Frequently Asked Questions PDF Print

How much does the program cost?

The cost for the detoxification program per person is approximately between $4700 and $4900 CDN based upon individual needs.

The cost varies for the psychotherapy program (as the program is tailored to individual needs) and is approximately between $3300 and $3900 CDN. The minimum stay for a psychotherapeutic session is 3 nights, 2 days.

Please note: A mandatory 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be added to the cost of therapy.

The costs include: facility rental, staffing, ibogaine, Emergency Medical Technician and Nurse, medical screening, food, an optional massage therapy or other bodywork session, transport to the facility and other associated costs of running the program. The Iboga Therapy House is a non profit business of the Iboga Therapy Society.

For more information about our programs or for a quote on the cost of the program, please contact Karen by phone: 1-604-886-5767, by cellphone: 1-604-989-0973 or by email: applications at ibogatherapyhouse.net for a brief consultation and a list of the options available.


What is the facility like?

Our facility is a comfortable setting that is staffed 24 hrs/day and is highly private. We generally only schedule one individual per week but can also schedule couples. Each person has their own room plus access to the rest of the facility including common rooms, meditation room, library and outdoor gardens. All amenities are provided plus full, mostly organic meals.


What happens during the detox therapy?

The program runs from Monday through Friday.

On the first day you introduced to the facility and staff, complete a few questionnaires, have the opportunity to ask questions about what you may expect and to prepare yourself for the experience with activities such as selecting music for the experience, art, reading, meditating, or stretching. Lunch and dinner is provided.

After the necessary monitoring period dependent on the substance being detoxed from (ie: 24 hours after the last dose for Methadone, 12 for Heroin, Cocaine, Crack or alcohol) we will administer a test dose of Ibogaine (to rule out allergic reaction) followed by the remaining full dose an hour later.

You will be cared for by experienced, supportive facilitators throughout the experience which may last 20-36 hours. Regular monitoring of vital signs including pulse and blood pressure occurs throughout by an Emergency Medical Technician or Nurse on staff.

As Ibogaine causes unsteadiness, light sensitivity and sometimes nausea, this period is usually spent lying down in a quiet darkened room. You have the option of listening to music.

Ibogaine can catalyze a powerful and sometimes profound effect on consciousness, the facilitators and therapist will provide support through dialogue if needed and/or other healing modalities if requested. Our role is to provide a safe, attentive, therapeutic and compassionate atmosphere.

After the effects of the ibogaine have subsided you will be encouraged to rest and take time to re-integrate the experience. It is understood that taking the time to reflect on what was experienced is a necessary part of the healing process after ibogaine. Dialogue is also important afterwards as it helps to facilitate better understanding

For the remainder of the stay, you will have access to instruction in light stretching or yoga, may go for walks, take soothing baths and engage in other therapeutic activities such as art or music therapy. The staff are present to facilitate discussion about the experience and about integrating healthy factors into one's life in various ways through goal setting and lifestyle changes. Please see the Additional Therapies section for more information about the options available.


Does Ibogaine have any side effects?

Side effects typically associated with drug interruption doses of Ibogaine include: ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), tremors, photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), nausea, vomiting and slight changes in blood pressure. These effects subside 24-48 hours after the ingestion of Ibogaine. These side effects are not the same as the withdrawal symptoms associated with chemical dependence which should be significantly reduced through the action of the Ibogaine.


Is Ibogaine neurotoxic?

Research demonstrates that ibogaine is not neurotoxic when administered in the therapeutic dose range (from 1-22 mgs/k). Please see the information and published research regarding neurotoxicity on the Ibogaine Dossier: www.ibogaine.org/neurotoxicity and www.ibogaine.org/abstracts


What is the dosage?

The dosage for detoxification from chemical dependence is within a range of 16-22 mgs of Ibogaine HCL per kg of body weight taking into account factors such as severity of addiction and the substance/s from which the participant is detoxifying from. For example: a significantly high dosage methadone dependence may require a dose of Ibogaine in the 19-20 mg range with a possible need for a booster a few days later.

The dosage for a psychotherapeutic session is within a range of 10-16 mgs/k.


Do you sell ibogaine?

No. It is only offered it as part of the therapy programs in a safe, supportive and monitored therapeutic setting. See below.


Should I consider taking Ibogaine on my own?

Ibogaine is a potent psychoactive substance. There are a number of reasons why taking it alone can be dangerous. It has side effects that make it very difficult to take care of oneself without assistance. Monitoring of pulse, blood pressure, temperature and adequate hydration is extremely important. In case of a medical emergency there must be someone present and knowledgeable to communicate with emergency medical staff.

It is quite dangerous if mixed concurrently with other drugs (especially opiates, stimulants and amphetamines) as it potentiates (makes stronger) these to the point of a possibly fatal overdose. It is also contraindicated in combination with some medications, supplements and foods.

Its psychoactive properties may also precipitate intense psychological, emotional or spiritual experiences for which support from a knowledgeable and compassionate caregiver is needed.

There is also the question of supply from unknown sources. Can you be sure of what you are purchasing?

These are only some factors to consider as everyone's needs and situation will differ. It is important to know that every substance/drug affects people in different ways at different times.

The most important thing to do is to educate yourself as much as possible about it before making a decision. There are various resources of information available, see: The Ibogaine Dossier and the Manual for Ibogaine Therapy to begin with. Other Internet sites may be found on our links page and there are also books, discussion forums, news articles, films and listserves such as the Ibogaine List on Mindvox.

It is also important to check out other options for recovery as you may decide that Ibogaine is not right for you. In any case, researching other methods may be more helpful in the long run, as it can help to make an informed decision and also aid in the creation of a personalized ongoing recovery plan.