Vainius’ infusions typically last around 90 minutes, and she found that afterward, she needs time to regain full mobility and feel steady on her feet. “Ketamine therapy is the only treatment I have found which calms my nervous system down enough so that I can actually reconcile the traumatic experiences I have survived. “When I felt like I was falling into an abyss of space, I would use my wedding ring as a totem of sorts to ground myself. Reminding myself that my very supportive and loving husband was waiting for me after my journey really soothed me at times,” she told The Post. Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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“Ketamine was the first thing that gave me a glimmer of hope that I could change, that I could have a different life. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, getting help is just a phone call away, or consider trying therapy online with BetterHelp. Excitotoxicity is the breakdown and damage of nerve cells due to increased exposure to neurotransmitters (brain chemicals). It also has an inhibitory effect on several reuptake neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Access State-Specific Provider Directories for detailed information on locating licensed service providers and recovery residences in your area. We do not receive any fee or commission dependent upon which treatment or provider a caller chooses.
The prevalence of ketamine addiction has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more individuals falling prey to its alluring effects. What starts as experimentation or occasional use can quickly spiral into a full-blown addiction, leaving users feeling trapped and hopeless. The challenges of seeking recovery can be daunting, but the importance of taking that first step cannot be overstated. The journey to overcome ketamine addiction is not a straight line, but rather a winding road filled with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. Yet, with the right support, tools, and mindset, individuals can break free from the chains of addiction and reclaim their lives. People who develop ketamine addiction typically require comprehensive treatment to stop using this drug.
Risks of self-managing ketamine withdrawal
These programs typically last 30 to 90 days and include a combination of therapy, counseling, and skill-building activities. Once the decision to seek help has been made, the next stage typically involves detoxification and withdrawal management. This process can be challenging, as the body adjusts to functioning without ketamine. Withdrawal symptoms may include cravings, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort. It’s crucial to undergo this process under medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort. We can offer guidance and insight into the recovery process, and will work to provide you with clarity into the steps that lay ahead.
Self-detox should not be attempted before consulting a physician or addiction treatment professional. Ketamine withdrawal is the body’s and the brain’s reaction to no longer getting ketamine after it has grown a dependency on or addiction to the substance. Addiction recovery is not a one-time treatment; it usually involves long-term care over several years.
One of the key aspects of relapse prevention is learning to identify and manage triggers. These can be people, places, emotions, or situations that spark cravings or thoughts of using ketamine. Recovery is a lifelong process, and having a support system in place for the long haul can make all the difference. This may include continued therapy, regular support group meetings, or check-ins with a recovery coach or sponsor. To truly grasp the complexities of ketamine addiction, we must first understand how this substance affects the brain and body. Ketamine works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, leading to a dissociative state that can feel euphoric or even transcendent.
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Outpatient programs might be suitable for those who have milder symptoms or prefer continuing everyday tasks during recovery. This buildup leads to dependence, where stopping ketamine withdrawal journey ketamine or cutting down drastically can trigger unpleasant, even painful, withdrawal symptoms. A carefully structured approach to stopping ketamine is essential to avoid relapse.
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- It requires courage, commitment, and a willingness to face difficult truths and make significant life changes.
- This involves finding fulfillment in work, relationships, hobbies, and personal growth.
- Addiction recovery is not a one-time treatment; it usually involves long-term care over several years.
- Ketamine is highly psychologically addictive, and prolonged use of the drug leads to increased tolerance and physical dependence.
The effects of ketamine on these parts of the brain lead to the hallucinogenic and euphoric feelings that people seek when taking ketamine. Over time, a person’s brain may no longer make these chemicals without ketamine. Self-care and stress management are vital components of a successful recovery plan. This might include prioritizing sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in regular exercise.
- We do everything in our power to help you succeed in breaking the cycle of addiction, and know that with the right kind of help, everyone is capable of healing.
- One of the first and most important steps of recovering from ketamine addiction is detox.
- This stage can push some to isolate themselves from friends or family, particularly if they feel ashamed or embarrassed.
- Generally, ketamine withdrawal might last anywhere from several days to a few weeks.
- This is likely a product of the brain processing the experience of withdrawal.
- However, detoxing from ketamine can be challenging due to intense ketamine withdrawal symptoms like strong cravings and psychological distress.
At Restoration Outpatient Detox, we provide personalized ketamine withdrawal treatment that addresses both physical and psychological components of addiction. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping individuals build the skills needed for long-term recovery. Detoxification, or detox, is a medically supervised process designed to remove all traces of a drug from your body, while helping you manage your withdrawal symptoms. Detox is an essential first step in overcoming ketamine addiction and should always be done in a controlled environment and under medical supervision, to ensure your safety. For mild ketamine addiction, people start to find themselves in the clear past the 3-week mark.
Physical and psychological symptoms may worsen over the course of the next two weeks. People’s symptoms may make them very uncomfortable, increasing the risk of relapse. Withdrawal symptoms typically persist for approximately two weeks, but may taper off depending on the severity of the addiction and whether or not other drugs are present at the time of detox. Restoration Outpatient Detox in Atlanta is committed to helping you achieve lasting recovery, even if you’ve faced relapses in the past. We provide compassionate support to guide you back into the world as your healed and renewed self. At Restoration Outpatient Detox, our staff can assist you in navigating your insurance benefits.
While the first hours can be daunting, it’s important to remember that this is a transitional phase. Navigate these initial challenges with support from friends, family, or medical professionals. However, individuals who use the drug heavily and frequently may develop a strong psychological dependence. While many individuals follow a general pattern for ketamine withdrawal, the intensity, duration, and even the order of symptoms can vary. By the time she started, she’d done over a decade of cognitive behavioral therapy and two years of an SSRI — and though she was in a better place than where she started, she had a ways to go. Because ketamine causes substantial psychological dependence, a range of therapies are typically combined into the best treatment plans.
If ketamine has interrupted your life, we’ll guide you through detox, therapy, and beyond, arming you with tools to maintain recovery over the long haul. Any combination of these symptoms can be taxing, and those without professional support may find themselves turning back to ketamine for relief. The ongoing misuse of ketamine often leads to psychological reliance on the drug.
Of course, the severity of withdrawal will depend on various factors, including the extent of dependency, the patient’s history, and health, and the level of care they’re receiving. While the physical symptoms of ketamine withdrawal are unpleasant and should be monitored, the psychological symptoms are equally dangerous and necessitate the care of medical professionals. The duration of ketamine withdrawal can differ greatly among individuals, depending on factors such as the length and intensity of use. Typically, ketamine is eliminated from the body within two to four days, but ketamine withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose and may peak within the first few days.