Iboga Wellness Institute

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The Mystical Meets the Medical — Understanding Ibogaine’s Visionary Healing

Why the Psychedelic Experience Is Not a Side Effect — It’s Part of the Treatment

In many conventional medical models, treatment is framed almost entirely in pharmacological terms. Psychological and experiential effects are often treated as secondary. Ibogaine therapy does not follow this model.

Clinical research and observational data suggest that the subjective, visionary experience associated with ibogaine is closely linked to its therapeutic potential. Early work by Dr. Deborah Mash noted that individuals undergoing ibogaine treatment frequently reported intense introspective experiences alongside reductions in withdrawal and craving, indicating that the experience itself may play a meaningful role in recovery (Mash et al., 2000).

At The Iboga Wellness Institute, this understanding informs a treatment philosophy that integrates medical care with psychological preparation, rather than attempting to suppress or bypass the experience itself. Learn more about our clinical approach and mission on our About Us page.

The Oneiric State: A Clinically Observed Waking Dream

During ibogaine treatment, many individuals enter what researchers describe as an oneiric or waking dream state. This phase is typically internally focused and may include vivid imagery, memory recall, and sustained introspection.

A clinical observational study examining ibogaine detoxification in individuals with opioid and cocaine dependence documented these effects alongside measurable changes in withdrawal and abstinence outcomes (Mash et al., 2018). These experiences are generally structured and coherent, distinguishing them from disorganized hallucinations associated with delirium.

Neuroimaging research conducted at Imperial College London provides additional context, showing that psychedelic compounds temporarily alter brain networks involved in rigid thought patterns, allowing for increased psychological flexibility (Carhart-Harris et al., 2012).

You can explore how this process fits into treatment by reviewing our Detoxification Program and Our Programs pages.

Why Visionary Experiences Can Support Addiction Recovery

Addiction is not only a physical condition; it is reinforced by deeply ingrained behavioral and emotional patterns. Research in psychedelic-assisted therapy consistently shows that insight-driven experiences are associated with improved long-term outcomes.

A well-known clinical study from Johns Hopkins University found that the intensity and personal meaning of psychedelic experiences were strongly correlated with sustained abstinence in addiction treatment (Garcia-Romeu et al., 2014).

In ibogaine therapy, individuals often report gaining clarity about the consequences of addiction, recognizing destructive cycles, and developing renewed motivation for change. These insights are addressed through structured follow-up and support within programs such as our Medical Conditions Program and Mental Health Program.

Safety, Screening, and Clinical Responsibility

A responsible clinical discussion of ibogaine must include safety considerations. Peer-reviewed literature highlights both ibogaine’s potential benefits and the importance of medical screening and monitoring, particularly regarding cardiac risk (Alper et al., 2018).

At The Iboga Wellness Institute, safety is treated as a foundational element of care, with protocols designed to assess medical eligibility and reduce risk. More information about our standards can be found on our Safety page and within our broader Research resources.

Integration: Turning Insight Into Sustainable Change

The ibogaine experience is not the endpoint of treatment. Integration is essential for translating insight into lasting behavioral change.

A clinically sound approach views ibogaine as a catalyst — one that may interrupt dependence and surface psychological insight, but requires structured support afterward to sustain recovery. This philosophy is embedded across our programs and informed by both clinical research and traditional knowledge, which you can explore further through The Iboga Story.

References & Further Reading

  1. Mash, D. C., et al. (2000). Ibogaine: Complex pharmacokinetics, concerns for safety, and preliminary efficacy measures. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
    https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/11085338
  2. Mash, D. C., Duque, L., Page, B., & Allen-Ferdinand, K. (2018). Ibogaine detoxification transitions opioid and cocaine abusers between dependence and abstinence. Frontiers in Pharmacology.
    https://europepmc.org/article/MED/29922156
  3. Garcia-Romeu, A., Griffiths, R. R., & Johnson, M. W. (2014). Psilocybin-occasioned mystical experiences in the treatment of tobacco addiction.
    https://europepmc.org/article/MED/25563443
  4. Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. (2012). Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin. PNAS.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22308440/
  6. Alper, K., et al. (2018). Ibogaine as a treatment for substance misuse: potential benefits and practical dangers. https://europepmc.org/article/MED/30471681

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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.