Ketamine is a dissociative drug that can often make users feel out of control and disconnected from their bodies. Doctors and veterinarians frequently use ketamine as an anesthetic or sedative for humans and animals. However, misusing the drug can cause extremely harmful effects. People should only use ketamine for its prescribed purpose. If you are taking ketamine, whether prescribed or not, and feel you can’t control your use, it’s vital to seek professional ketamine addiction recovery. Most professional drug addiction and mental health treatment centers, including The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare in Austin, Texas, offer substance abuse programs.
Contact The Arbor if you or a loved one needs addiction services, including help with ketamine addiction.
Is ketamine addictive?
Ketamine is definitely addictive. For those with health issues like high blood pressure and heart problems, it can also be dangerous for those conditions. If an existing history of drug use and addiction exists, then the risk of ketamine addiction is greater. The drug is prescribed medically to treat depression and trauma. It can also be an effective anesthetic used by emergency medical personnel as it’s seen as a safe, fast-acting drug that does not stay in your system. When used under supervision by medical or therapeutic professionals, the risk of addiction is less.
What does ketamine addiction look like?
Signs and symptoms of a ketamine addiction may include:
- Slurred speech
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Distorted sense of reality
- Affected cognitive abilities
- A racing heart
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Changes in personality
- An increased tolerance for the drug
- Extreme cravings when not taking the drug
Addiction means your singular focus is on using the drug. If you cannot stop using ketamine, then that is a sure sign that you have a dependency and addiction. Once you realize that you are needing to take more of the drug than prescribed, and are getting the drug from as many sources as you can, such as doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions, you should seek professional help right away.
How to overcome ketamine addiction
Professional treatment is the best way to overcome ketamine addiction. A tailored treatment plan offers the most effective care. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are combined with experiential options such as yoga and art therapy. This personalized approach helps clients address the root of their addiction. It also teaches coping skills and builds a strong support network. However, success depends on the client’s commitment to the process. With dedication, they can achieve a healthy, drug-free life.
Depending on the severity of the addiction and the flexibility needed, both inpatient and outpatient options are available to treat a ketamine addiction.
Inpatient care vs. outpatient care
The continuum of care represents the entire treatment and recovery journey. It extends from the initial intake assessment through treatment to transitional living and aftercare programs after treatment is completed.
Inpatient care
Inpatient care is also referred to as residential care. In this scenario, a client will live at a treatment center so that they can be in a structured and secure environment that offers around-the-clock care. Those with the most severe addictions benefit the most from this type of care. Clients have dedicated time to work with therapists in individual and group settings and build tools to help them live happy, healthier lives, without distraction.
Outpatient care
Outpatient care provides more flexibility for those who have work, school, or family commitments that they need to work treatment around. Clients with milder addictions may start their treatment journey here, while others may move to outpatient care for continued support after they complete a residential program. Each program offered allows clients to take accountability and focus on a life without depending on dangerous substances.
Enroll in ketamine addiction recovery at The Arbor today for lasting change
If you are seeking a ketamine addiction recovery program or treatment for another substance use disorder, the therapeutic team at The Arbor can help. Our goal is to fully support you through treatment so that you can enter a state of recovery with less risk of relapse. Recovery is life-long, so having the tools you need to manage triggers effectively will help you stay on a healthy and more productive path.
The Arbor provides a continuum of care so that you feel supported every step of the way on your treatment journey. To ask about ketamine addiction recovery and what to expect, you can contact the treatment team at 844.413.2690 or complete the online form.