Martin Polanco
Ibogaine: Treatment for Alcoholism
Originally posted December 11, 2016

Alcoholism is one of the most common addictions there is. As something that’s readily available and even encouraged as a way to relax and have a good time, alcohol is widely consumed by people all over the world. In the US alone, there are more than 16 million people that are addicted to alcohol or abuse it on a regular basis.
Alcohol addiction can perpetuate devastating consequences when it’s left untreated. Anyone who’s lived with an alcoholic, had a loved one who is an alcoholic, or been an alcoholic themselves knows just how quickly an addiction to alcohol can ruin someone’s life.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse or Addiction
What starts as a few drinks after work or letting loose on the weekends can turn into full-blown dependency. Drinking greatly loosens up one’s inhibitions and can literally numb one to the stress and problems they feel. This is why so many people turn to alcohol in the first place. It’s an easy way to let go…until one drinks too much or begins to come down from their high.
Alcohol is a depressant by nature. While it might make someone feel great for little while, in the end it can lead to some serious withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawals from alcohol are what lead many to fall into a regular habit of drinking…because the only way to get rid of them is by drinking more. Detox from alcohol can also be waited out, but for many a few more drinks (“to take the edge off”) can quickly become a regular habit.
Some of the sign alcohol has become a problem include:
Drinking to Feel Better
Anyone who drinks to feel better about life and their relationship to it has a problem with alcohol. Because it temporarily makes people feel relaxed and sociable, it holds great potential for abuse to those looking for ways to feel better about life.
Hiding/Lying About Drinking
People that abuse alcohol sometimes lie about how much they really drink. Some of this might stem from denial. Other times, people are aware of how much they drink and don’t want other to know about it. Drinking in secret or lying about how much you drink can be sign of a serious problem.
Experiencing Problems in Relationships
Alcohol takes a real toll on relationships. When the amount of alcohol someone consumes impacts your day-to-day reality, it’s most likely become a problem. Friend and family members are a big part of someone’s life, and alcohol can ruin even the closest of relationships.
Not Being Able to Stop Once You Start
A lot of people that abuse alcohol can’t stop drinking once they start. This means drinking the whole bottle (or box) of wine, finishing the bottle of liquor, or drinking all the beer until it’s gone.
A High Tolerance to Alcohol
People that drink regularly develop a higher tolerance to alcohol. This means that it takes them more alcohol to feel its effects. For those with a heavy tolerance it’s not unheard of to drink 8-10 drinks without feeling an effect.
Experiencing Regular Withdrawal
If someone’s hungover every day, there’s no doubt they’ve got a problem with alcohol. When someone abuses alcohol, withdrawal symptoms go way past the “normal hangover” most people experience from when drinking too much. Excessive daily drinking changes the way a person’s brain functions. Without alcohol, they can become anxious, agitated, experience sweats and cold chills, and have tremors. For those with serious alcohol addiction, hallucinations, insomnia, and disorientation can be common withdrawal symptoms as well.
When alcohol becomes a problem in one’s life, they shouldn’t wait until things get too serious before getting help. Getting treatment for alcohol addiction or abuse is one of the best things someone can do to help turn their life around. Drinking too much is a serious problem, that when left untreated can lead to serious problems.
Getting Treatment for Alcohol Addiction with Ibogaine
Ibogaine is an alternative to traditional addiction treatment and has been used to successfully treat alcoholism for countless individuals worldwide. Although alcohol withdrawals are usually beat by the time the individual takes ibogaine, the ibogaine can help the alcoholic address the psychological addiction that keeps them going back.
Often times, alcoholism is related to past trauma or issues that the alcoholic may or may not be aware of. Ibogaine helps the patient find new reasons to live and stop drinking. The psychological aspect of alcoholism is usually much stronger than the physical dependence itself.
Treatment with ibogaine is not a miracle cure for alcoholism, but for some it is exactly what they need. Ibogaine works like nothing else does to eliminate addiction. Ibogaine treatment can offer an emotional reset necessary to move forward with optimism and hope.
There is hope. Finding the right treatment for you is vital to living a healthy life and having a promising future. There is hope for those struggling with alcoholism.