This therapy combines individual and group therapy sessions along with phone counseling as needed. Clients are expected to do “homework” – this means they are asked to practice their newly acquired skills in their daily lives. DBT uses a dialectical approach, which means two opposite ideas are combined. In the case of DBT, these two concepts are acceptance of one’s current status along with creating change. The therapist will attempt to help the client accept their experiences while still working to change behaviors that are non-productive. Another way in which ketamine works is by reactivating glutamate receptors.
Symptoms of Ketamine Withdrawal
Getting off Ketamine can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be done alone! It is crucial to seek help for ketamine addiction and ketamine dependence to ensure a successful recovery and long-term health. In some cases, medications may be prescribed in order to curb withdrawal symptoms and reduce any risk of relapse. With professional support and care, it is possible to successfully overcome an addiction to ketamine and take back control of one’s life. For individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions, dual-diagnosis treatment may be necessary.
Stage 2: Ketamine Addiction Therapy
- Detoxification is the first step in the process of recovery, as the drug is being purged from the user’s system.
- Influencing factors include how long you’ve been taking ketamine and how much of the drug you’ve consumed.
- You have the option of choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment, depending on your needs and the severity of your ketamine addiction.
- Ketamine withdrawal can be challenging because the brain and body have to readjust, leading to symptoms that can make the quitting process difficult without professional support.
- The most common treatments for ketamine withdrawal are talking therapies combined with medical management.
- The cycle of ketamine abuse and withdrawal is deeply rooted in the psychological grip the drug exerts.
By 15 days, most withdrawal symptoms have stabilized; however, some psychological issues may persist for several weeks. Although it is not generally life-threatening, it can be quite uncomfortable. Symptoms typically set in between 24 to 72 hours after the last dose of ketamine. How long it lasts is determined by the amount of drugs in the addict’s body, their tolerance level, how long they had been using the drug, and if they also used other drugs.
Short-Term Effects of Ketamine Addiction
Plugging ketamine can result in unpredictable side effects, as it may be harder to measure the dose taken. Plugging ketamine is accomplished by inserting the drug into the anus using a syringe or other object. In recent years, ketamine has become increasingly popular as a “club drug”, and is usually used at raves in a complete guide to ketamine withdrawal and addiction powder or liquid form. Additionally, ketamine also increases the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which will create a sense of mild euphoria. Ketamine infusions are highly controlled and are dosed to wear off after a short period of time. While we receive compensation in the form of paid advertisements, these advertisements have absolutely no impact on our content due to our editorial independence policy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps identify and change negative thought patterns that might be causing ketamine addiction. The professional will assess the symptoms against specific criteria, which include level of tolerance for ketamine, intensity of withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences. Physical challenges might include shaking, headaches, rapid breathing, blurred or double vision, and muscle stiffness. Emotional irritability is common, and some feel a powerful urge to keep using ketamine just to fend off these difficulties. Any combination of these symptoms can be taxing, and those without professional support may find themselves turning back to ketamine for relief. That cycle underscores why a guided approach to withdrawal is so critical.
Healthy Distractions
After treatment it is important to have a support system in place to provide a sense of community and accountability. This may include family and non-using friends, or a recovery-based support group such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery™. Getting professional treatment is the best way to ensure a successful recovery, but this requires the user to be totally committed to stopping use of ketamine. Discover affordable rehab centers near you, offering easy access and convenience. Our experienced clinical team are dedicated to helping you overcome your addiction and live a happy, fulfilling life free from the influence of drugs. Our holistic approach to recovery means we have an array of life-changing treatments and therapies available to suit your needs and help you overcome your addiction.
- However, this misuse can quickly spiral into dangerous territory, leading to memory loss, severe confusion, and long-term psychological damage.
- Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic agents due to its mechanism of action.
- The goal is to give you the tools and resources you need to maintain your sobriety and lead a healthier, happier life.
- Medical staff may also monitor vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure to address physical symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, or increased heart rate.
- In recent years, ketamine has become increasingly popular as a “club drug”, and is usually used at raves in powder or liquid form.
One of the most effective ways to administer ketamine in a medical setting is through intravenous (IV) infusion. People with drug addictions involving ketamine can be treated using an array of evidence-based or holistic therapies. It’s easy to think that your headaches, muscle aches, and depression are there to stay forever, but this mindset will only lead you back to kratom usage. The specifics are based on your personal kratom experience, but the principles are the same. However, this isn’t without its challenges, and it can be harder for long-term users.
Mental Health Problems
Ketamine addiction doesn’t need to be permanent, and East Coast Recovery is ready to help. Detoxification is the first step of treatment, which primarily focuses on eliminating ketamine from the body. The detox stage safely manages withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, cravings, difficulty concentrating, and muscle aches.
Factors such as how much ketamine was used, how frequently, the duration of addiction, and the presence of other substances influence the timeframe for ketamine withdrawal. Although each person’s detox is unique, following these stages with professional help can lessen discomfort and strengthen your chance of successfully stopping ketamine. Side effects of ketamine addiction may include psychological, behavioral, and physical symptoms. One of the primary goals of a ketamine detox program is to equip individuals with the tools and strategies needed to prevent relapse.
Many people also experience waves of depression and anxiety, especially after a dose of ketamine when the effects start to wear off. Every month, 150,000 people search for addiction or mental health treatment on Recovery.com. Addiction Experts is a group of addiction and behavioral health specialists dedicated to providing helpful, and free, addiction treatment guides. Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis completed medical school at The University of Mississippi Medical Center and residency in general psychiatry in 2003. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 2005.
Therapy and Counseling
That makes this a powerful therapy as it gives a client the tools necessary for long-term progress. In CBT, you will also practice mindful thinking and other strategies to remain calm and relaxed. As it is the initial step, the duration may vary from days to weeks, depending on the severity of the addiction. To explore additional treatment options, you can view editorially selected providers on our site or visit the SAMHSA Treatment Locator. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at When sold illicitly, ketamine can be very expensive, costing an average of $25 for a single dose.