Ketamine Addiction Treatment
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine, also known as ‘special K’, was originally introduced in the 1960s as an anaesthetic, providing essential relief to individuals experiencing severe pain.
Today, it remains a valuable tool in medical and veterinary settings.
While ketamine has shown promising results as a treatment for depression and chronic pain when prescribed by a doctor, it is also a widely abused drug due to its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.
Frequent ketamine misuse can lead to psychological dependence, disrupt daily functioning, and cause long-term physical health issues.
Here, we will explore what ketamine addiction is, its symptoms, and effective treatments that can help.
Ketamine addiction treatment in Spain
At Camino Recovery, we offer a comprehensive ketamine addiction treatment programme to clients in Spain and all over the world.
Our treatment includes: personalised therapy sessions, group therapy, medical and psychiatric support, and holistic wellness activities in a restorative setting.
Our goal is to help you or your loved one not only recover from ketamine misuse but also to lead a healthy, meaningful, and substance-free life, filled with limitless possibilities and joy.
We believe that one of the strongest predictors of successful recovery from ketamine addiction, in fact, all dependencies, is the amount of time spent in a structured, supportive environment.
As well as an individualised treatment approach, long-term recovery from ketamine addiction starts with the right treatment setting.
This can vary for everyone, but it typically includes privacy, psychological safety, time spent in nature, and a warm, compassionate setting to begin your recovery journey.
Ketamine addiction is a profoundly complex condition with no quick fix or single cure; recovery requires a comprehensive, long-term approach.
This approach may include detoxification, therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction, and ongoing support to prevent relapse, all tailored to the unique needs and goals of the individual.
Our team is dedicated to providing this comprehensive care, ensuring your well-being and successful recovery.
Treating addiction, changing lives
In our experience, effective treatment for addiction addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mind, body, and spirit.
Our comprehensive approach includes medical and psychiatric support, trauma-informed therapy, and evidence-based practices that address emotional, cognitive, and behavioural patterns.
We also recognise the vital role of family therapy and peer support in rebuilding trust and improving communication.
At Camino Recovery, we are committed to not only treating the symptoms of ketamine addiction but also strengthening your support system, which is integral to lasting healing and well-being.
Holistic model of care
Our recovery programmes embrace a holistic model of care, incorporating evidence-based treatment, mindfulness, spirituality, physical wellness, nutrition, sleep hygiene, movement, connection, and meaningful life purpose.
We also recognise the importance of joy, play, and balance in the recovery process.
Our multidisciplinary team understands that every person’s journey with addiction is unique.
No two people experience addiction in the same way, and our recovery programmes reflect this by offering a highly personalised treatment approach that considers an individual’s unique history, challenges, and lived experience.
We value your individuality and are committed to providing you with the support you need to overcome ketamine addiction.
Our goal is to empower you with the tools, strategies, and support systems that will help you maintain sobriety and thrive long after your treatment programme ends.
Contact our professional team today to learn more about our ketamine addiction treatment programme and how we can help you begin your journey to lasting sobriety and wellness.
What is ketamine addiction?
Ketamine addiction occurs when individuals use the drug continuously for its dissociative, numbing or euphoric effects.
When abused frequently, ketamine can cause physical and psychological dependence, where an individual may feel they can’t cope or function without the drug.
While ketamine may not be as physically addictive as some other substances like opioids and alcohol, it is classified as a schedule III controlled substance, meaning it can lead to low to moderate physical dependence if left unchecked.
Symptoms of ketamine addiction
Although each individual may experience different symptoms depending on the severity of use and other factors, there are some common symptoms of ketamine addiction to be aware of.
Ketamine abuse can have a profound impact on the way an individual looks, behaves, and feels. While some symptoms are more apparent, others may develop slowly over time, making them more challenging to identify.
Understanding the early warning signs of ketamine addiction is crucial and can help prevent more severe consequences, allowing you to get the right support and help more quickly.
Physical signs
- Changes in your sleep patterns, including insomnia or irregular sleeping habits.
- Mood instability, such as sudden irritability or frequent emotional outbursts.
- Hallucinations - seeing or hearing things that aren't there.
- Confusion, fear, or paranoia.
