Ketamine
Ketamine Drug Rehabilitation
Categorized as a “dissociative anaesthetic”, Ketamine is used as an anaesthetic in animals. It creates a detached, dreamlike state when used. Because of its paralyzing effect, ketamine are also used as a ‘date-rape’ drug.
Signs and Symptoms
Ketamine is primarily used as a party drug and due to its short lasting effect, unless an empty vial is found in the person’s possession, it will be difficult to determine if it is in fact what is being used. But due to the profound psychological dependence, the following might be more noticeable:
> Lack of production
> Lack of enjoyment of life
> Isolation
> Increasing depression
Methods of Use
> Smoked
> Injected
> Snorted
> Orally
Adverse Effects
> Hallucinations
> Dissociation
> Agitation
> Depression
> Difficulty thinking or learning
> Nausea
> Involuntary muscle movements
> Amnesia
> Increased blood pressure
> Delirium
> Psychosis
> Liver damage
> Severe abdominal cramps
> Long-term bladder and urinary tract problems
Overdose Potential
Death from ketamine poisoning alone is rare but the combination of the loss of consciousness, vomiting and decrease in motor function can cause to choke on their own vomit.
Withdrawal
Ketamine withdrawal is reportedly mainly psychological but some cases have been reported of physical withdrawal. Typical withdrawal symptoms include:
> Loss of appetite
> Fatigue
> Sweating
> Tremors
> Restlessness
> Anxiety and depression
> Nightmares
> Rapid or irregular heartbeat
> Chills
> Cognitive impairment
> Psychosis
Treatment
> Self-help organizations – Talking with others who also have a disorder have been proven to be very effective.
> Therapy – Behaviour therapy or cognitive behaviour therapy is a proven evidence based therapy teaching skills to reduce the urges. Find a licensed practitioner.
> Medications – Studies suggest that some medication may be effective for the treatment of gambling addiction. Speak to a psychiatrist specialised in addiction treatment for an evaluation and recommendations.
> Treatment programs – Many in-treatment and outpatient programs can assist with a gambling disorder.
Why choose PRC Recovery?
We are a registered treatment centre specialising in the treatment of addictive disorders. Our individualised approach to treating addiction is based on international standards and includes the many proven modalities in the treatment of addiction.
Key focus areas for an effective program:
> Family involvement – family participation in the treatment of any addiction is vital.
> Individualised approach – underlying issues prolonging any addiction is based on the individual and therefore individual treatment plans are an important component to effective treatment of addiction by a qualified professional counsellor.
> 12 step program – Twelve step programs have proven highly effective in the treatment of addiction and starts forming the solid foundation in early recovery. It is also used as the platform to the introduction of self-help organisations, forming part of the aftercare.
> Aftercare – Stopping the addiction is only the foundation phase in the treatment of addiction. A well thought-out aftercare plan is crucial to sustain long-term recovery.
Sources
Understanding Ketamine Abuse
At PRC Recovery, we are committed to addressing the intricate challenges associated with substance abuse. In this installment, our focus turns to Ketamine�an anesthetic with dissociative properties that has found its way into recreational use. This exploration aims to provide comprehensive insights into Ketamine, its effects, and the journey toward recovery.
