Well yes, but both of them were suicidal already and deeply hateful of themselves for relapsing and some other life stuff. It was more like ibogaine just told them harshly that they don't get another get-out-of-jail-free card from it, and the experience focused on all the bad instead of being a voyage into the bad and good with a sense of protection (as many report - for me, I simply ceased being who I normally am and my reality was replaced wholesale by different new realities, I didn't have the presence of mind to be afraid or question what was happening to me. I have a ton of psychedelic experience, but I don't think it was possible for me to be scared - though I was terrified before taking it). Afterwards they reported extremely similar experiences and were still depressed and still hated themselves and felt like their last chance at redemption was gone. It wasn't as if ibogaine turned them suicidal, more like ibogaine was their last hope. Also one of them had his long-term partner leave him after his experience which I think pushed him over the edge. Both also had transformative, amazing experiences the first time, like I did. But like with me, eventually they reverted to addiction. The difference with me, is that I maintained a much better state of mind and still do not feel hopeless, nor do I hate myself, in fact I love who I am. Tremendous difference right there.
It's a gabaergic drug. it is actually a neurotransmitter found naturally in the brain, but in micro doses. We have a GHB gaba receptor subtype. GHB hits that receptor, and then overflows with higher doses into GABA-B, like baclofen or phenibut. The GHB receptor causes a release of dopamine downstream, and GABA-B causes disinhibition (quite profoundly), euphoria, and at really high doses, tremors and some really weird and somewhat unpleasant effects. If you're an opiate addict I don't recommend you try it because for me anyway, it's the only other drug as addictive as opiates. I have zero control whatsoever on it, and last time I got a supply, I woke up in an ambulance one time. I immediately start doing it every day and get physically and mentally addicted right away, regardless of what I tell myself will happen this time. Shame, because it's a fantastic recreational drug, among the most euphoric and positive drugs I've encountered. The combination of a big dopamine hit, a rush (it comes on FAST and similar to stimulant rush, but much more physically comfortable), and GABA-B agonism make it really reinforcing and fun.
The most similar drug I can think of is phenibut. I actually kind of think of phenibut as the methadone or suboxone of GHB. The overall effect is similar, but without any sort of rush and much more functional and less intense/much less recreational. But both have a similar type of effect, which is euphoria, confidence, disinhibition, and some weird/wonky body effects that are probably the least desirable parts of it.
I seriously doubt ibogaine is covered by any insurance. Certainly not in the US, as it is schedule 1. As for getting out of it, I don't think so, no. I have never heard of anyone ever having an experience they really regretted if it was their first time.
Every trip for me is so horrible and amazing fluctuating back and forth. Never had a "good trip" or a "bad trip" but everything and all things in one ride. Tripping was never recreational for me I'm a euphoria person.