- A distorted sense of time, space, or reality.
- Slurred or slowed speech.
- Flushed or reddened skin.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort, including stomach cramps.
- Urinary tract or bladder issues.
Behavioural signs
- Changes in your social circles, especially spending time with others who misuse substances.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
- Engaging in secretive or deceptive behaviours.
- A severe decline in work or academic performance.
- Legal or financial issues linked to drug use.
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed hobbies or activities.
- Avoiding responsibilities at home or in relationships.
- Choosing isolation over social interaction.
Why early intervention matters
If you or someone you love is showing signs of ketamine abuse, remember you’re not alone.
With the proper treatment approach, you can overcome ketamine addiction and rebuild your life with a more profound sense of clarity, self-compassion, and resilience.
Ketamine addiction, like any substance use disorder, can escalate quickly. The sooner the signs are recognised, the better the chances of avoiding long-term damage to your health and well-being.
Ketamine addiction treatment
Treatment for ketamine addiction varies depending on the length of use, severity of symptoms, pre-existing health conditions, and the individual’s history and background, alongside other factors.
However, a typical treatment plan for someone grappling with ketamine addiction may involve the following.
Medical detox (if needed)
While most ketamine addiction withdrawal is typically psychological, some people may require a more varied treatment approach to help them manage cravings, anxiety, or sleep disturbances during their early recovery.
Drug detox at Camino Recovery
At Camino Recovery, every detox is medically supervised and fully personalised.
A detailed doctor’s assessment, reviewing your medical history, emotional state, addiction type, and duration, forms the basis of your tailored detox plan. Your safety and health are our top priorities.
Our dedicated clinical team will closely monitor you, continuously assessing your progress and adjusting the treatment plan as needed, while providing both physical and emotional support as you navigate this phase of recovery.
How long does detox take?
The length of detox varies, depending on many factors such as:
- The type of substance abused
- The length or duration of addiction
- Method of abuse – i.e., injecting, snorting, smoking, or swallowing
- Pre-existing medical conditions or co-occurring disorders
In our experience, the length of detox can vary from a few days to weeks or even months, depending on the individual and their unique circumstances.
Individual and group therapy
Individual and group therapy are often included as part of an integrated recovery programme for ketamine addiction and may consist of the following treatments and approaches:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is an effective, evidence-based treatment that is widely used in many clinical settings, particularly in addiction recovery.
This therapy helps individuals reframe maladaptive thought and behaviour patterns while helping to reduce any triggers associated with substance use.
CBT also teaches those in recovery healthy alternatives to coping with stress instead of resorting to destructive behaviours, enabling them to be more emotionally regulated and in control, which can help minimise the risk of relapse.
Group therapy
Group therapy is an effective way for individuals to share their experiences and concerns with other people who may have walked a similar path.
In doing so, individuals can remain accountable for their recovery journey and the choices they make during and after treatment, while drawing on the support and validation from others who share similar concerns and challenges.
Group therapy at Camino Recovery
At Camino Recovery, we provide different types of group therapy as part of our substance abuse recovery programme, which includes a combination of effective methods and approaches, such as:
- Psychodrama
- Psychodynamic process groups
- Focused expressive groups
- 12-step facilitation, cognitive behavioural, Gestalt groups
We believe that group therapy is a core foundation of any successful addiction programme and incorporate this approach as part of a broader treatment plan.
Our ethos is this: if addiction develops in isolation, then recovery begins in connection, making group therapy a central aspect of our addiction services.
Relapse prevention planning
Continuing care is another essential aspect of any successful addiction treatment, including ketamine dependency.
Aftercare and support programmes offer ongoing care and support to individuals once their treatment ends, helping them manage some of the real-life challenges that can arise upon returning home.
Having the proper support to help you deal with issues such as relationships, work, school, or financial concerns can be life-saving, particularly in the early days of recovery.
With the right care and support in place, these programmes can help you develop enough resilience and self-confidence, knowing you can handle whatever comes your way without needing substances to cope.
Additional treatment approaches for ketamine addiction may also include:
- Art therapy
- Trauma treatments such as EMDR
- Equine therapy
- Meditation
- Yoga and breathwork
- Family workshops
What are the health risks associated with ketamine abuse?
