Kentucky Commission Ponders Ibogaine as a Potential Treatment for Opioid Addiction

LEXINGTON. — In an effort to tackle the persistent issue of opioid addiction, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission is exploring the potential of ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychedelic. During a recent session, the commission reviewed testimonies from over a dozen individuals, both professionals and those with personal experiences, detailing their encounters with the substance and its potential role in opioid addiction treatment.

Ibogaine’s therapeutic properties, particularly its ability to treat severe PTSD and alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms, have garnered attention. However, it remains a Schedule I substance under federal regulations and lacks approval for distribution by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Joseph Peter Barsublia, a psychologist who operates a psychedelic treatment facility in Mexico, shared his insights with the panel. While emphasizing the substance’s transformative potential in treatment, Barsublia urged caution, noting, “it is by no means a cure-all or a panacea.”

The ongoing opioid crisis has left a profound impact on Kentucky. In 2022, the state recorded 2,135 drug overdose deaths. Although this marked a roughly 5% decline from 2021, these figures remain alarmingly elevated compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. Since 2018, close to 9,000 individuals have succumbed to overdoses, based on state data.

In the coming months, the commission will determine the allocation of $42 million from Kentucky’s substantial $900 million opioid lawsuit settlement. Should they vote in favor, Kentucky would pioneer state-led research into ibogaine’s potential for opioid addiction recovery.

As the nation grapples with the opioid crisis, Kentucky’s exploration of alternative treatments could set a precedent for other states, marking a pivotal shift in addiction treatment strategies.