Abstract
This chapter describes a hallucinogen, Ibogaine as a potential treatment for opiate addiction. Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid derived from the roots of a West African shrub called Tabernanthe iboga. It mentions that Ibogaine can reduce drug cravings, lessen withdrawal symptoms and improve self-control. Presently, the drug is said to be a Schedule I Controlled Substance in the United States, which makes it illegal to manufacture, buy or distribute without DEA (drug enforcement administration) license. The pharmacology of Ibogaine is discussed and its physiological effects and administration. The drug has severe side effects resulting in fatalities and so has low potential for addiction. For treatment of opiate addiction, currently three treatments are medically recognized: Methadone, L-alpha-acetyl-methanol (LAAM) and Buprenorphine, but these treatments do not offer a perfect solution. The use of Ibogaine for treatment of opiate addiction could be implemented which could prove more successful than the other drugs. It states that the inclusion of Ibogaine as a Schedule I is inappropriate, as hallucinogens are rarely addictive and potential for abuse and recreational use is low.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Complementary and Alternative Therapies and the Aging Population
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
