During the process of researching ibogaine treatment, the question inevitably arises: How much does ibogaine treatment cost, and what am I getting for those costs?
With so many clinics offering different options, it can be difficult to tell what you are paying for and where your money is going.
In this guide, we cover all of the costs of ibogaine treatment, what to look out for, questions to ask clinics, and more that we’ve learned from decades of experience in the ibogaine space.
By the end of this, you will be well on your way to getting the best ibogaine treatment for you, and a positive experience, at a price that works for you.
Planning for Success
Before getting into specific costs, let’s look at simple tips former patients wish they would have known before choosing a clinic.
Tip #1 – Take a Deep Breath
It can be difficult to plan when considering ibogaine treatment. Grappling with addiction is an overwhelming task unto itself. We understand.
You may feel very emotional. That’s ok. However, it’s important to recognize that emotion and not let it turn into desperation–which can lead to making poor decisions.
It’s hard to change how you feel, but by acknowledging it, you can prepare yourself to deal with strong emotions when making important decisions about your addiction treatment.
Tip #2 – Create a Budget
There are a lot of costs that go into any addiction treatment. Those costs can stack up. You may not have a complete budget in mind right now but you can start with a rough budget and update it as you go forward.
This helps save costs and put money towards purchases that are more helpful for you and your situation.
Tip #3 – Take Good Notes
What starts out as talking to just one clinic quickly turns into multiple clinics and multiple conversations. This quickly becomes confusing as they start to blend together.
By taking good notes, you will be able to determine which clinics have the programs you want at the costs that make sense to you.
Tip #4 – Plan for the Long-Term
Sometimes, just having time in treatment is better than the treatment itself. Keeping a long-term oriented mindset will help you put more of your budget towards recovery and support.
Now that we have a better understanding of how to plan and what to expect. Let’s look at a general overview of the costs of ibogaine treatment, and then address them each with more specifics.
General Cost of Ibogaine Treatment
Here are the general costs of ibogaine treatment and the overall treatment process.
The typical cost of ibogaine treatment is $6,000 to $12,000. Treatment generally lasts 7-14 days and includes the cost of pre-treatment preparation and detox, ibogaine administration and monitoring, and post-treatment recovery.
There are also costs for programs after treatment to consider, depending on your specific situation and goals. Attending an aftercare facility typically ranges between $2,000 to $3,000 per week. Phone coaching typically ranges between $50 to $150 per session.
To better understand these costs, we have broken them up into six categories:
- Travel – Going to and from the clinic.
- Accommodations – The location and amenities of the facility as well the living arrangement at the clinic.
- Detox – Time spent under medical supervision flushing narcotics from the system and preparing your body for ibogaine.
- Ibogaine Administration – The professional administration of ibogaine under the care of doctors and nurses assisted by medical safety equipment.
- Recovery – Time spent recovering from ibogaine treatment..
- Aftercare and Coaching – Post-clinic programs that offer additional support, therapy, and integration.
With this general overview in mind, let’s look more into the details of what goes into each category.
Cost of Travel
The first cost is often overlooked when researching ibogaine treatment, and that’s the cost of travel.
Ibogaine clinics do not include travel costs in their overall cost structure and, in most cases, you will be responsible for transportation.
Consider the costs of:
- Method of Travel–Are you taking an airline or bus, or will you be driving alone or with family?
- Arrival Limitations–Are there specific days you need to arrive, or does the clinic have a flexible arrival window?
- Arrival Time Frame–When do you plan to arrive? Can you plan ahead to get better travel pricing?
- Passport Costs–Do you need a passport, and what costs are associated?
- Parking Costs–If you are driving, are there parking fees you need to be aware of?
All of these factors will play into the overall cost of your ibogaine treatment. If you are attending a clinic in northern Mexico, you will likely arrive in San Diego where someone from the clinic will take you across the border to your location.
If you are traveling to southern Mexico, or another country, you will take an international flight which could be more expensive.
You may also need a passport before entering Mexico or another country.
Time is also a factor. If your schedule is flexible, consider searching around for less expensive travel days that coincide with the arrival window at the clinic you are considering.
