Ketamine is a highly addictive substance that is currently on the rise across the UK.
Ketamine is typically used in a medical setting to help patients deal with pain and discomfort, although it is highly addictive and therefore many people continue to abuse ketamine long after they are supposed to finish their prescription.
Those who suffer from a ketamine addiction tend to spiral quickly, which is why it is important to seek the right type of help if you or someone you know, and love is addicted to ketamine.
Recovery from a ketamine addiction is possible, although it does take a significant amount of time, willpower and energy.
This article will assess exactly what ketamine is, how recovery and treatment for a ketamine addiction works, the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment for a ketamine addiction as well as exactly how Rehab 4 Addiction can help you to recover from your ketamine addiction.
If you or someone you know is considering attending rehab for a ketamine addiction, then it is important to understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment in Gloucester.
Inpatient rehab treatment allows you to temporarily move into a rehab facility for a number of weeks or even sometimes months to gain access to your treatment.
Those with a severe ketamine addiction will be recommended inpatient treatment, as it allows you better support and access to professionals. Inpatient treatment is usually always recommended if your addiction is severe.
During your time in inpatient rehab treatment for your ketamine addiction, you will be monitored around the clock and will eat and sleep within the rehab facility.
Depending on the rules and regulations of your rehab facility, you may be permitted limited access to your friends and family during visiting hours.
Outpatient rehab treatment is only ever recommended for those with a mild to moderate addiction to ketamine and other substances such as alcohol.
During outpatient rehab treatment, you will remain living in the comfort of your own home for the duration of your treatment and will only be required to visit the rehab facility during certain times throughout the week.
You will likely receive therapy either during these visits, or even sometimes online via video or on the phone.
You will also be provided any medication you need via the post, or this will be prescribed to you during your weekly visits to the rehab facility.
A home detox is only permitted to those with a mild addiction to ketamine. During your home detox, you will be expected to withdraw in the comfort of your own home and will receive any medication you need via the post [2].
You will also be permitted to therapy sessions either online or via the phone and will be monitored virtually.
Both outpatient rehab treatment and a home detox is a great option for anyone with a mild addiction, who plans to hold down their job or continue looking after their children or other dependents during their recovery from ketamine [2].
Rehab for a ketamine addiction works in two stages. The first is withdrawal, which allows an individual the chance to overcome their physical dependence on the substance, before then moving onto the mental and psychological side of their addiction, such as the triggers and root causes of their addiction.
Ketamine does not cause the same withdrawal symptoms as opioids or alcohol.
However, withdrawal from ketamine is just as difficult and is often deemed the hardest part of ketamine addiction treatment.
It is vital that you detox in a medical setting, so that your withdrawal symptoms do not get out of control and that doctors and professionals are able to provide you with around-the-clock, 24/7 care and attention.
Once you have successfully detoxed from ketamine, you will then enter the therapeutic stage of your recovery.
During this time, you will be offered a range of therapy treatment to tackle the psychological side of your addiction.
These therapy techniques include cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, group therapy and holistic therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a particularly useful tool used to help those suffering with an addiction to ketamine, as it helps to uncover the underlying trauma and causes that may have caused you to become addicted to ketamine in the first place
Some rehab clinics across Gloucester, and the rest of the UK also offer holistic therapy treatment, such as mindfulness, exercise, nutrition planning, and creative therapies.
These activities help individuals strengthen their physical and emotional well-being, which supports lasting recovery and makes you far less likely to relapse again in the future.
During your time at rehab for a ketamine addiction, you will also be expected to work on an aftercare plan for when you leave the rehab facility.
Your aftercare plan will include a number of different relapse prevention strategies, including ongoing therapy techniques, support groups and a list of helplines that you are able to call if you fear that you are about to relapse.
If you or someone you know is addicted to ketamine, then they will likely show some of the below signs and symptoms.
It is important to recognise that not everyone who is suffering from an addiction to ketamine will show all of the below signs, as some people are better than others when it comes to hiding the fact that they are struggling with an addiction issue [3].
If you are ever in doubt that someone is suffering from an addiction to ketamine or any other substance for that matter, then it is important to hold an intervention and ask them directly in a calm and collected manner [3]:
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that was first developed in the 1960s for medical use and is still used today due to its fast acting powers.
Over the past 20 – 30 years, ketamine has also been used to treat a number of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety [1].
Ketamine is now being used outside of medical settings and is often referred to as ‘Special K’ or simply ‘K.’
Most people abuse ketamine by injecting or snorting it, and often results in powerful hallucinations and a sense of distorted reality. For this reason, ketamine is one of the most dangerous drugs to abuse [1].
Some people describe entering what’s called a “K-hole,” a state of extreme detachment that can be both overwhelming and dangerous to experience [1].
Ketamine can also result in some long-term health issues, including damage to the bladder and kidneys, as well as causing memory problems and mood disorders.
Depression and anxiety are common mood disorders associated with ketamine addiction, and a lot of people turn to the likes of ketamine to avoid their mental health issues, using the drug as an escapism and crutch.
For individuals struggling with ketamine misuse, professional rehab is an essential part of their recovery.
Rehab programs that address ketamine addiction typically focus on both the physical risks of the drug as well as tackling the mental health issues and triggers associated with ketamine addiction.
With enough support and help, recovery from a ketamine addiction is possible.
Rehab 4 Addiction is on hand to support individuals struggling with substance misuse, including those suffering from an addiction to ketamine in Gloucester and across the rest of the UK.
Our friendly and helpful team is on hand to provide guidance for a range of different treatment options, including alcohol and drug rehab, detox programmes, interventions, aftercare, and outpatient counselling.
Our dedicated helpline advisors are here to help you find the most suitable treatment for your needs.
Using Rehab 4 Addiction is completely free, and our team are able to provide you with a range of different treatment options, including private and NHS-funded rehab as well as both inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment and care.
To get the help and support that you need for your ketamine addiction, call our friendly and helpful team by calling us on 0800 140 4690.
[1] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/2023/cracking-the-ketamine-code
