South Africa: Controversial Anti-Heroin Addiction Drug Ibogaine Hits Rehabs
Cape Argus, South Africa - A controversial drug designed to combat heroin is being offered to patients around South Africa.
The drug, called ibogaine, is based on an active principle found in the iboga plant, found in Gabon, and reportedly eliminates the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with heroin addiction by blocking brain receptors that have previously been affected by the drug.
This makes it different from conventional heroin addiction treatments such as methodone which are simply used to wean addicts off the drug by mirroring its effect.
While offering a glimmer of hope to addicts, ibogaine has a dubious history.
It is illegal in a number of countries, including the US, not least because it produces similar side-effects to other psychedelics such as LSD and mescaline. It has also been linked to a small number of fatalities.
Clinical research on the drug is in its infancy.
Dr Deborah Mash, a researcher at the University of Miami, has conducted limited trials on patients. She found that ibogaine can help those addicted to heroin, alcohol and other substances.
The drug has undergone no such studies in South Africa.
A Carte Blanche investigation into ibogaine included a mention that the University of Cape Town was interested in starting trials with the substance but yesterday UCT spokesperson Skye Grove said they "do not intend to start clinical trials".
Carte Blanche has admitted on its website that the statement was erroneous.
Pretoria pharmacist Charles Rossouw is confident of the drug's merits.
He runs a rehabilitation centre in the city where he charges R12 000 per treatment, claiming a 60% success rate among heroin addicts.
"I knew a couple of people who were using drugs," said Rossouw. "I heard about ibogaine but thought it was hogwash. But the more I read, the more I became intrigued."
Rossouw believes that the reason ibogaine is not widely available is simple: "Nobody knows about it."
Rossouw's clinic mainly treats patients from around Pretoria but he has looked after people from "as far away as Cape Town".
By Patrick Whyte
posted by Pannyxeos at 5:07:00 PM
13 Comments:
I can varify that Ibogaine does work. I provide safe and professional Ibogaine treatments as well as do the research of our findings and have seen many a people addicted to one substance or another get the help they needed. Ibogaine lessens and then stops withdrawals within 24-48hr. as well as stops the cravings for drugs or your addiction. Ibogaine creates a window period of up to 6 mo. for the person to get the necessary life-skills needed to empower them to fight against any other further drug use. It is not a cure-all but does definately HELP.
peace,
Devra
I have treated people with addiction problems with Ibogaine since 2006.
It definitely works.
Normal 12 step Rehabs have a 3-6% success rate. Ibogaine has at least a 50% success rate depending on the addicts drug of choice.
Read more about Ibogaine at www.ethnogarden.co.za
I am a recovering heroin and crack addict and have been in recovery for almost 5 years. I discovered Ibogaine when Carte Blanche aired their documentary about Ibogaine treatment. I was infact treated by the "Pretoria pharmacist Charles Rossouw" who you mentioned in the origional post. I can assure you Mr Charles Rossouw no longer operates out of Pretoria and his treatment facilities are not what he claims they are. For starters i was promised many things which never materialised such as his so called addiction counsellor. During my stay at the Pretoria facility sexual allogations were made against Charles as well as the fact that he himself was a practicing crack addict and our lives were put at risk when he administered the Ibogaine to his patients. I can agree that no heroin withdrawels occur after the treatment so Ibogaine is beneficial in that respect. Charles now operates a facility in Kempton Park somewhere but i would not advise anyone to be treated by him.
I know Charles Rossouw personally and can assure anyone reading the post of Anonymous 23/6/2010 that Charles is NOT addicted to ANYTHING. His work in this field is highly respected and research is ongoing. There are no magical cures for addiction least of all heroin addiction. My son went to a rehab centre in Mozambique and has been free of heroin or any drugs for 7 years now. It is a complex process and any efforts to free people from this hell should be commended.
Anonymous, as long as you play the blame game and look for scapegoats you can't begin the process of a life completely free of addiction.
Too all readers. Ibogaine is NOT I REPEAT is NOT 100% successful. There will always be a percentage of unsuccessful patients. Because 50% is the drug and the other 50% is the will to give up the use of using and wanting to live addiction free and living a life free of drugs and alcohol. There are no quick fixes. Remember that.Yes Ibogaine may give you the crave free life but it is up to you not to use the substances again and that no one but yourself can stop you from abusing and using. So stop blaming others and take responsibility.
where do go to get this treatment in or near pretoria! I've tried everything this is my last chance!!!! please!
Hi...Your post really got me thinking man..... an intelligent piece ,I must say. Get more information about Ibogaine Treatment Center .
If anyone knows of a place that dose this treatment in Durban please let me know at wessteyn@gmail.com please I worry about my girl scared she is going to kill herself and I have tried everything
Hi there. My name is Pierre le Roux and I run a Ibogaine treatment centre. We operate out of Rand burg as well as Pretoria. We offer the get off of drugs Safari. Have a look at our website. www.alternative-rehab.com
Ibogaine helps in making you free from the dependency on drugs and alcohol. They believe it’s crucial to address the root cause of your addiction through a spiritual awakening so that the psychological aspects of your obsession don’t turn back.
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Hi Debra, please contact me in pretoriusmail@gmail.com for Ibogaine treatment. Are u in Pretoria? What is cost?
Thank you for bringing more information to this topic for me. I’m truly grateful and really impressed.
Alcohol & drug rehab Durban
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