Some of the most common health risks associated with ketamine abuse include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Dissociation
- Confusion and severe agitation
There are also various long-term health risks linked to frequent ketamine misuse, with some of the most common being:
- Urinary and bladder issues
- Cardiovascular risks
- Cognitive impairment
- Withdrawal symptoms such as depression and cravings
Next steps
If you or a loved one is struggling with ketamine addiction or you would like additional help and support, contact our professional team in Spain today, who will gladly assist.
Remember, you are not alone. Help and support are just a phone call away, and we’re here to guide you through the process of starting treatment.
Final thoughts
Ketamine can be a profoundly dangerous drug; therefore, it’s vital that you are aware of the risks that can come with continued use.
Since each individual responds differently to the substance, it is impossible to predict how one person will react compared to another.
For instance, one person may take ketamine and feel happy and relaxed. At the same time, another may experience severe side effects, such as problems with motor functioning, which can result in them being unable to move their body.
One of the common side effects of ketamine is losing control of your bodily functions, so it’s worth noting these dangers, particularly when in unfamiliar settings like a nightclub or festival, where you should avoid using the drug at all costs.
In any case, ketamine, particularly when used recreationally, is a hazardous drug that must be avoided as the effects can be detrimental to your health and well-being and, sometimes, others too.
If you find it too difficult to quit the drug or cannot seem to function or get through the day without it, you must seek professional help as soon as possible to avoid further risks to your health.
Remember, you do not have to navigate these struggles alone.
Get in Touch
We treat all of our clients with the utmost care, dignity and respect. Call now for a totally confidential, no obligation conversation with one of our professionals.
Whether you’re calling for yourself or someone you know, you needn’t suffer alone.
What are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?
The most identifiable trait is an inability to stop consuming alcohol and a fundamental loss of control in their relationship with alcohol – ultimately, the alcoholic has lost the ability to make a choice as to when to stop drinking.
To the non-sufferer, an alcoholics inability to stop drinking can seem bizarre given the negative consequences. In addition to this, an alcoholic displays denial toward their condition.
Physical symptoms include cravings, withdrawal, increased tolerance, seizures and poor health. Mental manifestations include an alibi system or constant need for justification, self-pity, secrecy and isolation, as well as an overwhelming obsession with alcohol.
Eventually, the obsession to drink is stronger than the individual’s value system leading to drunk driving, infidelity, deceit, inability to fulfil responsibilities, arguments… the list goes on.
What is Alcohol Detox?
Detoxification is the first step in the process. It must be done safely and with care. In addition to the mental void left by the absence of alcohol there is a physical one.
The body becomes dependent on the toxin alcohol and if taken away too quickly an adverse physical reaction can occur. A sudden and unassisted withdrawal can result in tremors, nausea, lack of sleep, mood swings, sweating, panic attacks, anxiety and seizure. The detox process can be managed safely here at Camino Recovery.
Under full medical supervision, a short period of prescribed medication will minimise the risk and painful effects of the process.
Is Rehab a 'Temporary' Fix?
Some programmes may believe in putting a ‘plaster on the wound’ temporarily stemming the flow of destruction and pain. At Camino Recovery, our objective is to find a sustainable and long-term solution that not only addresses the problem but frees the individual from the constraints of the disease. It is important to deal with the root cause.
We create an environment conducive to allowing the process to develop safely. We believe that a life free of addiction is possible, and we make a promise to all our clients.
In addition, we create a long-term recovery plan for all clients that involves continuing care, 12-step fellowship meetings and other support networks that can be moulded around the demands of everyday life.
Our support extends beyond the time you spend with us at our retreat. A detailed plan is developed throughout your time here, and Camino Recovery is always on the end of the phone should we be needed.
How Can Camino Recovery Help?
Here at the Camino Recovery, a highly specialised, qualified team of clinicians draws on decades of experience and training as well as a wide repertoire of evidence-based practices.
We treat each person as an individual, offering a bespoke, holistic treatment plan that involves education and therapy aimed at trauma, addiction and co-occurring issues.
Please contact us. We can carry out a free initial assessment and together we can develop a plan specifically tailored to your needs.
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