Having a good sense of the travel costs and making a plan helps you properly prepare and save money.
Cost of Accommodations
Our next major factor in the overall cost of ibogaine treatment are the accommodations you will receive during your stay at a treatment facility.
There are a lot of small factors to consider. Together, they determine whether you feel like you had an enjoyable, and comfortable, experience at the clinic for the price you paid.
Comfort, Cleanliness, and Privacy
The level of comfort, cleanliness, and privacy will vary from clinic to clinic. To determine what you will get, consider asking the clinic representative a few questions like:
- Will I have my own room?
- How often are the rooms cleaned?
- How often are the bed sheets washed?
- How often are the bathrooms cleaned?
- Will I have my own private bathroom?
- Who else has access to my bathroom?
- What amenities are provided (Soap, Toothpaste, etc.)?
It helps to keep notes. These questions will help you determine what you are getting from a clinic and the costs associated.
Also, generally you want to know what you are getting. Just because you pay more, doesn’t mean you get more. Asking questions will help make sure you know what you are getting for the price you pay.
Home Location, Security, and Amenities
Another price factor for ibogaine treatment is the home’s location. A beachfront location will cost more than something more inland. A resort style clinic with a pool and other amenities will also have a higher price.
Take a look at the website, ask some questions, and make some notes:
- Is the property on the beach?
- Do you have an ocean view?
- Is the location in a safe, gated area?
- How nice is the home you are staying in?
- Does it have a pool, sauna, or hot tub?
- What can I do to relax?
- What can I do to stay entertained?
Consider how much time you will be spending at the clinic and how you will spend that time. If your stay is short, you probably won’t need a lot of extra amenities. If you will spend a lot of time in detox, things like a sauna or hot tub can make that time more pleasant and potentially speed up the process.
It’s good to be aware of what amenities the facility is offering.
Food Services
Most clinics have an on staff chef prepare and serve meals. Removing the worry and time spent on meal preparation helps you focus on healing and recovery.
However, if you don’t like the food, or they aren’t aware of your dietary restrictions, it might become a distraction.
You’ll want to know:
- What types of foods are typically prepared?
- Are there other options if I don’t like certain foods?
- What time are meals prepared?
- How many meals are typically prepared each day?
- What foods and snacks are available when the chef is out?
Being in a nice home, but with food you are unsatisfied with, is an easy way to spend extra money on an experience you don’t enjoy.
Make sure you understand everything that you are getting from the home and amenities, to your living space and security, when speaking to potential clinics. This will help you have the pleasant, positive ibogaine treatment experience that you want–at the right cost.
Now that we understand the differences in accommodations, let’s look at the medical costs of ibogaine treatment.
Cost of Detoxification
Potentially the biggest ibogaine treatment cost is the cost of detoxification. Each additional day added to your stay while you detox has an additional cost.
Although there are general guidelines, there is no set way of determining exactly how long your body will take to clear dangerous drugs from your system before treatment.
On top of that, today many drugs are laced with fentanyl. When in the system, fentanyl renders ibogaine useless. Fentanyl typically takes 5-7 days to detox from the system.
Other drugs like alcohol, methamphetamine, and cocaine also take time to detox from the system before ibogaine can be taken.
Drugs like suboxone and methadone, because they are created to stay in the system much longer, take around 30-45 days to be completely metabolized.
This makes the detox process different for each individual. Discuss estimated time frames for how long you can expect to be in detoxification with the clinics you are considering.
Overview of Detox Costs
Here are some of the costs that go into the detox process.
- Cost of Medical Screening – Shortly after you arrive you will go through a medical screening. This will determine your heart health, liver enzymes, and screen you for any preexisting medical conditions that may complicate the ibogaine treatment.
- Cost of Drug Screenings – Usually taken daily, the ibogaine clinic staff will run a drug screening, in the form of a blood test, to accurately determine when you are clean and ready to take the ibogaine.
