Anxiety, nervousness, and angst are all normal feelings before entering an ibogaine treatment program. This is a big step toward recovery and like most big steps in life, there are a lot of unknowns.
While Casa Santa Isabel treats a range of addictions and mental health issues over multiple days, most patients go through a similar process. Here is what to expect from Casa Santa Isabel ibogaine treatment:
Day 1 – Admission & Orientation
The most nervous day of them all is certainly Day 1! Upon arrival for ibogaine treatment, patients receive an orientation to the premises, relevant administrative and medical staff, meal times, recreation opportunities, and emergency protocol.
We recommend abstaining from working or interacting on social media while undergoing ibogaine treatment at Casa Santa Isabel. Our facility has high-speed internet access, but successful treatment requires the patient to be completely locked in to the ibogaine treatment program.
Lastly, please know that those patients requiring additional detox time will be monitored closely.
Day 2 – Medical Review
Medical tests take up the first half of Day 2. Depending on the patient, this can include bloodwork, cardiological testing, and a general pre-ibogaine treatment medical clearance. Patient safety is our number one priority, so please be patient during the first half of Day 2 as relevant tests are required.
The second half of Day 2 continues with the final component of the orientation process. There are many questions on Day 2, and the staff is accustomed to most of them. However, we sometimes receive new questions that we really enjoy!
Lastly, effective ibogaine treatment requires that we learn from our patients. We actively collaborate with other ibogaine treatment centers to better understand the landscape and request open communication with patients. This is a safe zone that is free of judgment and oriented toward patient recovery.
Day 3 – Patient Objectives
Day 3 dives into patient objectives and goal-setting. Ibogaine treatment is one part of the road to recovery. Granted, it is a prominent part, but long-term recovery is highly dependent on setting and owning recovery objectives.
Casa Santa Isabel staff have decades of experience working closely with patients recovering from a range of addictions. We understand what measurable and tangible objectives are and are not. It is important patients feel comfortable in this process, as mistakes will be made. However, the center is a no-judgment zone, and we are here to guide patients through the process.
Day 4 – Ibogaine Treatment
Patients have now had three full days of some of the best home-cooked meals in Mexico. We know they have enjoyed themselves 🙂
Ibogaine treatment starts on the evening of Day 4, and we employ a range of medications in the event of severe nausea. The dose of ibogaine patients receive is dependent on their body mass. Within roughly 45 minutes, patients will begin to feel warmth and even tingling sensations in their bodies. Buzzing and humming sounds are common, and from one hour onwards, intense visions commence. The intensity can last up to 6 hours, and this is Phase I.
During Phase II, patients enter a state of processing. Arguably, the most important part of ibogaine treatment, patients are in a meditative state, a forced psychoanalysis where the issues surrounding their drug dependence, relationships, regrets, and lifestyle choices are all examined. Phase II can last up to 36 hours, but in general, it is roughly 8.
Day 5 – Psychological Processing
Ibogaine treatment can be exhausting, and Day 5 is a combination of healing coupled with one-on-one sessions with clinicians surrounding the experience. By far, one of the most interesting observations on Day 5 is many patients report no cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Those individuals with extreme addiction might experience some, but the vast majority do not.
Day 5 is all about processing the experience but also self-care. Patients are encouraged to get more sleep if needed, enjoy the grounds, eat, and talk through their feelings. For now, the addiction is gone, but more work is required.
Day 6 – Continued Processing and Interaction
For many patients, Day 6 is the most enjoyable. Day 5 is the day after one of the most intense experiences someone can have with ibogaine, and lots of rest – physically and mentally – is required. On Day 6, patients dive deeper into what they learned and experienced.
We encourage patients to socialize more with others on Day 6 after their ibogaine treatment. Sessions with therapists are also provided, as are planning sessions regarding the next steps once the patient returns home.
Day 7 – First Day Sober Planning
Many of our patients had tried to get sober before ibogaine treatment, and many succeeded temporarily. But they eventually relapsed and sought ibogaine treatment as a result. We like to refer to Day 7 as the day to plan their real “First Day Sober.” That first day occurs the day after they leave Casa Santa Isabel.
Day 7 is filled with after-care planning that not only focuses on the patient’s goals and objectives but also recommendations surrounding nutrition, therapy, sleep, supplements, etc. This is a happy day for patients and clinicians alike 🙂