Opioid Withdrawal

Opioids have similar effects and can lead to chemical dependency whether they are used recreationally or medically. While many people find the effect of opioids to be unpleasant, many others find that it acts as a powerful supplement to the body’s endorphins, it’s natural painkillers. It was developed for this purpose in medical settings, particularly to deal with acute physical trauma. People who use opioids often find that it reduces psychological as well as physical pain.

Regular use of opioids for this purpose can lead to habituation, which can cause desensitization of dopamine receptors, and depending on the frequency and quantity used, can lead to significant discomfort when attempting to slow or stop use. Some people find that when the underlying psychological or physical symptoms are resolved, or when significant time has passed that these issues become easier to deal with, they are able to stop their use and deal with any residual discomfort. Others, however, find it extremely difficult to stop or to control their use.

It can take some time for the body to adapt and re-acclimatize itself to these changes, and withdrawal and cravings afterwards can become a major barrier for change, even for people whose opioid use has led to negative consequences affecting many other areas of their lives.

Many people who take opioids for medical or recreational reasons find that they are eventually able to stop their use, despite the discomfort of withdrawal. However, for others, withdrawal and the prospect of cravings afterward present a significant barrier.

Ibogaine works by desensitizing dopamine receptors, and stimulating the repair and growth of dopaminergic neurons, the system directly affected by opioid use. This can significantly reduce short-term opioid withdrawal symptoms, and by dramatically reducing any accumulated tolerance to opioids it makes the body’s auto-regulation of dopamine much more efficient, decreasing short and long-term cravings.

For these reasons, many people who have used ibogaine found it much more efficient and comfortable compared with cold-turkey withdrawal or other detox methods. However, ibogaine is not a magic bullet or a ‘cure’ for addiction. It helps to facilitate a shift not only in physical dependency but also to some degree a new awareness about our bodies and our behavior patterns.

For people who have continued to use opioids despite the accumulation of negative consequences, there is often more than just a chemical dependency in play. Many people deal with chronic pain or discomfort, whether that is physical, emotional, or psychological. The body in this case has learned to use opioids as a response to any signal of distress, and often doesn’t know other strategies for regulating those experiences.

At Anzelmo we work with a number of adjunct modalities, discussing other supportive strategies that can support through the acute period after ibogaine and provide access to other services such as aftercare recommendations and ibogaine coaching services that can be supportive in retraining the body and the mind in new strategies.