- Upkeep Drug Costs – If you are on opiates, the clinic has the cost of providing clean opiate medication, that is fentanyl free, to keep you comfortable before taking ibogaine. You may also need medications to help flush your system, improve your mood, or help you sleep while you prepare for treatment.
- Specialty Drug Costs – There are also situations where you may need specific prescription drugs to help you prepare for treatment. For instance, heavy alcohol users will often require liver medication to stabilize enzymes before treatment. These drugs may vary, but are another cost to the clinic.
- Medical Supervision Costs – The clinic will be staffed with doctors and nurses looking over you and checking on your mood, status, and progress.
These costs add up. As a general rule, the more time that you need to detox or stay at a clinic, the more costs. If there are things that you can do before attending the clinic to help clean your system, it could save you a substantial amount of money.
However, the detox period is potentially difficult to endure, so consider the benefit of having professional, clinical care during this time.
Some clinics charge a flat fee for detox, and others charge by the night. Either of these options could be better for you, but you will want to get a general idea from each clinic you are considering of the estimated costs for someone in your situation.
Cost of the Ibogaine Administration and Monitoring
The cost of the actual administration of ibogaine is often the highest expense, and the most important.
This portion of ibogaine treatment could be very dangerous if you are in a clinic that consistently cuts corners to keep prices low.
It is crucial that you know what level and consideration of treatment you are getting for your money.
Ibogaine treatment is a medical procedure, and just like any medical procedure you should be aware of what you are getting for the price.
- Primary Doctor – Just like any medical procedure, the primary doctor is going to be a big part of the cost structure. A good doctor will be more expensive.
- Secondary Staff – The next cost is the staff that assists the doctor. Secondary doctors and the nursing staff are there to make sure that you are safe.
- Medical Equipment – It is important to have top-of-the-line medical equipment available at the location you are being treated at. A good treatment center will have EKGs, monitors, defibrillator, and a crash kit available if there are any issues.
- Facility Location – The facility where the treatments are completed is also a factor. Are treatments done in a hospital? In a medically equipped home?
- Treatment Method – Some facilities offer a flood dose–a higher, one time dose–and some a low dose protocol–a lower dose over a prolonged period. Each of these has its own unique cost structure, so it’s important to know which method is being used.
- Treatment Group Size – Lastly, the number of individuals being treated at the same time will play a role in the costs. Are you being treated one-on-one or as a group? How big is that group? These are important questions to be answered.
Take your time to understand what each ibogaine clinic is offering. When weighing costs, paying for a safe medical treatment may be worth a little extra.
Above all–know what you are paying for, and what you are receiving for that cost.
Cost of Post Ibogaine Treatment Recovery
Congratulations, you made it through the ibogaine treatment phase. Now you have some time to recover.
Although some patients feel tired for a few days after treatment, many wake up the next day feeling excited and renewed. It’s important to know what your clinic offers during this recovery phase of the treatment process so you can make the most of your time.
Therapy
An effective, licensed therapist is a significant cost for an ibogaine clinic. Because of this, many clinics decide to save the cost and not offer true therapy.
However, a therapist makes a big difference after any intense psychedelic experience by providing clarity, giving feedback, and offering potential insights.
This is often worth the cost.
Consider these questions:
- Is there a therapist?
- Are they licensed?
- Will I get one-on-one therapy time? If so, how much?
- Is there group therapy?
Most high-end ibogaine clinics in Mexico, and aftercare facilities, center around having a seasoned and professional therapist guiding you through your recovery.
In fact, except for the medical team, your therapist will make the biggest difference in recovery outcomes for ibogaine clinics and drug treatment centers in general.
It’s that important.
Whether you want or care about having a therapist, the point is, know if this is an expense you are paying for–and how that affects your overall ibogaine treatment cost.
Support Structure
Along with therapy, the day to day support structure is also helpful.
- Coaches – Are there recovery coaches or staff members that will be there to assist you?
- Facilitators – Does the clinic have facilitators, or staff members who have been through recovery, on the premises to help support patients and make their time more enjoyable?
- Nurses and Doctors – Are there nurses and doctors on staff in case of an emergency?
