re currently in acute withdrawal—we provide medical comfort measures to ease symptoms
  • Education sessions about what’s going to happen during treatment, why ibogaine works at the neurological level, and what to expect
  • Nutritional support to prepare your body for healing, including hydration and vitamin supplementation if needed
  • Mental preparation with our psychologist or wellness coach to address fears, answer questions, and help you feel ready

We’re checking for any medical issues that could complicate treatment and making sure you’re as physically and mentally prepared as possible before beginning. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s laying the foundation for your safety and success.

You receive ibogaine in a single calculated dose based on your weight and substance tolerance—lying comfortably with an eye mask and curated music designed to deepen the therapeutic experience. Connected to continuous cardiac monitoring with medical staff present throughout, the 4-12 hour journey allows withdrawal symptoms to dissolve rather than intensify while your brain resets multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously.

What happens during treatment: Physically: Within hours, your withdrawal symptoms begin disappearing. Most clients report feeling them melt away rather than intensify. By the next morning, physical withdrawal is essentially over—something that normally takes 7-14 excruciating days happens in less than 36 hours with minimal discomfort.

Psychologically: Many people experience a deeply introspective journey. You might see memories, understand patterns, process why you started using. Some clients report conversations with deceased loved ones or spiritual experiences. Others simply experience visual patterns and deep rest. There’s no “typical” experience—each person’s journey is unique to what they need to heal.

Neurologically: This is where ibogaine is truly revolutionary. It’s resetting multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously—dopamine, serotonin, opioid receptors—back to pre-addiction states. The physical dependence is being broken at the cellular level.