A Qualitative Inquiry into Practitioners' Experiences of Using Ibogaine and Other Psychoplastogens in the Treatment of Substance Misuse.

Enginsoy, Ahmet and Lobban, Fiona (2025) A Qualitative Inquiry into Practitioners' Experiences of Using Ibogaine and Other Psychoplastogens in the Treatment of Substance Misuse. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the therapeutic potential of Ibogaine, a psychoactive substance, in treating substance misuse disorders. The research is driven by the increasing interest in psychedelic therapies amidst the perceived inadequacies of conventional treatments. The study is divided into two main components: a scoping review of the existing literature on psychedelic-assisted therapies and a qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews with experienced Ibogaine treatment providers. By mapping the broader field of psychedelic research, the scoping review provides context to the specific findings on Ibogaine. It identifies key challenges and opportunities within the field, underscoring the details of trials utilising psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, alongside Ibogaine and other psychoplastogens in addressing substance misuse. The qualitative study investigates the experiences and approaches of treatment providers, offering insights into the multifaceted dimensions of Ibogaine administration, including varied dosing strategies, pre-treatment rituals, and post-treatment care. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic, patient-centric approach, which is crucial for maximising therapeutic outcomes in substance misuse treatment. This thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on psychedelic therapies by offering a detailed examination of Ibogaine's role in addiction treatment and situating it within the larger context of psychedelic research. The study advocates for the integration of patient-centric approaches in treatment protocols and calls for further research to explore the synergistic effects of combining Ibogaine with other therapeutic agents. Additionally, it addresses the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines to support the safe and effective application of these emerging therapies.