Complaint Review: Safe Haven Ibogaine - Rosarito Beach Other

This is to clarify some misinformation that has been posted about Safe Haven Ibogaine Center: 

As of October 2013, we are under new management and no longer associated with Charles Johnston or Randy McCurdy, so any negative experiences tied to them have been dealt with and these problems resolved. 

As of October 2013, we changed locations and our new pictures are available on our website. We are no longer at the location with barking dogs (the neighbor was breeding dogs and we could not have them removed, so we moved locations so patients could have a more comfortable, peaceful experience). 

The original poster was the family of a young girl that got treated at our clinic. She brought illegal drugs into our facility, threatened and assaulted our staff and was of course asked to leave. After her family posted the report, we offered to retreat her at no charge as long as a family member accompanied her to our facility to see that what she told them was not true. Her father came to the clinic with her, but after treatment we had similar issues with her and her father watched them happen and even agreed with us that she should be asked to leave. He agreed to post a retraction to his previous post, but we have been unable to get in contact with him post-treatment. 

We have gone above and beyond to maintain a reputation of providing quality ibogaine therapy in a safe, medical setting. We will continue to do so because it is work that we see value in, that we love to do, and that we truly believe in. 

If anyone has any questions about these reviews, or wants to speak with someone about our facility, please contact Jessica Bennett,  at Safe Haven Center and she can provide you with the link to our forum where patients that have been through treatment have written about their experience here. Our doors are always open to anyone who wants to come check out the facility, our procedures and meet our medical staff. The important thing to us is that you get treated, and while we would love for you to come to our facility, we will happily recommend other reputable clinics for you to look into as well. 

Ibogaine is an amazing medicine. It deserves more credit than is given, and posting to websites like this only scares people away from Ibogaine in general, when we should be encouraging each other and spreading the word of the healing properties this medicine holds. 

I too went to the clinic in Rosarito, im 57 years old and have been doing heroin and opiates non-stop for the past 3-4 years. Tried everything to quit including cold turkey at least 10 times but to no avail- was at my wits end then heard about ibogaine, did some research and decided to give it a shot. interviewed several clinic directors in Mexico (as i live in san diego, very close by) and was impressed with Charles Johnston- he sounded like the real deal. made the arrangments and went down there- that was over 2 months ago. I pretty much doubted it would work but was desperate at that point. Met Charles and another patient and went to the clinic, hence my rebuttal- as I found the staff there professional, kind, knowledgable, the rooms were comfortable, beautiful views- but I was scared shitless as was the other patient (who is now a great friend talk every day). well guess my fears were unfounded as after the treatment as God is my witness i had and still dont have ANY WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS!! It is real, it works, it has changed my life! It's not a "magic bullet" as i did and still do have some insomnia- but thats nearly back to normal. NO LEG ACHES, DIARRHEA, VOMITING, COLD SWEATS, the list (if youve ever detoxed off opiates) goes on and on- had none of them- was eating huge meals 2 days after treatment (they have a great chef) IT IS A MIRACLE!!!! The most amazing part however is NO CRAVINGS! have to pinch myself everyday- kept expecting craving would come back- but to this day NONE! Hard to believe the bad experience i just read about, like were talking about 2 completely people / situations! I found Charles AND his staff to be caring and genuinely concerned about all my needs- i was VERY well taken care of, I look back on that week as a beautiful experience and the other patient i talk to every day? Feels they same way- my wife came down the last day and was terrified drivng in Mexico so Charles had one of his staff take a cab to the border and ride with her to the clinic- did he want extra for that? Not at all- a very kind act as far as I'm concerned. We sat on our porch overlooking the ocean and saw whales breeching, dolphins, took long walks on the beach- 2 DAYS INTO MY "DETOX"!! tell me that isnt short of a miracle. I have been and will always be grateful to Charles, Randy, Carlos, the Doctors and nurses, maids, chefs- all of them for their assist into my new life. May God Bless Charles and his staff. Robert W.

It seems ibogain made these ppl trip a lil to hard... i went to safe haven in june last yr. Let me tell you i had a blast. Everything about that place, ppl, & experience was awesome. The place was mint, on the beach in baja wat more do u want. Rockin 4wheelers everywhere layin in the sun while my body adjusted to being normal again after 5 yrs. Its safe dont let anyone scare u i mean i had a iv in me a heart monitor n the dr a nurse n a one other medical guy was there right outside my door n came in a couple time throughout the night.

Ibogain itself suxs but they made it comfortable. The owners were always there all 3 of em at the time. Charles jonston connected w me on a emotional level that let me know i wasnt alone n my life was about to start, love that guy. BB thats my dude, we kicks it like we were boys for yrs. N randy conected w me on a intelectual level, talked about some deep s***. These ppl everything about that place is the reason i dont even crave a pill or give a s*** about drugs anymore. I always love them n never forget them. It sounds to me this lady is sour cuz her daughter half a**ed it n brought drugs n probally relapsed.

About three months ago, I stayed at Charles Johnston's new facility, the Ibogaine University. Charles was extremely accommodating and empathetic, not to mention professional. The facility was lovely, with a beach front view. Charles employed very professional nurses, helpers, doctors, et cetera. I would refer anyone there, for the treatment I received has saved my life! The price was reasobable for a week long stay and the follow-up care has been outstanding. If it weren't for Charles and the Ibogaine University I don't know that I would be alive today. My heroin and methadone addiction spanned 15 years and led me to imprisonment and homelessness. Now, I am back in college and present for my husband and two children. In addition, I no longer smoke or drink alcohol. I have been resurrected from the dead and every day I thank God for Charles Johnston and The Ibogaine University. 

