FAQs

1) I want to read more about the plant medicine. Where can I get information?
There is much information on the internet that you can research on your own – most of it will be related to either the uses for the tribes in Africa or research related articles regarding its use as a drug interruption tool. We continue to compile a collection of studies, experiences, and other research material that you are welcome to read at the Center.

2) How many times can I take the plant medicine?
It stays in your system for 30 days. Technically, one can take a treatment every 30 days. However, since it is not a recreational experience, and a session with it tends to be somewhat physically uncomfortable and psychologically intense, it is usually only taken once or twice in a lifetime.

3) In case of physical problems when someone is taking the plant medicine, what medical assistance is available?
The counselor that is sitting with you will have CPR and basic First Aid skills. In the case of an emergency, the Koh Phangan emergency clinic is located by car 5 minutes from our site. The nearest hospital is located 10 min. away by car.

4) I have taken recreational drugs before with psychedelic effects. Is the plant medicine similar to those?
The plant medicine is not a recreational drug. 50 % of the people who take Ibogaine do not experience any visuals. Due to the nature of Ibogaine it does not lend towards abuse. The experience of Ibogaine cannot be compared to any hallucinogenic drug.

5) How many people have taken the plant medicine at the Monte Vista Center?
Within the first year of the program over 40 people participated. The numbers of people on the Program are still rising. There have been miraculous results so far in a variety of areas such as eating disorders, compulsive disorders, depression, varieties of addictions, and also in the area of physical healing and balancing.

6) It sounds like the plant medicine is a ‘wonder – drug’. Is it?
Yes, changes can happen just from taking the Ibogaine. But when combined with our therapeutic program, it can actually be regarded as a wonder-drug. Taking it once without the psychological support and follow up program may reap benefits for a while, but it takes proper understanding of ones psychological and mental make-up to obtain lasting results. After the treatment, counseling is imperative to re-train the individual to new ways of life. On a more emotional, behavioral, and spiritual level, based on your intentions of taking the plant medicine, it works as a catalyst to set those changes you want to happen in motion. This is why our program is a minimum of 28 days and we encourage longer stays for some participants, if possible.

7) I still don’t understand what you mean by visuals. Can you explain?
The individual may see dream-like visions with their eyelids closed which disappear once the eyelids are opened. The visions usually appear against a black screen and they may be in black and white or color, cartoon characters, funny images, and images like people and experiences from the past. It may seem at times that it is like watching a movie or a play. You are connected to the experience, but usually feel as though you are not directly involved so it is non threatening. However, at times individuals have reported experiencing feelings and sensations associated with these visuals but these have not been fear based. Keep in mind that about half of the participants report no visuals or only a few visuals and this is not a problem. The physiological anti-addictive properties of the plant medicine will still work upon the brain receptors of non-vision experiencing persons. Also, for the first 24 hours there will be a counselor or a caretaker with you at all times.

8) The plant medicine s effects on addiction seems incredible. If this is the case, why haven’t more clinics and more countries approved it as a tool for drug or behavioral pattern interruption?
We don’t understand this either and we can only speculate. The extremely costly regulatory approval process and the reluctance by major pharmaceutical firms to pursue regulatory approval in the West seem to have been the major obstacle. Because of the ongoing obstacles with bureaucracy, this has led to the formation of non-medical treatment centers in the countries that do allow the use of the treatment. For drug interruption it is still considered an experimental and an alternative treatment to traditional Western therapies. To date there is no other treatment program in the world that includes Ibogaine like the Secundunm Vitae Program.

9) What kind of patients would you consider not to be a candidate for your program?
Persons who have liver problems, heart conditions, are pregnant, people with intestinal problems such as Crohn’s disease and a few other exceptions, would not be able to participate in the treatment program. Because we are considered an out-patient center and we are not medically supported within the center, the individual must be in a stable mental and physical state. Most importantly, the attitude of the patient will determine the success of their program. Candidates who are resistant to therapies, change, and are unwilling to dedicate their time and energy to the program will have least results.

10) Has there been any long term documentation or research on the long term effects of the plant medicine?
There is limited information available on the long term results of the plant medicine used for different treatments beyond three to six months. Part of the Secundum Vitae Program is to document and track participants’ progress for up to two years after treatment to learn more about the long term results. These findings will be published at a later date.

11) Why do I need to sign a release form?
A release form for the treatment is standard procedure for all clinics that administer the plant medicine. It documents that you have been counseled through the risks and side effects of the plant medicine.

12) What would you say is the most important key to a successful completion of the program?
The most important key to success is attitude. The willingness to change must be greater than the willingness to go back to old behavioral patterns. We strongly encourage you to take care of logistics at home with family and financial situations prior to entering the program so that during your time here, you are able to dedicate as much time as possible to your inner healing.

13) Couldn’t I just do traditional therapy and counseling to deal with my problems?
This is certainly an option and many people do this. There are many types of treatments and programs available for physical and emotional disorders. Our model is focused around the plant medicine as a catalyst for change supported by intensive group and individual counseling and other therapies to ensure long term results. The advantage of using our Program is the speed in which change is possible. The results that can be achieved in 1 month SVP Program are often equivalent to 10 to 15 years of traditional counseling.

14) After my Secundum Vitae Program ends, what recommendations do you have for me?
The program is a minimum of 28 days because after the treatment, you will have about 3 weeks of therapy and counseling. Towards the end of the progarm we will evaluate your progress and suggest either an extension of your course with or without Ibogaine or we will talk with you on setting up a support system after leaving the center. A stay of 86 days is usually recommended for those with more severe addictions and behavioral problems to continue with working with different therapies to work through critical phases and issues. The individual must dedicate the time after treatment to continue with therapies that can assist in the long term.

15) Is there an area of addiction that you have found the plant medicine to be not as effective?
From the research that has been compiled thus far, it has been found that the plant medicine is least effective with long term alcoholics and particularly binge drinkers.