There’s been a huge increase in reports of the effects of ketamine on people throughout the UK. With the BBC and Guardian sharing information, the reality of the situation is finally spreading to the wider community.
It was reported that “299,000 people aged 16 to 59” used ketamine in the year ending March 2023.(1)
It’s important to keep in mind that drug use is usually higher than reports state. The nature of substance use and the fact that it’s often criminalised means people don’t always open up.
At a personal level, people can break stigma and support others by talking about substance misuse. Doing so, and helping them access ketamine treatment in London is the best way to tackle addiction.
Specialist ketamine rehab in London offers tailored treatment and guidance, such as therapies and 12-step work, helping individuals rebuild their lives in recovery.
Due to historical societal attitudes, addiction is often seen as being caused by a lack of willpower and morals.
Though awareness is increasing and people are growing in knowledge, some of these ideas still exist and, sadly, are damaging to those who have addiction and in improving their outcomes for recovery.
The truth is that addiction is caused by a combination of factors. Those stemming from genetics, environment, trauma, and the neurophysiological.
It’s essential to keep in mind that while many people experiment with drugs, not everyone becomes addicted.
That’s largely connected to their psychology, brain wiring and social influences. It takes expert input and a team of people to address this disease.
There are two reasons that make addiction particularly tricky to spot: the first is due to people not realising they have an addiction and when it rises to the surface then entering denial.
Secondly, the fact that people often become secretive around behaviours to hide substance use.
Whether you or someone you love is using ketamine, there are signs that make it very clear that problematic use has developed:
What’s important to keep in mind is that the earlier an addiction is treated, the easier it is to treat because the behaviours aren’t as ingrained into a person’s psyche and life.
That being said, at any point, drug addiction can be treated successfully.
There are various treatment options in London for ketamine users. It’s helpful to understand options and to be open to trying a variety:
There are many outpatient services offered throughout London where people can get support around ketamine use.
Outpatient services are a government-funded approach to addiction, meaning services are free. While anyone is welcome to go, support can be limited due to high case numbers.
There are, though, some really helpful services.
Centres have a weekly programme of group sessions that incorporate both 12 Step (Narcotics Anonymous) and SMART approaches to recovery.
Group sessions are instrumental in recovery. It’s usually these spaces that further help sustain recovery in the long-term.
As well as this, there is some one-to-one support, harm reduction advice, and support to access other helpful organisations (i.e. sports centres, colleges, etc).
There are various rehab clinics you can access in London. These offer the best addiction treatment as they offer a team of specialists who support residents in a variety of ways.
This means that all factors of addiction are addressed, the neurophysiological, psychological, physical, and social.
The treatments on offer are tailored to the individual and their support needs. Residents are assessed on admission and as well as this, will have received information prior to admittance if a person enters a private clinic through a funded route (linked to outpatient services).
Psychological treatments offer residents the tools and coping mechanisms that rewire the brain towards healthy thought patterns and behaviours. This is where long-term sobriety is facilitated and where people develop a deep understanding of what caused their addiction.
Social interventions occur every day as residents come together in groups to share and support each other. Here, people make deep and meaningful connections.
Connecting with those living through the same condition and who want to heal as well, makes all the difference in establishing a basis of self-worth.
Physical treatment is usually essential at clinics. Many people enter rehab at a point where they experience severe withdrawal symptoms and often associated pain.
Clinical staff assess patients and prescribe medication to support people to wean off ketamine and to treat any pain that might arise linked to that.
It’s true that relapse is often a part of recovery. As with any chronic illness or disease, relapse can happen.
There are ways to keep risk of relapse to a minimum and where they do happen, to develop a space where people are able to get back onto the recovery journey as quickly as possible.
During rehab, there’s a lot of focus on how to face life on leaving the clinic and returning home.
Changes have to be made in the home life in order to successfully sustain recovery.
For many, this means cutting ties with people who they were very close to in order to stay sober. As well as this, building bonds within the sober community is essential.
Outpatient services offer ongoing support to people who are sober.
Many become peer mentors as way to help others and to support themselves to stay focused on their own healing journey.
As well as this, those in recovery usually develop new hobbies. Activities that help lift their mood.
Some go for outdoorsy pursuits such as hiking or cycling, others opt for peaceful activities such as gardening and crafts, while others, develop artistic or sporting skills to bring new meaning and connections into their lives.
A private rehab clinic in London can be a little pricier than other clinics due to it being the capital.
Some people prefer to stay local, though the majority of people tend to go to a rehab that’s an hour or two drive away.
This helps to create a real sense of a new chapter beginning.
The cost of rehab can be anywhere from £1000-£10,000 a week. There are budget through to luxury options.
Rehab clinics charge these amounts to cover the cost of employing specialist staff, maintaining the building, offering nutritious meals, etc.
For those who access outpatient services in London, there are some funded spaces available.
To access funding, a person needs to be regularly engaged with services and showing how deeply they’re committed to recovery by doing as much as they can to heal.
In the first instance, you can talk to the Rehab 4 Addiction team for some advice. You can contact us today to access inpatient ketamine rehab in London by calling us on 0800 140 4690.
