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About Us

A Personal Mission
Rooted in Recovery

Nico and Father Tomas Nico & Father Tomas, 1989

The Avante Ibogaine Institute’s co-founder Nico brings over 20 years of personal experience living through substance abuse and addiction to the Avante program. After enduring early life trauma and the untimely death of his father when he was just 21, Nico battled years of depression and guilt, resulting in recurring cycles of substance abuse, overdoses, incarcerations, and treatment programs.

His personal life experience provides Nico with a deep understanding of what Avante’s clients are experiencing, enabling him to connect with patients in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.

Nico and the Avante team are committed to the long days and often sleepless nights required in the work of recovery and demonstrate empathy and compassion toward each and every Avante patient.

Nico and Son Tomas Nico & Son Tomas, 2016

It is a level of despair that many feel can only be numbed by more alcohol or drugs, and the concept of fighting for recovery often becomes such an intimidating obstacle that it’s just too much to negotiate alone.

Nico credits ibogaine for transforming and transcending his life. Without psychedelic-assisted therapy, he would have never made it this far and be able to give back in the ways that we have for the past many years.

The Avante
Ibogaine Rehab Center

The Avante Institute is a premier ibogaine rehab center located in Nassau, Bahamas, offering a peaceful and serene environment for deep healing and personal transformation.

Founded by Nico Vara, our center is supported by a compassionate team of experts who understand the complexities of addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. We take a holistic approach, combining clinical ibogaine therapy within a container of emotional guidance and spiritual care to support rapid detoxification and stabilization for long-term recovery.

Our goal is to help every client experience meaningful transformation, reconnect with their higher self, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and inner peace.

At Avante Ibogaine, we offer top-tier protocols in the treatment of

  • Drug Addiction
  • Alcohol/ETOH Addiction & Abuse
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
  • Spiritual Enlightenment, Refinement & Healing
about

Take the First
Step Toward Lasting Recovery

When you are ready to end the vicious cycle of addiction, alcoholism, PTSD, depression, and/or anxiety call Avante @ 1-(844) 4-AVANTE. We are always available and eager for the opportunity to help guide you in your first firm steps of confident, sustainable and life changing recovery.

Need Help? Contact Us Today!

Our
Philosophy

At The Avante Institute, we believe traditional detox methods often fail to fully support long-term recovery. Many approaches only ease initial withdrawal, leaving individuals to struggle with cravings, emotional distress, and relapse.

At The Avante Institute, our philosophy is built on delivering a deeper, more effective detox experience one that restores both physiological and emotional balance. We focus on creating a strong foundation for recovery and healing by addressing the root causes of trauma and addiction through a comprehensive and holistic approach.

Our
Promises

The Avante team is committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and results-driven recovery experience. We strive to guide each individual through a transformative journey, ensuring comfort during treatment, and supporting long-term healing with integrity, trust, and personalized care.

We strive to guide each individual through a transformative journey by addressing the root causes of addiction, ensuring comfort during treatment, and supporting long-term healing with integrity and professionalism.

Avante Institute
Key Team Members

The Avante Institute maintains an exceptional team of ER physicians, ACCNS clinicians...

Sri Bodha, M.D

Avante Medical Director

Board Certified Emergency Medicine | Clinical Psychiatrist | Attending Physician Princess Margaret Hospital

Ava Chaise, RN, BSN, CCRN

Avante Clinical Manager

Ava C., RN, ACCNS | Critical Care Nurse Specialist

Nico V. Avante, CAC, AS

Senior Program Coordinator

Addiction Specialist | Certified Addiction Counselor

Jules Xenadkis

Preparation & Integration Coach

Rita Marien, CCRN

Lead ACLS Nurse

Advanced Practice RN | ACLS Critical Care Nurse

Ditma Lopez, RN, CCRN

ACLS Advanced Cardiac Nurse

Kumar J., R.N.

Psychiatric Nurse & Telemetry

Caylee R., LCT

Trauma Therapist

Tommy V.

Therapeutic Guide

Faith M.

Yoga & Meditation

Bahama Billy

Hospitality & Activities