Ketamine is a sedative. Federal regulations tightly restrict who can administer the drug and under which conditions its use is appropriate. That said, there’s a black market for the substance that releases it for recreational use. Individuals who want to quit using this drug frequently undergo ketamine withdrawal and subsequent rehab.
Quitting Today May Save Your Life
Many people using ketamine recreationally do so because of the hallucinations and feelings of bliss that high doses can cause. However, the drug can interact poorly with other substances. Since most people also drink alcohol or take another drug concurrently, it’s not unusual for fatalities to occur. Ketamine abuse amplifies the effects of opioids and alcohol to the point that an individual may suffer from breathing difficulties.
Ending use of the drug typically results in ketamine withdrawal symptoms. Examples include spikes in heart rate and blood pressure, vision problems, and ambulatory challenges. Experts recommend undergoing withdrawal at a medically monitored facility. Once you break the physical dependence on the drug, it’s time to undo the psychological addiction.
Rehab after Successful Ketamine Withdrawal
Work with a rehab center that specializes in the treatment of ketamine. Therapists in these settings understand what makes the substances so tempting to people. They also recognize that ketamine withdrawal is only a stepping-stone on the road to recovery. It doesn’t mean that you’ve arrived just yet.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, you may benefit from an inpatient or intensive outpatient setting. The latter is a program that lets you return for treatment but go home and maintain your schedule during the day. It’s not for everyone. Before you decide on this level of care, discuss your case with an intake counselor.
At the facility, therapists work with you to uncover the reasons for your ketamine use. When you consider that substance use typically fulfills a need, it makes sense to go after the “why” of addiction. Doing so can prevent relapse. Examples of evidence-based treatments include:
- One-on-one treatment that makes it possible to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to discover negative patterns
- Dialectical behavior therapy that offers the tools to accept situations you cannot change
- Group therapy helps you to break out of self-isolation and build peer relationships, which is a tool for relapse prevention
- Family therapy rebuilds trust and provides you and your loved ones with the ability to mend broken relationships
- Dual diagnosis treatment assists with the management of behavioral conditions that may contribute to drug use
- Gender-specific rehab prevents tension and builds on your strengths by dealing appropriately with weaknesses
- Availability of sober and transitional living assistance programs
After Rehab
Sober living offers a transitional phase. If you’ve had a severe case of ketamine addiction, this buffer between home and the rehab facility is vital. Although you’ll no longer live at the center, you’ll have roommates in recovery. They function as a support network and help you to try out the relapse prevention tools you’ve learned in treatment.
Once you feel comfortable with your new reality, it’s time to move home. Individuals often rely on support group meetings and 12 Step settings with sponsors to stay on track. Others feel strong in their recovery and don’t need these tools. That said, it’s comforting to know that they’re around if you need them.
Withdraw from Ketamine Today
Are you ready to stop using ketamine? The friendly therapy experts at Pinnacle Peak Recovery work with a nearby detox facility that can help. You don’t have to suffer any longer with an addiction problem. Call 866-377-4761 for help right now.