An Addict’s Last Refuge

I was a trip guide in the Haight Ashbury of San Francisco in the drug culture of the 60's, and ibogaine is the only drug besides LSD that I found to be effective for reducing and often eliminating self-destructive behavior.

As a recent graduate in nuclear physics at the time, I was interested in experimenting lab style, with controls, etc, and sought the advice of the group at Stanford that was conducting LSD experiments.

The article is correct that "set and setting" for the drug use, and a personal social support group is very helpful, although not necessary. If you are a member of one of those very frustrated and abused support groups, look into this clinic for a possible solution to the agony of watching someone tear themselves, and you, into pieces.

This article demonstrates why Canada has a better health care system than the U.S. Careful study that includes many subjects and lasts a long time will ensure better treatment than what is practiced in the U.S. The many drugs used in the U.S. for dual-diagnosis (addictions) are often more dangerous than the original substances used.

I feel compassion for the person who thinks there is only one way to surmount addictions. Their position is misleading and may make those who have not succeeded with a 12-Step program to feel hopeless. Empathy is an important part of recovery.

We are a diverse species with many options for the self-medicating that addiction represents. I pray to mother-father-creator that no hell exists for those of us who advocate alternative medications for mental health issues, and I firmly believe that addictions are mental health issues.

I have absoultely no doubt of Ibogaine's palative value in the initial stages of withdrawl, BUT as a 15 year recovered Alcoholic & Addict I know of NOTHING that will insure long term success like 12 Step Recovery programs ( AA, NA, CA, Etc. ). NOTHING in human history to date has been as effective, NOTHING from AA's inseption has begun to show anything like the proven long term success of 12 Step's.

12 Step's may have many detractors BUT they are all among the community ( albiet 90% ) of society who have never suffered from and then attained long term SOBRIETY.

Statictally 90% of society will NEVER personaly suffer addiction, of the 10% of us who do SUFFER only 10% of us ( 1% of Society )will attain and retain long term sobriety.

I marvel at those among the larger body of humankind who having no personal knowledge of this devastating disease none the less hold themselve forth as be EXPERTS on addiction, it's treatment, cure, & prevention. I hold a special level of scorn for those in the Legislative, Legal, Law Enforcement, Judicial communities.

I hope there is a special tier of HELL waiting for all those who use addiction as a way of advancing thier personal carrier's and ajenda's.

Gary Ashcraft

~ None can so tenderly bind a wound as one who has suffered the same affliction ~

THOMAS JEFFERSON