What Helps with Opioid Withdrawal?

No one would argue that opiate withdrawal is easy, with the general consensus being it is one of the most dreadful and dangerous experiences a person could put himself or herself through. Symptoms range from sweating, insomnia, body aches and pains, and irritability to nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, and diarrhea. With opiates deemed highly addictive, withdrawal following heavy use over short periods of time will cause a number of these symptoms and may contribute to a relapse.

Opiate users endure this suffering while they live under the notion that a fix could conquer life’s hardships. Therefore, adopting a fresh, clean lifestyle does not diminish the desire to use. Although the withdrawal symptoms subside in a few days’ time, a person’s mental struggles do not disappear but are instead prone to resurfacing.

With slim odds for a successful detox, research into the user’s “trigger” for taking opiates is as important as cleansing the body from the drugs. A healthy mind equates a healthy body, which is why confronting the central issues that birthed the addiction should be included in the recovery process.

Once an addict starts to live a clean life, it may not feel “normal,” which is why residential rehab can provide protection from external influences and be highly unsuccessful. However, what if there was a way to help an addict overcome the discomfort of withdrawal while determining the reasons behind their addiction?

The Truth Behind Ibogaine and Opiate Withdrawal

Ibogaine is an isolated active alkaloid from the root bark of the West African shrub Tabernanthe Iboga. Used for thousands of years for spiritual development and traditionally as a rite of passage into adulthood, its self-discovery properties can be employed as a treatment to counter the effects of opiate withdrawal. Used since the late 1960s, studies have proven that Ibogaine is effective for stopping addiction to many substances such as heroin, methadone and methamphetamine.

The use of Ibogaine is not the most medically endorsed path to sobriety and is not the most well known of treatments. Supporters are growing in number and becoming more vocal about its validity to help users overcome opiate addiction.

Ibogaine offers powerful benefits that have proven to interrupt cravings and disrupt symptoms of withdrawal while offering a spiritual gateway into higher realms of consciousness. This altered state of mind typically lasts for six months, and this recall to a life before addiction allows the opiate user to remember their “normal” life without feeling the constant need to find their next fix. A six-month “break” enables the addict to work with psychologists as they root for the cause of addiction without the constant hunger for drugs that addicts often face.

The science behind Ibogaine indicates that when administered, it resets the neurotransmitter receptors. Drug-induced cravings have been linked to fundamental alterations to the brain’s structure, which is why Ibogaine’s therapeutic effect on the dopamine and serotonin systems appears to block those cravings. If the addict does not feel stressed, anxious or depressed, their serotonin will not decrease and, therefore, increase their desire for drugs. Because Ibogaine appears to reside in fat tissue after ingestion, it manages to administer its properties for six months.

Be Mindful of Ibogaine Treatment

Due to its own unique symptoms, professional oversight is required when using Ibogaine to aid in opiate withdrawal. There are many holistic rehab sanctuaries and luxury drug rehabilitation centers that oversee this treatment, and trusted organizations such as the Global Therapy Alliance and Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies also offer these services.

The process can last up to several days and can be lethal if not performed correctly. Detox with Ibogaine renders the addict into a dream-like state that includes intense hallucinations and powerful personal insights into the user’s past behavior. While addicts undergo Ibogaine treatment, their experiences are forged with an unemotional perspective, meaning the desire to use is lessened, thus allowing an addict to leave their addiction truly in the past. However, this treatment is not for the faint of heart as the process can take up to 72 hours during which one may experience hallucinations, little sleep and an altered state of reality.

If you’re struggling with addiction and considering detoxing (or have a loved one who is endlessly relapsing), our Ibogaine treatment center can offer treatment an addict does not have to fear. Make sure to always place yourself under trusted medical care to ensure an optimal experience and the best chances of success.