Ketamine addiction typically comes with a long list of horrifying psychological and physical symptoms. After detox, drug addiction rehab focuses on the underlying causes of ketamine abuse and the overwhelming triggers that have made it difficult for the user to break free from this powerful drug. Successful ketamine addiction treatment programs first manage the detox process and then focus on providing the guidance and tools to help the ketamine user control intense cravings and impulses.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Ketamine addiction, call Pathways Real Life Recovery or contact us online to schedule a free evaluation today!
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine hydrochloride (known as ketamine) is a general anesthetic injected into patients before and during surgery to render them unconscious. It is produced in the form of a clear liquid or white powder. Ketamine is also sometimes used to treat acute or chronic pain, sedation for medical purposes, and for management of alcohol withdrawal. Esketamine, a nasal spray formulation of ketamine, has now been approved by the FDA for treating major depression.
Why and How is Ketamine Taken Recreationally?
Ketamine is in the class of psychedelic, dissociative anesthetic drugs. It distorts the perception of sights and sounds. It generates hallucinations. Ketamine users experience a sense of detachment from the surrounding environment and even from themselves. These effects have made ketamine increasingly popular as a recreational drug. It has become a well-known “club drug.” The U.S. DEA reports that a liquid form of the drug is typically injected, poured into drinks, or a powder form is smoked or snorted.
Ketamine Addiction Symptoms
There is a very long list of potential symptoms and ketamine side effects, including these, among many others:
- Depression
- Fear and paranoia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Poor concentration
- Worsening of other mental disorders
- Inability to quit taking ketamine
- Sensing that ketamine use controls your life
- Fixated on obtaining ketamine
- Damaged relationships
- Continuing to take ketamine despite consequences
- Being secretive about using ketamine
- Uncharacteristic behavior
- Poor performance at work or school
- Inability to sense pain
- Avoiding family and friends, social isolation
- Radical changes in appearance
- Severe abdominal cramps (K cramps)
- Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit using ketamine
- Ketamine overdose
- Need higher and more frequent doses to get the same effects
- Elevated heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Aggression
- Paralysis
- Lost consciousness
- Irreversible mental disorders (schizophrenia, psychosis)
- Flashbacks
- Veins damage (abscesses) due to injecting ketamine
- Respiratory failure
- Severe long-term bladder problems
- Loss of motor control
- Liver damage
- Stealing or selling valuables to pay for ketamine
- Heart attack
- Permanent brain damage
Ketamine Addiction Treatment Program Options
Any effective treatment for ketamine or other drug addiction must begin with a detoxification process, as needed, including monitoring for and managing withdrawal symptoms. After professionally assisted detox, rehab should focus on the psychological components of the addiction, not just stopping drug use. Treatment should seek to address the underlying causes that led to ketamine abuse.
Ketamine Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient or residential drug rehab makes it much easier for many people to maintain sobriety in secure and controlled rehab surroundings. The client is away from home and social groups. He or she is free to work through issues in a serene, supportive, structured environment.
Residential rehab programs are likely to have a wider range of services. That allows the treatment team to customize a client’s program most comprehensively for an individual’s specific needs and preferences.
Inpatient treatment for ketamine addiction may be prescribed from 4 weeks to 6 months, based on the severity of the addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Outpatient Ketamine Treatment
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) drug rehab is available to allow people to live at home at night and still receive effective therapeutic ketamine treatment. This should begin with medically assisted detox, as needed. Outpatient treatment features individual and group therapy, family therapy, a 12-step program, and other support.
General Outpatient (GOP) rehab programs provide continued treatment for people after a residential addiction recovery process. It enables them to habituate new behaviors and further strengthens their potential for successful long-term relapse prevention.
Types of Therapy Offered in Ketamine Rehab
Quality drug addiction rehab involves more than just overcoming ketamine side effects and signs of addiction. There are some well-proven drug addiction treatment modalities in the area of psychological therapies that are especially effective in helping overcome ketamine addiction. Some of the most useful are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy
- 12-step programs
- Recreational therapies
- Medication management
Ketamine Relapse Prevention
Avoiding relapse is a key area of focus in any good drug addiction treatment system. The framework of the relapse prevention part of rehab is a well-rounded set of processes and goals for developing healthier and more satisfying life habits. Some areas of therapy intended to help avoid relapse include:
- Developing healthy eating, resting, and exercise habits.
- Having a support system you can rely on.
- Recognizing your triggers.
- Avoiding people involved in drug use.
- Staying busy with satisfying activities.
- Having a counselor/therapist you can see as needed.
Pathways Real Life Recovery – Sandy Utah
Medically assisted detox followed by a quality rehab program can enable you to overcome ketamine addiction safely and sustain your recovery long-term. Our team of MDs, addiction treatment specialists, and other front-line addiction rehab support professionals work closely with you to develop the ideal drug addiction treatment program to fit your specific needs and preferences.