All of these people contribute to you feeling safe, staying positive, and getting prepared for the next phase of your life. Your support structure at a clinic can make all the difference, and may be worth the extra cost.
Amenities
As discussed before, the amenities available at the clinic will be more enjoyable, and useful, once you are in the recovery phase.
Here are some amenities that a clinic may provide:
- Yoga
- Guided Meditation
- Exercise Options
- Adventure Outings and Activities
- Dark Rooms
- Cold Plunge
- Hot Tubs
- Group Hikes
Be aware, and ask about the amenities that will be available to you before and after the ibogaine treatment. Also, there may be amenities available to you at an extra cost, so be aware of extra options the clinic offers.
Other “Experiences”
Some clinics offer psychedelic experiences to those recovering from ibogaine.
Clinics may offer:
- 5-MEO DMT
- Psilocybin
- Ayahuasca
Taking these substances after ibogaine may be dangerous. However, because of the positive results patients have had in the past, many clinics continue to offer them as part of the treatment cost.
Post-Ibogaine Options and Costs
Now that you have a strong understanding of all the costs that go into ibogaine treatment, let’s look at some of the post-treatment costs and options that may be beneficial to your overall recovery.
Cost of Aftercare
Aftercare is a very effective, post-ibogaine option that is generally overlooked when exploring ibogaine.
People usually expect that they will take ibogaine, have an awakening, and change forever.But the truth is, the sooner someone goes home from their ibogaine experience, the harder it is to stay on the track. It’s so easy to fall back into old habits and negative friendships.
Aftercare offers the extra advantage of time while you explore and understand yourself, get more time away from addictive drugs and alcohol, and consider new life options.
By understanding the cost of aftercare, speaking with a professional, and considering aftercare as part of the budget, you can look for ways to save money at the clinic so that you can extend your time in treatment at a good aftercare facility.
Factors in Aftercare Cost
Here are some factors that play into the overall cost of aftercare:
- Location – Is the facility located in the USA or in an area of the world where overall costs may be cheaper?
- Length of Stay – Typically, you can get better pricing if you commit to more time upfront. Having a plan has its benefits here.
- Housing and Amenities – Just like at the clinic, the place you stay, how nice it is, and what amenities are available will play into the cost.
- Daily Routine – You want a strong daily routine. This will be a cost, but is usually worth it for a facility that will keep you busy.
- Therapy – A good therapist on staff will make a big difference, but could also increase the cost of the facility.
All of these play into the price of an aftercare facility, and just like researching clinics, it’s important to research aftercare options.
You can also talk to the individual clinics about the aftercare facilities they recommend.
Cost of Coaching
After ibogaine, coaching may offer you the appropriate, long-term support needed to stay on track.
Coaching usually involves a licensed counselor, though not always, who will be there for you. Usually, coaches meet with their clients once a week, and may also offer group sessions, typically online over a Zoom call.
The cost of coaching will vary by:
- Coaching Experience – Who is the coach? What licensing do they have? Someone with less experience as a therapist or counselor may be cheaper, but they may not offer much in the way of good advice or useful coping mechanisms.
- Frequency – How often are the meetings and how long is each meeting?
- Group, Individual, or Both? – Some coaches offer group meetings, or group only meetings. That may be a cheaper option if you need something but can’t afford one-on-one sessions.
- Paying Upfront – Usually, starting on a coaching plan can get you a package deal, or a few free sessions. Take advantage of that. If you like a coach, and want to continue, find out if they offer discounts for purchasing multiple sessions in advance.
You Know the Costs, Now You’re Ready
We know this was a lot of information. The fact is, there is a lot that goes into the cost of ibogaine treatment. What may seem simple on the surface has a lot of moving parts that you may end up paying for without knowing.
In the end, we want you to have a good experience at a clinic, and find success after treatment. That’s why we think it’s important to give you all the information about these costs.
By taking notes, and asking the hard questions to the clinics you are talking about, you put yourself in a position to worry much less about the clinic you are attending, so you can put your time and effort into worrying about you and getting a great outcome from ibogaine.
We wish you the best of luck on your journey.