Yes,  it's true that Charles Johnston is no longer at Safe Haven.

But the Dr is the same, so is the owner.   Jessica is using drugs btw.  Ask her !!

Before I went to Safe Haven, I had read some of the reviews, and I was a little concerned. I had a friend that had gone and the treatment was successful for him so I didnt put too much stock into the negative reviews. I had been on oxycontin for 2 years and was depserate to find something that would work but wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get scammed. But after speaking to the new treatment coordinator (her name is Jessica) she assured me that those problems that people were posting about stemmed from Charles Johnston who was the previous treatment coordinator. She said that he was let go from the company because of all of the problems that they had with him and he apparently went and started his own clinic (I dont know the name) I was still a little skeptical but it seemed like the best place for me, so I gave it a shot.

The employees at Safe Haven (the owner, the medical staff, and the treattment coordinator) were all some of the most caring, helpful people I have ever met. Having the medial staff there throughout my treatment really put my mind at ease. Dr. Silva answered all of my questions before I started the treatment and the nurses were super attentive. If I needed anyting, they were right there. I'm not sure what the person who previously posted is talking about when they said the pictures on the website aren't what the clinic really looks like. The pictures at the bottom of the home page were pictures of the clinic that I stayed at. I believe Jessica said they have two different clinics (one that they rent out when someone wants a private place with no other patients). But the one that I stayed at was beautiful, clean... Carlos (the cook) made meals for all of us each day... The day after I did the Ibogaine I was really exhausted and rested in the hot tub and went to the spa for a back massage (the spa is BEAUTIFUL by the way... right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. super relaxing) The remainder of my time there we went horseback riding on the beach, went out souvenir shopping in town and the owner and the treatment coordinator took our group out to dinner before we left. 

I can honestly say my experience was great, and I left feeling better than I ever had before. 

I just wanted to post something letting people know my experience - I would reccommend this center to anyone who needs treatment for their addiction. It sounds like they may have had an issue with some of their past employees but I was treated recently, and they were great. 

Before I went to Safe Haven, I had read some of the reviews, and I was a little concerned. I had a friend that had gone and the treatment was successful for him so I didnt put too much stock into the negative reviews. I had been on oxycontin for 2 years and was depserate to find something that would work but wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get scammed. But after speaking to the new treatment coordinator (her name is Jessica) she assured me that those problems that people were posting about stemmed from Charles Johnston who was the previous treatment coordinator. She said that he was let go from the company because of all of the problems that they had with him and he apparently went and started his own clinic (I dont know the name) I was still a little skeptical but it seemed like the best place for me, so I gave it a shot.

The employees at Safe Haven (the owner, the medical staff, and the treattment coordinator) were all some of the most caring, helpful people I have ever met. Having the medial staff there throughout my treatment really put my mind at ease. Dr. Silva answered all of my questions before I started the treatment and the nurses were super attentive. If I needed anyting, they were right there. I'm not sure what the person who previously posted is talking about when they said the pictures on the website aren't what the clinic really looks like. The pictures at the bottom of the home page were pictures of the clinic that I stayed at. I believe Jessica said they have two different clinics (one that they rent out when someone wants a private place with no other patients). But the one that I stayed at was beautiful, clean... Carlos (the cook) made meals for all of us each day... The day after I did the Ibogaine I was really exhausted and rested in the hot tub and went to the spa for a back massage (the spa is BEAUTIFUL by the way... right on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. super relaxing) The remainder of my time there we went horseback riding on the beach, went out souvenir shopping in town and the owner and the treatment coordinator took our group out to dinner before we left. 

I can honestly say my experience was great, and I left feeling better than I ever had before. 

I just wanted to post something letting people know my experience - I would reccommend this center to anyone who needs treatment for their addiction. It sounds like they may have had an issue with some of their past employees but I was treated recently, and they were great. 

A few months ago i was a patient at this ibogaine clinic and had a horrendous experience.   Charles Johnston told me lies to get me to send my money and the Dr was criminally negligent.  His name is Dr. Carlos Silva and because of Safe Haven I suspended my sleep aids and antidepressants from one day to the next.  This caused a medical condition which is called tardive diskenesia and I am now disabled .   I keep in touch with some of the staff and they told me horror stories of drs neglecting patients.  One of the staff at safe have was even accused of sexual misconduct!!  

Other issues I encountered;

No fresh linen , dirty floors

No food only chicken or tilapia with rice everyday

No activities , no schedule

Staff sleeps in while patients fend for themselves

Website looks nothing like actual facility 

No communication with patients, no comunication allowed with families 

Nothing is ever on time r

Too many staff disputes

 Dogs barking constantly keeps patients awake and is horrible to listen to during ibogaine

Staff drinking in front of patients

Doctors cannot write scripts - drs dont care about patients

Very few staff speak English, nurse with me during iboga didn't speak any English 

Do not get treatment with Dr. Silva or Charles!!!  They dont care about patients at all!!!

I USED TO WORK FOR THEM. THEY ARE THE BIGGEST CHEATERS  THEY LIE, STEAL AND RIP OFF EVERYONE.'

PLEASE DO NOT GO NEAR THERE.

Charles is not the owner he is just the sales person and true he is a very rude person, but he is just a pawn. The true owners are Randy Mcurdy from texas and philipo pugliese, look them up I am sure they have a tale to follow along with Dr Silva which according to them is the medical expert which I did not meet ones.