Course Description:

This course introduces clinicians, researchers, and students of psychedelic therapy to Ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic with a complex history and unique therapeutic potential. While often overshadowed by psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine, iboga, the natural source of ibogaine, has been used for centuries in Central African traditions and has shown promise in the treatment of addiction and other mental health conditions.

Led by psychologist and Fluence co-founder Dr. Elizabeth Nielson, this course traces the cultural roots, pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and safety considerations surrounding Ibogaine. Learners will gain an understanding of current research and the ethical, clinical, and regulatory questions shaping its future.

Who This Course Is For:

This course is designed for licensed mental health professionals, medical providers, graduate students in clinical training, and researchers working in or exploring the field of psychedelic therapy. It is also suitable for harm reduction professionals and experienced peer support providers seeking to deepen their understanding of Ibogaine’s role in therapeutic and ceremonial contexts.

Legal Status of Ibogaine (U.S. and International Context):

Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is illegal to manufacture, possess, or prescribe. It is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use under federal law. As a result, research involving Ibogaine in the U.S. is highly restricted and subject to DEA and FDA oversight.

However, Ibogaine is legal or unregulated in other countries, including Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and New Zealand. In these regions, it is used in clinical or retreat settings, often outside government-regulated healthcare systems. Clinicians considering referrals or collaboration with international treatment centers should conduct due diligence and understand the associated legal and ethical considerations.

This course is for educational purposes only and does not promote or provide access to any illegal substances or therapies.

Course Curriculum Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction to Ibogaine (2:01)
Gain a foundational understanding of Ibogaine’s place in the psychedelic landscape. Learn what sets it apart from better-known substances like psilocybin or MDMA, and why it deserves attention from clinicians and researchers.

Chapter 2: Historical Use (3:34)
Explore Ibogaine’s origins among the Bwiti people of Central Africa, its ceremonial and healing uses, and its transition into Western scientific and underground therapeutic circles.

Chapter 3: Pharmacological Properties (6:58)
Understand how Ibogaine interacts with the brain and body. Examine its receptor activity, its relationship to other psychedelics, and its unique mechanisms that underlie potential anti-addiction effects.

Chapter 4: Routes, Doses, and Acute Effects (9:03)
Learn about various methods of administration, from traditional root bark to purified forms. Review low, moderate, and high dose effects, as well as the arc of a typical ibogaine experience and its associated physiological risks.

Chapter 5: Clinical Research & Regulatory Landscape (13:53)
Review the scientific literature on Ibogaine, from early trials to contemporary observational studies. Understand how regulatory hurdles have shaped where and how research has progressed and what lies ahead.

Chapter 6: Mental Health Outcomes & Unanswered Questions (12:19)
Examine what current evidence suggests about long-term mental health effects of Ibogaine, especially in addiction treatment. Identify critical unanswered questions about dosing, safety, integration, and therapeutic context.

Chapter 7: Reflection & Integration (10–15)
After watching all six videos, take a few moments to reflect on the content.