Why it matters: The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission is considering using ibogaine to treat addiction as part of their efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. They held a public hearing where individuals shared personal testimonies about the positive effects of ibogaine in treating opioid use disorder.
What they are saying: Many individuals, including military veterans, parents, and professors, spoke about their experiences with ibogaine and how it helped them or their loved ones recover from addiction. Former Kentucky Attorney General Ben Chandler emphasized the need for additional tools to address the opioid crisis and believes that ibogaine has the potential to make a significant difference.
The big picture: The commission is exploring different treatment options for opioid use disorder and aims to create a new standard for its treatment. They plan to allocate $42 million over the next six years to develop ibogaine and seek FDA approval. The funds come from a settlement involving large pharmaceutical companies implicated in the opioid crisis.
What to watch: The commission will make a decision on how to invest the $42 million in November. Their investigations and public hearings will inform their decision-making process. Additionally, there is a bill in Congress that would fund studies on psychedelic substances like ibogaine to further evaluate their efficacy in treating various medical conditions.
My take: The use of ibogaine in addiction treatment is gaining attention and support from various individuals, including those directly affected by the opioid crisis. It is encouraging to see organizations like the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission considering alternative treatments and exploring potential breakthrough therapies. Further research and investment in these areas can help develop more effective and innovative solutions for tackling addiction.
