Each month our editorial team sifts through hundreds of papers and curates notable findings—for practitioners and informed readers who want to stay current with the evidence. Subscribe to the monthly Research Digest for expert analysis and concise summaries of key papers.
This report describes 33 open-label treatments with the alkaloid ibogaine given for acute heroin withdrawal in non-medical settings. In 25 of the 33 people, visible signs of opioid withdrawal stopped within 24 hours and stayed absent during 72 hours of observation. The authors note the results are from uncontrolled, non-clinical…
This review says that the main active part of cannabis, THC, acts at the brain's CB1 receptor to produce rewarding effects, reinforce smoking, and can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Evidence comes from animal and human studies. Higher THC strength raises blood THC levels and may raise the chance of…
The study tested whether a single intravenous dose of ketamine given right after reactivating alcohol-related memories could weaken those memories and reduce harmful drinking. People who had their drinking memories reactivated and then received ketamine showed larger drops in urge to drink, enjoyment of beer, cue reactivity, and in drinking…
Ibogaine is a psychoactive chemical from a West African shrub that some clinics use to help people stop using opioids or stimulants. Small studies, animal research, and many personal reports say a single high dose can cut opioid withdrawal and reduce cravings. For example, one study found 50% of participants…
Researchers reviewing ibogaine and its chemical relatives say these drugs point to a new way to treat substance use disorders by blocking a brain receptor called α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Animal studies found ibogaine and some derivatives reduced self-use of drugs like morphine, cocaine, alcohol, and nicotine. But ibogaine…
