Preparation & integration

Before, after, and in between.

A powerful experience does not prepare or integrate itself. Build the medical, practical and relational support needed to approach iboga carefully—and translate what follows into grounded, sustainable action.

Plan your preparation Explore integration

Practical guidance · Not a treatment protocol or substitute for clinical care

A narrow path through a dense green forest — A process, not a single event01 / 04

01 — Orientation

Preparation begins before a decision is made.

Good preparation is not simply setting an intention or arranging travel. It means understanding the evidence and uncertainty, completing appropriate medical screening, reviewing all substances and medicines, checking the standards of any provider, and arranging support for your return. If those foundations are absent, postponing is a valid and responsible choice.

A practical preparation pathway

02 — Three phases

Medical readiness

Ibogaine can affect cardiac electrical activity and may cause dangerous arrhythmias. Preparation must include qualified medical assessment—not a self-completed questionnaire alone. Be complete and honest about your health history and substance use.

Review safety guidance

Confirm before proceeding

A clinician has reviewed your medical and psychiatric history.
Appropriate ECG and laboratory testing has been completed and interpreted.
All prescriptions, supplements and substances have been disclosed.
Any medication changes are clinician-led; nothing is stopped abruptly.
The provider has monitoring, emergency equipment and a clear escalation plan.

Practical support

Reduce avoidable demands around the experience. Allow time to arrive rested and time afterwards without driving, work pressure, childcare responsibility or major decisions. Identify someone who knows where you are and can offer calm, non-judgemental support.

Build your support plan

Arrange safe transport and do not plan to drive afterwards.
Set aside quiet recovery time with food, water and sleep support.
Choose a trusted contact and agree how they will check in.
Plan continuity of care for addiction or mental health treatment.
Keep emergency and clinical contact details readily available.

Clear intentions

An intention can orient attention without predicting an outcome. Keep it specific, flexible and connected to your life. Avoid treating visions, memories or strong emotions as instructions that must be acted on immediately.

Questions worth writing down

What am I hoping may change—and what work could that require?
What outcome am I expecting that no experience can guarantee?
Who can help me reality-check strong conclusions afterwards?
What existing care, community or routine should remain in place?
What would make postponing the safest choice?

Safety boundary

Integration cannot replace urgent care.

Following iboga or ibogaine, new physical or psychological symptoms should not be dismissed as part of a healing process. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, fainting, severe palpitations, seizures, breathing difficulty, extreme confusion, suicidal thoughts or behaviour that creates immediate danger.

Know the risks

In an emergency

Call 111 in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tell responders that iboga or ibogaine was taken.
Share the timing, estimated amount and any other substances or medicines.
Do not leave an unwell or highly distressed person alone.
Do not rely on an online guide when immediate care is needed.

03 — Integration

Turn intensity into small, testable changes.

Integration is the gradual process of making sense of an experience and deciding what belongs in everyday life. It may involve rest, clinical follow-up, counselling, peer or cultural support, journalling and restoring routine. It is rarely served by rushing into major commitments.

Start with sleep, nutrition, hydration, prescribed care and trusted relationships. Record insights without assuming every insight is literal. Where addiction is involved, continue evidence-based treatment and overdose-prevention planning; reduced tolerance can increase overdose risk if use resumes.

What feels clear now—and what still needs time?

Which one change is realistic this week?

What support will help that change last?

What conclusion should I test before acting?

How are sleep, mood and relationships changing?

When will I review this with someone I trust?

Not sure what to ask next?

We can help you identify useful questions about preparation, providers, support planning and integration. We do not diagnose, prescribe or provide emergency care.

Contact Iboga Aotearoa