Tabula Rasa Retreat

Tabula Rasa Retreat is an ibogaine treatment centre on a rural estate near Vidigueira in Portugal’s Alentejo, where small groups stay for medically monitored treatment of addiction and mental health problems. It was founded by Álvaro de Ferranti with Jade Ziani de Ferranti.

Approach

The standard programme runs six days and five nights. Guests arrive on a Monday for a group session, intention setting and holotropic breathwork, and take ibogaine on the Tuesday, first a small test dose and then a full flood dose. After a rest day come counselling, a temazcal, yoga, massage, cold exposure and a closing circle, with an optional short 5-MeO-DMT session. The centre says several of its team have recovered from addiction themselves.

Who it is for

The centre treats dependence on opioids, alcohol, stimulants, benzodiazepines and other drugs, as well as behavioural addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD and burnout, and also takes people who want a reset without an addiction. It says ibogaine is not a magic fix.

Practical details

The six-day programme costs €6,621.60 including VAT, with airport transfers. People on methadone or buprenorphine must move to a short-acting opiate four weeks or more beforehand, or join a longer detox of 12 to 14 days. Groups hold three to five guests, each in a private en-suite room, on an estate with an orange orchard and a plunge pool.

Care and safety

Before treatment the centre asks for a full medical history plus blood tests, liver function tests and an ECG, and antidepressants and stimulants must be stopped at least two weeks before. During treatment a nurse stays with each guest around the clock, with ECG monitoring and a defibrillator on site, and the medical team is certified in advanced cardiac life support. The head nurse, Neal Clayton, specialised in cardiothoracic intensive care. Aftercare continues online after departure.