Ketamine Addiction Treatment Dallas
Ketamine is a drug that has been gaining much popularity among the young population of America. It is known for its medicinal properties, but while it is legal for medical use, many individuals obtain and use it illegally, sometimes in combination with other drugs. Unfortunately, even children in the 12th grade have been using this drug.
Ketamine is not the most fatal drug out there, but it still carries many risks, mainly because it can develop into an addiction, decreasing the quality of life. There are a few signs that someone has developed a ketamine addiction. Knowing these signs will allow you to help someone in need.
Understanding Ketamine
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that is often used for medical purposes. It is used to treat pain in some patients. In other situations, the drug is used in the veterinary field as a dissociative tranquilizer.
Ketamine is a hallucinogen – therefore, when consumed, it can lead to very strong hallucinations that can have unpredictable results. The substance triggers the activity of a neurotransmitter known as glutamate, located in your brain’s frontal cortex. On top of that, it allows more synapses too, making room for information to flow inside the brain.
Ketamine comes in two forms, respectively liquid or powder. Depending on the form, people will use ketamine by mixing it into drinks, injecting it, smoking it, or snorting it.
The drug has a very quick effect, and the blood pressure will go down while the heart rate will speed up instantly.
Ketamine Addiction
When used continuously for the effects it can offer, ketamine can cause the user to become addicted. The drug changes the chemicals in your brain, and it makes you build tolerance over time, getting used to ketamine consumption. Therefore, it will lead to an addiction, which can hardly be escaped without going to a rehabilitation center and getting treatment.
Ketamine alone may not be fatal as long as overdose amounts are not reached, but it is still dangerous, and it can affect the individual in the short-term and long-term.
The user will be detached from the world. This can affect various aspects of their life. They will not be able to focus on school or work anymore, and they may even be unable to maintain relationships with other people or take care of themselves.
Common Ketamine Drug Combinations
Ketamine is not always consumed by itself. In fact, many users prefer to combine it with other drugs. Unfortunately, this is what makes the negative side effects of the drug even worse.
The liquid form can be mixed into alcoholic drinks, while other people prefer to add it to Marijuana joints. This can be very dangerous, especially as the drug can reach the brain very quickly with these methods.
Moreover, some people like to mix ketamine with other depressants. Considering that ketamine is also a depressant, these combinations can greatly affect the respiratory function and heart rate.
Other than that, people combine ketamine with powdered drugs like Ecstasy, which can be extremely dangerous because ketamine is a depressant and MDMA is a stimulant. Some individuals also mix ketamine with psychedelics like DMT and LSD.
Signs of Ketamine Addiction
Ketamine, a potent anesthetic medication, has been recognized in the medical community for its potential role in treating various mental health conditions. These include major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, postpartum mood disorders, and bipolar and unipolar depression. Ketamine infusion therapy, a minimally invasive treatment, has shown promise in providing significant pain reduction and symptom relief for patients with chronic pain conditions and treatment-resistant depression. This therapy works by interacting with specific nerve cell receptors in the brain, creating a favorable chemical environment to improve brain health and neural pathways.
In Dallas, ketamine addiction treatment is available for those who have developed a dependency on this substance. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of ketamine addiction, it’s crucial to reach out to mental health professionals who can provide effective treatment options. Ketamine infusions have also been used to treat complex regional pain syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy, providing pain relief for many patients resistant to other treatments.
Signs and symptoms of a ketamine addiction can include:
Increased tolerance to the drug, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects
Changes in behavior, such as increased secrecy, social withdrawal, or sudden changes in social circles
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Physical health issues, such as unexplained weight loss, changes in sleep patterns, or poor personal hygiene
Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of ketamine
Continued use of ketamine despite experiencing negative consequences
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control ketamine use
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia when trying to quit or cut back.
Ketamine Side Effects
Ketamine, while a promising treatment for certain mental health conditions and chronic pain, is not without its potential side effects. These can range from mild to severe and can affect both the body and the mind. It’s important to note that while some people may experience these side effects, others may not, and the severity can vary greatly from person to person.
The immediate effects of ketamine can include a sense of disconnection from one’s body, often referred to as a “K-hole,” where the user may feel like they are floating outside their body. Hallucinations, changes in perception of time and space, and a sense of euphoria can accompany this. Physically, ketamine can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term use of ketamine can lead to more serious health issues, including damage to the bladder and kidneys and cognitive impairment.
Side effects of ketamine can include:
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Nausea and vomiting
Disorientation or confusion
Hallucinations
Panic and anxiety
Memory loss
Difficulty with coordination and motor function
Insomnia
Flashbacks to past traumas
Severe abdominal pain
Frequent urination or incontinence
Damage to the bladder and kidneys with long-term use
Cognitive impairment with long-term use
It’s crucial to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including ketamine. They can provide more information and help weigh the potential benefits of ketamine treatment against the possible risks.
Overdose Symptoms
Ketamine, often utilized in infusion therapy for conditions such as chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression, carries the risk of overdose when used improperly or consumed excessively. An overdose happens when the substance overwhelms the body, leading to potentially severe or life-threatening health issues. Recognizing the signs of a ketamine overdose is crucial, as immediate medical intervention can significantly improve the prognosis.
Signs of a ketamine overdose may include:
Profound disorientation or confusion
Intense hallucinatory experiences
Severe stomach pain
Elevated blood pressure
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Intense feelings of anxiety or panic
Difficulty in breathing or respiratory distress
Unconsciousness or non-responsiveness
Convulsions or seizures
In the event of a suspected ketamine overdose, it’s imperative to seek emergency medical help immediately. Overdoses are serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Always adhere to the prescribed dosage of any medication, even ketamine treatments and never exceed the recommended amount.
Treating Ketamine Addiction
The safest and best way to treat ketamine addiction is by going to a rehabilitation center. Rehab centers will offer detox programs and therapy among other solutions. This can help a person get off the addiction and slowly work on improving their lives.
Why Should You Choose Real Deal?
At Real Deal, we can help you get rid of your ketamine addiction and cravings. At the same time, we will help you treat the issues that may have led to ketamine consumption.
We offer a detoxification program and therapy, which can allow you to form new skills. This way, you can work on improving your life. We are here for you on your way to sobriety.
Reach out for help if you or someone you know is addicted to ketamine. The sooner you contact us, the higher the chances of preventing body and mind damage. Call us today and we’ll be there to support you.