If You Slip After Ibogaine: What Happens Next

If you have used again, here is what to do next.

You are not alone in this

If you have used again after ibogaine care, you are not the only one. Recovery is rarely a straight line, and shame often keeps people from asking for help. At The Tabernanthe, we would rather hear from you on a hard day than not at all. We will not judge you.

Safety first

After a stretch without opioids, your tolerance drops. Using the amount you used before can cause an overdose. A follow-up study of people after inpatient opiate detoxification reported overdose deaths in the first months, and all of them were among people who had lost tolerance (Strang et al., 2003).

If you or someone you know has used again:

  • Do not use alone, and tell someone.
  • If you use opioids, use far less than before, and keep naloxone (Narcan) within reach. Make sure someone knows how to give it. Naloxone rapidly reverses an opioid overdose (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
  • Call 911 for an overdose or any medical emergency.

The SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 offers free, confidential treatment referral and information, 24 hours a day. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.

Why a slip can happen

Ibogaine care is not a cure, and no one should tell you it is. Stress, old triggers, loneliness, tiredness and worries about family or money can all bring cravings back. Many people are also going home to the same life they had before treatment. That is why support in the months afterward matters. For what the research shows, see ibogaine relapse rates.

What to do in the first 24 hours

  1. Tell someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, sponsor or counselor.
  2. Stay safe. Put what you can out of reach and avoid the people and places tied to use.
  3. Eat, drink water and rest.
  4. Contact your provider or doctor if you have any medical concern, or if you used something that could interact with a medication.
  5. Reach out for support. You do not have to feel ready first.

Getting back on track

Try to work out what was going on in the hours before: who you were with, how you were feeling, what was different. Share that with someone you trust, and change one thing about your routine or support so that moment is easier next time. If you want help working through it, we can help. See also how integration works and the first 90 days in life after ibogaine.

How we can help

The Tabernanthe provides a safe, caring environment for ibogaine aftercare, and it can be at no cost to you, depending on your situation. You do not have to start over alone. If you were treated elsewhere, you are welcome too. See support after treatment.

Sources

If you are in crisis, call or text 988. For a medical emergency, call 911. Aftercare does not replace medical care. For a medical concern, contact your provider or your doctor.

Contact our team

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