Across the UK, an increasing number of people are struggling with addiction issues, and Newcastle is no exception. In fact, addictive substances such as ketamine, cocaine, cannabis and alcohol are becoming increasingly common across the UK.
In fact, a study carried out by Alcohol Change UK reports that approximately 24% of adults across England, Wales and Scotland are now drinking excessively, which highlights just how widespread addiction and substance abuse has become [1].
Ketamine abuse is also on the rise and is having a huge impact on society in general. Ketamine was originally developed for use in hospitals as an anaesthetic, used as a powerful painkiller. However, an increasing number of people are now abusing ketamine recreationally and using it as a party drug.
What makes ketamine so dangerous is how quickly tolerance builds. Individuals who are addicted to ketamine often need to take increasingly larger amounts of the drug in order to feel the same effects, which creates a heightened dependence for the substance.
Most people become addicted to ketamine in the first place after being prescribed the drug after an illness or injury. Once they grow dependent on the substance to avoid pain, it’s difficult to say goodbye to after your injury heals or you fully recover.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with ketamine misuse, it is essential to seek professional help from a rehab centre.
Addiction cannot be solved on its own, and attending professional drug and alcohol rehab offers a safe and effective environment to recover. Successful treatment from a ketamine addiction involves both a medical detox and therapy.
Therapy will address the psychological and emotional triggers and root causes of your addiction, whereas your medical detox will rid your body of the addictive substance. While recovery is never easy, with the right support and determination it is possible.
Recovering from a ketamine addiction without professional help can be extremely difficult. Rehab treatment in Newcastle is designed to provide a safe and structured environment to recover, with 24/7 medical supervision and therapy techniques that ensure long term recovery to help you to avoid a relapse in the future.
The drug and alcohol rehab treatment process usually begins with medical detox, where your body is gradually able to recover from its physical and chemical dependence.
A withdrawal from a ketamine addiction can last anywhere between just a few days to a few weeks. Medical professionals may prescribe you medication to help to ease your withdrawal symptoms and ensure that the withdrawal process is as safe and manageable as possible.
Withdrawal symptoms from a ketamine addiction can include some intense symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and bladder pain as well as anxiety, paranoia and depression.
How long your medical detox lasts depend on a number of different factors, including how severe your addiction to ketamine is.
Once your medical detox is complete, you will then start your therapy sessions. This stage of your recovery and treatment must not be overlooked, as it helps to uncover and get to the bottom of the root causes of your addiction issues.
This could include things such as trauma, stress, unresolved conflict or mental health issues such as bi-polar disorder, anxiety, depression or paranoia.
Rehab and addiction therapy is offered in both outpatient and inpatient settings, and treatment plans are usually tailored to individual needs.
There are now a range of different therapy techniques offered throughout most rehab centres across Newcastle and the rest of the UK, some of which are listed below for you [2]:
For those with a severe addiction to ketamine, inpatient treatment may be recommended, which involves staying at the drug and alcohol rehab centre full time for a number of weeks or even sometimes months [2].
Outpatient rehab treatment is usually suited to those with less severe, more mild addictions. It is also ideal for anyone who might be able to hold down a job, or continue to look after dependents during their recovery, such as children or parents who might need their care.
There are two main routes into drug and alcohol rehab in Newcastle, including private treatment or NHS-funded services.
Private rehab treatment usually has very short waiting lists and are often able to admit new patients within just a few days.
During your time at private drug and alcohol rehab treatment in Newcastle, you will gain access to 24/7 around the clock medical supervision, and access to a wide range of therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Private drug and alcohol rehab treatment is effective, but it does come with a price tag. If you are interested in attending private drug and alcohol rehab treatment, then you should reach out to your private healthcare provider if you have one, and if not then you should reach out to a private rehab clinic, as advised by the team at Rehab 4 Addiction.
If you are unable to afford private drug and alcohol rehab, then you might need to opt for NHS funded rehab treatment. You can gain access to NHS funded rehab treatment through your local GP.
While NHS funded rehab treatment is just as effective as private rehab treatment, the process can involve long waiting times, with some individuals sometimes waiting up to months to receive their treatment.
The treatment options available to you may also be more limited compared to private rehab centres.
The most effective treatment for a ketamine addiction addresses both your physical addiction as well as the mental side of your dependence.
If you suffer from an addiction to a substance such as ketamine, then it is highly likely that you also suffer from a mental health issue such as anxiety and depression which often contribute to addiction.
Here are a number of other root causes linked to addiction issues, including trauma, grief, stress or abuse. If these root causes are not addressed, then you are far more at risk of a future relapse.
The most effective way you can recover from a ketamine addiction is to undergo a medical detox. Once you have done so, then you should undergo some of the below forms of therapy treatment, which have proven to be most effective when it comes to recovering from ketamine addiction.
Cognitive behavioural therapy has proven itself to be one of the most effective ways you can recover from your addiction issues.
Cognitive behavioural therapy helps individuals understand and change the thought patterns that have fuelled their addiction.
Motivational Interviewing is another really useful and empowering tool that helps individuals to take ownership of their decisions and actions, whilst helping them to overcome any feelings of guilt, blame or shame.
Contingency Management is another highly effective therapy technique used to treat a ketamine addiction. Contingency management is all about implementing reward based strategies that encourage positive behavioural changes.
Holistic Therapy is another highly effective tool used throughout rehab facilities across Newcastle. Holistic therapy includes things such as meditation, mindfulness and physical activity, art therapy and breathwork, which help your overall wellbeing.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a ketamine addiction in Newcastle, then reaching out for help is the first step towards a better life.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our friendly and helpful team are on hand to provide you with the advice you need to take the first steps towards recovery.
Every addiction is different, which is why the team at Rehab 4 Addiction takes the time to understand your specific circumstances before recommending the best course of treatment for you. Whether you’re considering private rehab or NHS-funded treatment, we can help you make the right decision.
To start your recovery journey, contact our team for free by calling us on 0800 140 4690.
[1] https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics
