Costa Rica is a destination sought after by many people for alternative therapies with ibogaine, a natural psychoactive substance that is used in an unauthorized way as a therapy to treat addictions and mental illnesses. While the use of the Iboga plant itself is not strictly prohibited in Costa Rica, ibogaine, the psychoactive substance derived from the plant, is not registered as a medicine with the Ministry of Health. As a result, its use is not authorized.
The New York Times reported in March 2024 that ibogaine relieves the painful symptoms of opioid withdrawal and appears to reduce drug cravings. It is thought to promote the creation of new neurons and neuroplasticity. This is not a drug used for clubbing or recreationally.
The consumption of doses generates effects for periods of up to 24 hours, which can turn into very exhausting sessions. This alkaloid, found in the root bark of the native to West Africa, possesses potent hallucinogenic properties. For centuries, it has played a central role in religious ceremonies, particularly in rituals aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment.
In Costa Rica, there are several centers that offer wellness retreats and spiritual awakening using this drug. It is estimated that a single session can cost between $5,000 and $15,000, and they’re usually attended by Europeans and U.S.
citizens. At the beginning of August, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) of Nicoya opened an investigation into the death of a woman from the U.S.
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