What is ketamine, and why is it addictive?
Ketamine classifies as a dissociative anesthetic, which is mostly used for anesthesia and pain management. Being used in both the human and veterinary medical fields, this medication acts on the central nervous system, particularly on a type of neurotransmitter called glutamate. It blocks a specific receptor known as the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, leading to the dissociative and anesthetic effects.
Unfortunately, this also means that ketamine can be addictive as it has a potential for abuse due its hallucinogenic effects. Therefore, its use must be administered in controlled medical environments under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
What are the symptoms and signs of this type of addiction?
Signs that a ketamine addiction treatment is required include changes in behavior, but also physical and psychological challenges that may be classified as ketamine addiction symptoms. Generally speaking, a constant need for new doses is a first warning sign. If that happens, speak with a healthcare professional that can suggest a treatment for this type of addiction as a way to stop the cravings.
Behavioral signs
While it is true that ketamine drug addiction can manifest in different ways, it can be very difficult to hide the behavior changes that occur as a part of ketamine side effects. Individuals may start to withdraw from friends, family, and social activities that were once important to them. This is also followed by neglecting of responsibilities, impaired judgment and denial of the problem.
Symptoms of ketamine use
With prolonged consumption, ketamine side effects, both physical and psychological can show up. It is important to note that these effects can vary among individuals and depend on factors such as the dose, the method of administration, and the person’s tolerance. In the text below we will discuss these symptoms in detail, helping you to understand when the ketamine addiction rehab is necessary.
What are the side effects of this addiction?
The ketamine addiction signs that can be the red flag indicating that it is necessary to start the treatment may include the side effects such as:
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Cognitive deficits with long-term use
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Respiratory depression (especially at high doses)
- The need for higher doses to achieve the same effects
If you notice the mentioned ketamine addiction symptoms, consult with healthcare professionals in order to receive a treatment plan that will help alleviate all of the side-effects. Medical experts will explain to you how to stop this type of addiction addiction, which depending on your specific case, might include a substitutional therapy, or a complete ketamine addiction treatment procedure.
Short term effects of this type of addiction
In the short term, ketamine addiction symptoms may include the following:
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations
- Impaired motor functions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
Additionally, the short-term effects can be accompanied by risks such as accidents, falls, and impaired judgment. Seeking professional help for complete ketamine addiction treatment is crucial if someone is struggling with this kind of addiction to prevent potential long-term consequences and health issues.
Symptoms of ketamine overdose
Even with persons who are just starting to develop ketamine addiction, the risk of overdosing always exists. This is also one of the worst ketamine side effects and a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. It’s important to note that the dangers of ketamine overdose can be particularly high when combined with other substances, such as alcohol or central nervous system depressants, as the combined effects can intensify the risk of respiratory depression and other complications.
The ketamine addiction side effects that lead to overdose include the loss of consciousness, seizures, breathing difficulties and unresponsiveness to stimuli, such as calls or physical touch. To avoid this from happening, start your ketamine addiction treatment as soon as possible.
Long term effects of this kind of addiction
The prolonged use of this substance usually results in dependence, a state where the ketamine addiction withdrawal symptoms become impossible to avoid. These can include:
- Intense cravings
- Impaired reflexes
- Emotional instability
- Confusion and disorientation
- Delirium and psychosis
- Overdose and coma
These are all signs that point to a fact that a person requires medical help for this kind of addiction. A full rehabilitation program will not only remove all side effects of ketamine drug addiction, but also teach a person how to stop this kind of addiction for good and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime and help prevent relapse.
How and why does this kind of addiction start?
Due to hallucinogenic and dissociative effects it may cause, ketamine can be abused by individuals who are seeking its mind-altering effects. On the other hand, those who are dealing with emotional or psychological issues may start taking ketamine as self-medication, which can lead to rise of tolerance to the effects of this medication, and subsequently ketamine drug addiction as well.
There are a lot of psychological effects that may lead to this kind of addiction, and this includes underlying mental health issues, such as the existence of depression and anxiety, which may be the reasons why it is so difficult for individuals to stop the addiction on their own, without the professional treatment for this type of addiction in a rehab facility.
What is the treatment for ketamine abuse?
In order to truly stop the ketamine drug addiction, a comprehensive treatment plan needs to be put in place. With that in mind, a ketamine addiction treatment can include the following procedures:
- Detoxification
- Psychotherapy
- Pharmacotherapy
- Possible physiotherapy
- Additional post-treatment support
While the ketamine addiction symptoms are eliminated with the medical treatment, it is vital to also achieve psychological stability and remove cravings for the drug. Only once that is achieved the treatment is considered successful.
How to start treatment of this type of addiction?
Without a doubt, the best way to start a ketamine addiction treatment is to sign up at one of the proven rehabilitation centers. That way, with proper help, the ketamine side effects can be monitored and alleviated. At Dr Vorobjev clinic, we have received multiple international awards that can prove to you that you will get the best possible treatment currently on offer. Our medical consultants are available 24/7 and they will carefully listen to you and provide you with all the answers you might be looking for. Do not hesitate to book a free consultation at our clinic and start your ketamine addiction treatment as soon as possible.
The cost of this kind of addiction treatment
Ketamine addiction rehab in our clinic is modified according to the needs of each patient. This means that the therapy specifics such as length of stay, procedures used and methodology might differ from one person to another. Call us now to get more information regarding the treatment costs for yourself or your loved one.
Doctors
Our doctors will help you to understand how to treat this kind of addiction in the most efficient way possible, as they will guide you through every procedure during your stay at our facility. We believe that feeling relaxed during a ketamine addiction rehab is very important, and our doctors and other members of the medical team are here to make you feel welcomed from the moment you enter our clinic.
Patents and certificates
What makes our approach to ketamine addiction treatment so successful is the fact that many of the procedures that we use are unique and the patents that we possess are a clear indication that with us, you will be at the best possible place to solve your this type of addiction.
Reviews
- Anna J.
„I wanted to find help for this kind of addiction that was slowly destroying my life, and that’s how I arrived in this clinic. The ketamine addiction treatment went even better than what I could’ve hoped for. From the first day, ketamine addiction effects were almost unnoticeable, and I felt better and better. I feel no desire for ketamine right now, and I fully believe that I will make it this time around.“
- Stephon S.
„Because I was already deep in addiction for several years, taking ketamine overdose was a thing that frightened me the most, and after a scary experience I had, I knew that something had to be done. In the Vorobjev clinic, I received top-notch care, everything was just brilliant. I am feeling like I have full control over my well-being.“
