Towards a deeper understanding of ibogaine's role in treating opioid use disorders.

摘要

This dissertation examined the subjective reports of individuals who underwent ibogaine-assisted therapy for opioid use disorders. Ibogaine is a naturally occurring compound derived from roots of Tabernanthe iboga, a bush common in the equatorial under forests of Western Africa (Stafford, 1993). Current research into entheogens as useful tools to augment clinical treatment suggests that future investigations be directed especially towards substance and opioid use disorders, noting that many methodological and theoretical questions relating to successful treatment remain unanswered (Goldsmith, 2007; Mabit, 2007). Settled in the context of a history both rich and stigmatized, encouraging empirical data supports the efficacy of entheogens to enhance clinical outcomes. It is hoped that this research helps illuminate details as to when and why encouraging outcomes are obtained with ibogaine. By gathering information through interviews that generate themes related to the experience of ibogaine, this study sheds light on some of the still unanswered methodological and theoretical questions regarding what aspects are vital in generating successful outcomes in the clinical treatment of opioid use disorders. Additionally, this study will help clarify what issues to focus on in future, quantitative investigations.;This study examined the lived experience of individuals who underwent ibogaine-assisted therapy, probing for potential changes in pre-determined categories derived from an exhaustive literature review. Categories that emerged about the lived experiences of participants through semi-structured interview questions revealed themes in the neurological and physical effects, auditory and visual phenomena, impact on withdrawal and craving, and shifts in outlook on self and life. The results suggest that ibogaine-assisted therapy provides a powerful physiological, emotional, and psychological experience, attenuates opioid withdrawal, and results in a more optimistic outlook on self and life. Clinical implications, study limitations, suggestions for future research, and preliminary suggestions for ways to maximize the efficacy of ibogaine- assisted therapy in the treatment of opioid use disorders are discussed. The implications may help clinicians to identify aspects of psychosocial development that are currently underemphasized in the field and enhance the outcomes of clinical attempts to catalyze personal growth and transformation in all clients.