Ibogaine is a natural substance found in the root of a plant that grows in West Africa. In small amounts, ibogaine works as a mild stimulant. People have been using it for a long time to fight tiredness, hunger, and thirst. When taken in larger amounts, it can create strong, mind-altering experiences.

Although illegal in the United States many people are interested in it for its potential to treat substance use disorders, like other psychedelics including LSD or psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms).

Ibogaine has become so popular that an online search produces a long list of facilities for substance use disorder that offer it as treatment, especially in countries like Mexico, where the use of this plant is unregulated.

It is important to point out that there isn’t enough evidence to know how effective ibogaine is in the long term. Moreover, unlike some other mind-altering drugs that pose lower risks, ibogaine has been connected to some deaths.