Ketamine Addiction Treatment That Actually Works

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug developed in the 1960s to be a safer and more versatile alternative to existing anesthetics, with the added benefit of having rapid onset and short duration of action. In addition to its anesthetic properties, ketamine was also found to have unique psychoactive effects, including dissociation and hallucinations, which led to its use as a recreational drug.

It is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States and is used medically as a sedative and pain reliever in humans and animals.

Ketamine can be taken in a variety of ways, including:

• Oral ingestion: Ketamine can be taken orally, usually in the form of a pill or capsule. However, oral ingestion is less common than other methods due to the unpredictability of its effects and slower onset compared to other methods.
• Intranasal use (snorting): This is the most common method of taking ketamine recreationally. The drug is typically ground into a powder and snorted through the nostrils.
• Intravenous injection: This method involves injecting ketamine directly into the veins. It is more commonly used in medical settings than for recreational purposes.
• Smoking: Ketamine can be smoked by heating the drug on foil or a glass surface and inhaling the vapor.

The method of ingestion can affect the onset and duration of the drug’s effects. For example, snorting ketamine typically results in a quicker onset of effects compared to oral ingestion.

Ketamine works by blocking the receptors in the brain that transmit the neurotransmitter glutamate. This leads to a dissociative state, where the user feels disconnected from their surroundings and may experience hallucinations, euphoria, and altered perception of time and space.

Ketamine is unique in that it can produce both dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, unlike other dissociative drugs like PCP or DXM. The dissociative effects can be particularly appealing to users seeking an escape from reality.

The duration of ketamine’s effects depends on the method of ingestion, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to several hours. The drug can be detected in urine for up to several days after use. The duration of detection can vary depending on factors such as the user’s metabolism, the amount of the drug used, and the frequency of use.

Ketamine therapy involves the use of ketamine in controlled medical settings to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. The therapy typically involves a series of intravenous infusions of the drug under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

Ketamine therapy shows promise in treating treatment-resistant depression and other mood disorders. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and risks associated with this treatment.

Ketamine therapy may be effective in some cases of treatment-resistant depression, meaning individuals who don’t respond well to traditional antidepressant medications. Ketamine may produce rapid and significant improvements in symptoms of depression, including decreased feelings of sadness and hopelessness, increased feelings of well-being and happiness, and improved sleep.

However, it is important to note that ketamine therapy is not a first-line treatment for depression and should only be used under the guidance of a trained medical professional in a controlled setting. It is also not a cure for depression, and additional treatments may be needed to sustain improvements in symptoms over the long term.

Yes, ketamine can be addictive, especially when used frequently or in high doses. Chronic ketamine use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

Some signs of ketamine addiction may include:

• An inability to control use
• Using ketamine despite negative consequences
• Spending a significant amount of time and money acquiring and using the drug
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to drug use

experience bladder and kidney problems.

Some signs of ketamine abuse may include:

• Frequent use, often in larger doses than prescribed or recommended
• Difficulty with coordination and movement
• Slurred speech and
• Impaired judgment and decision-making
• Increased anxiety, depression, or other mood changes
• Memory problems and difficulty with concentration
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Social isolation and neglect of responsibilities or relationships

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms can also be indicative of other drug use or mental health conditions, so it’s important to seek professional help if you suspect someone is struggling with ketamine abuse or addiction.

Short-term side effects of ketamine abuse can include:

• Hallucinations and delusions
• Distorted perception of time and space
• Disorientation and confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of coordination and motor function
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Long-term side effects of ketamine abuse can include:

• Bladder and urinary tract problems, including pain and difficulty urinating
• Kidney damage
• Cognitive and memory problems
• Mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired judgment and motor function

Withdrawal symptoms from ketamine can include:

• Irritability and mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Cravings for the drug
• Physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating

The duration of ketamine withdrawal can vary depending on the user’s history of use, the frequency and amount of use, and other individual factors. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within a few days of discontinuing use and can last for up to several weeks. However, some users may experience longer-lasting or more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Yes, it is possible to overdose on ketamine. An overdose can result in serious physical and psychological effects, including respiratory depression, seizures, and coma. Signs of a ketamine overdose can include:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Extreme drowsiness or sedation
• Slowed breathing and heart rate
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

If you suspect someone has overdosed on ketamine, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.