Frontiers in Psychology
December 6, 2018
Rafael Lancelotta, Austin-Marley Windham-Herman, Kristel Peterson et al.
80 citations
Vaporized 5-MeO-DMT, a psychoactive substance from the Colorado River Toad, reliably produced strong mystical experiences in 20 individuals at a psychospiritual retreat. Participants received 50 mg of inhaled bufotoxin and completed the Mystical Experience Questionnaire. The average intensity was 4.17 out of 5, and 75% had a complete mystical experience. Compared to a prior psilocybin study, 5-MeO-DMT matched the intensity of a high dose (30 mg/70 kg) of psilocybin and significantly exceeded a moderate/high dose (20 mg/70 kg). The short duration may benefit clinical interventions and research on mystical-type experiences.
Journal of psychedelic studies
November 1, 2017
Alan K Davis, Joseph P Barsuglia, Austin-Marley Windham-Herman et al.
60 citations
A survey of 88 patients who received ibogaine treatment in Mexico between 2012 and 2015 found that most (80%) reported the drug eliminated or drastically reduced withdrawal symptoms, and half said it reduced opioid craving, with some reporting that reduction lasting at least three months. Thirty percent never used opioids again after treatment, and over half of those abstainers had been abstinent for at least one year. Although 70% relapsed, 48% decreased use from pretreatment levels and an additional 11% eventually achieved abstinence. Treatment responders had lower rates of depressive and anxious symptoms and higher well-being. The results suggest ibogaine is associated with reductions in opioid use and improved psychological outcomes.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
January 1, 2018
Alan K Davis, Elise Renn, Austin-Marley Windham-Herman et al.
34 citations
Most people who underwent ibogaine detoxification for chronic opioid use reported lasting positive changes, including enhanced gratitude, authenticity, and appreciation for life. Those who responded well to treatment showed greater improvements in tolerating difficult feelings, coping with stress, reduced unhealthy anger, and increased inner peace, joy, love, and a sense of sacredness in life. They also reported heightened spiritual awareness and stronger connections in relationships. Challenges included psychological and health difficulties during treatment and problems with post-treatment integration. The findings point to the need for more integration and aftercare resources. Further rigorous experimental research is needed.