What to Expect During a 7-Day Ibogaine Treatment in Cancun, Day by Day

Our ibogaine program in Cancun lasts 7 days: arrival and diagnostics on day 1, preparation on day 2, the monitored ibogaine session on day 3, rest and integration on days 4 and 5, and discharge planning on days 6 and 7. The work starts weeks earlier with a medical screening and continues for 90 days after you return home. Here is what each stage involves, so you and your family know exactly what to expect.

Before you arrive: screening and preparation

Treatment begins with a confidential online screening. Our medical team reviews your history, substances and medications, and asks for:

• A 12-lead EKG and, depending on your history, an echocardiogram and other cardiac tests.
• Blood tests, including electrolytes, kidney and liver function.
• A full list of medications and supplements, some of which must be tapered safely before treatment.

If you use long-acting opioids such as methadone, buprenorphine or fentanyl, we design a supervised transition plan, since these must be managed before ibogaine can be given safely (see Ibogaine vs. Methadone and Suboxone). People dependent on alcohol or benzodiazepines need a medical detox first. You will only be given a date once our cardiologist has cleared you.

Day 1: Arrival and baseline diagnostics

A private driver meets you at Cancún International Airport and takes you to your oceanview suite. We keep only 6 private suites, so arrival is quiet and confidential. That afternoon you will have:

• Vital signs and a baseline cardiac evaluation reviewed by our cardiologist.
• Blood tests to confirm electrolytes and liver function on site.
• A calm orientation with the medical team to answer your questions.
• A light, easily digestible dinner.

Day 2: Preparation

The day before treatment is about getting your body and mind ready:

• IV hydration and electrolyte optimization, including magnesium, to support a stable heart rhythm.
• Final confirmation of your cardiac baseline by the cardiologist.
• An intention-setting session with a clinical psychologist, to reflect on what you hope to change.
• Gentle movement, a walk by the sea and guided breathing to reduce anxiety.

Day 3: The monitored ibogaine session

The session takes place in the privacy of your own suite. It usually begins with a small test dose to check your individual response, followed by the main treatment dose, calculated for your weight, health and history.

• A cardiologist is on site and your dedicated ACLS nurse stays with you throughout.
• Continuous multi-lead EKG telemetry tracks your heart rhythm and QTc interval in real time, alongside blood pressure and oxygen levels.
• The acute effects last several hours and are often described as dream-like, with memories and images appearing with eyes closed. Nausea and loss of coordination are common, so you will stay in bed and be assisted at all times.

Monitoring continues through the night and for as long as the medical team considers necessary.

Days 4 and 5: Rest, recovery and integration

The day after the session is often called the "gray day": you may feel tired, sensitive to light and sound, and have difficulty sleeping. This is expected and passes gradually. During these days you will have:

• Continued cardiac monitoring and IV nutritional support as needed.
• Daily one-on-one integration sessions with a clinical psychologist to make sense of the experience.
• Restorative therapies such as massage and time on your private terrace.
• Nourishing meals that are easy on the stomach.

Many patients describe this period as one of unusual clarity. It is the beginning of the window we explain in noribogaine and neuroplasticity.

Days 6 and 7: Discharge and aftercare plan

Before you leave, we make sure you are medically stable and have a plan for what comes next:

• A final cardiac check and medical review.
• Your medical report, to share with your doctor at home, and clear guidance on medications.
• A 90-day integration and aftercare plan, with scheduled remote coaching sessions.
• Guidance for your family on how to support you in the first weeks.
• Private transfer back to the airport.

After you return home

Recovery continues at home. Weekly remote integration sessions help you put new habits in place, and our team remains available for medical questions. One critical safety point: tolerance to opioids falls sharply after treatment, so using again at a previous dose can be fatal. Your aftercare plan will include a relapse-prevention strategy.

What to pack

• Comfortable, loose clothing and a light sweater (suites are air-conditioned).
• Sleep mask and earplugs for the sensitive days after the session.
• A journal for reflection.
• Any medications approved by our medical team, in original packaging.
• Photos or objects that remind you of why you are doing this.

Leave behind alcohol, supplements not approved by the team, and anything that would distract you from resting.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an ibogaine treatment take?

The acute effects of the session last several hours, but a safe program takes about a week to allow for preparation, monitoring during and after the session, recovery and integration. Some people need more time beforehand to transition off long-acting opioids.

Can family members come with me?

A family member can accompany you to Cancún, and we involve families in aftercare planning. During the session itself, only medical staff are present to keep the environment calm and safe.

Can I use my phone during treatment?

We recommend limiting phone use from day 2 and avoiding it entirely on the day of the session. You will be able to contact family during recovery.

What happens if I feel unwell during the session?

Your nurse and the cardiologist are with you throughout. Nausea, anxiety and changes in heart rhythm are managed immediately, and emergency equipment and a hospital transfer plan are in place.

Ready to take the first step? Every treatment begins with a confidential medical screening. Start your screening or read how much ibogaine treatment costs.