Jim V.
Ketamine is a strong sedative drug with hallucinogenic effects. Its purpose is to ease pain during and after operations in both hospitals and veterinary clinics. Commonly referred to as ‘ket’, ‘special k’ or ‘k’, ketamine is normally sold as a liquid – to be injected – or as a white crystallized powder, which can be inhaled through the nose or taken in tablet form.
Like other hallucinogenic drugs, the risks attached to ketamine use are often overlooked or underestimated. Any addiction has the capacity to ruin not only the addict’s life but also the lives of people closest to that person. Ketamine can severely affect how someone sees life and themselves. It is an addiction that can ruin relationships and careers, tear apart families and relationships, and directly impact health and wellbeing. Everyday tasks become arduous and the stress of ketamine can trigger a number of other addictions.
It is an addiction that can leave you feeling hopeless and isolated. But there is a way out; it can be treated and overcome. To initiate your recovery from any addiction, you must take the daunting but necessary first step.
At Cornerstone, we specialize in addiction and successful recovery programs, including treatment for ketamine overdose or misuse. Our team of highly qualified, motivated, and professional practitioners is on hand to guide you through your recovery process. As with all addictions, your issue with ketamine is unique. To meet these specific requirements, we create tailored support plans and necessary treatment for every individual, and their addiction story.
Ketamine is taken as a hallucinogenic drug that evokes a feeling of dissociation – a dreamlike, psychedelic state where the person feels almost detached from their body. Its anesthetizing qualities often make users feel calm, relaxed, and happy. There is, however, a fine line with ketamine. These apparent euphoric feelings can quickly turn into unpleasant circumstances. If too much is taken, then users risk suffering a ‘bad trip’, or as it is known with ketamine: a ‘k hole’. This is a state where users feel completely dissociated from their body and senses; uncoordinated, incapacitated, and unresponsive.
Ketamine addiction can have serious implications on all aspects of life – it should not be underestimated. Long-term risks may include hallucinations and delirium; amnesia or impaired memory; impaired psychological capacity; severe mood swings and conditions like depression. The psychological effects are incredibly harmful and so too the physical implications. Prolonged ketamine use can cause serious damage to the bladder and urinary tract, commonly known as ‘ketamine bladder syndrome.’ Extreme cases may require surgery or complete removal of the bladder.
Our medical staff in Orange County is aware of evidence that links sustained ketamine use to abdominal pain and liver damage. Ketamine provides a brief sense of euphoria, but the long-term implications are incredibly dangerous, both physically and psychologically.
The relaxing, hallucinogenic, and euphoric state that people enter when taking ketamine is why it is such a popular drug. It is also very addictive. Regular use of ketamine means people quickly develop a high tolerance for the drug. Subsequently, they need to take larger quantities of the drug to access the same ‘high.’ It is also frequently mixed and ‘cut’ with other drugs, like opiates and benzodiazepines. These substances alone are extremely addictive and are difficult to detect – especially when sold in nightclubs or at festivals. These addictive components only accelerate that person’s addiction to ketamine.
No! Any drug taken without a prescription and not under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor who has your full health background is dangerous. Just because ketamine is a medical pharmaceutical doesn’t mean it is safe. It requires deep knowledge of pharmaceuticals and medical conditions.
Like most addictions we treat at Cornerstone, ketamine addiction is instilled through a psychological process called ‘positive reinforcement’: When a person’s continued pattern of behavior is motivated by a positive outcome. If something feels good, then we will continue to do it.
With ketamine, the positive outcome is the ‘high’ – the euphoric state of dissociation. If you are unable to access this state naturally, then you will likely continue to use ketamine in order to access it. How a person manages this pattern of behavior, is the deciding factor between addiction and occasional or one-time use of ketamine. In addition to positive reinforcement, research has identified a number of other factors which can make a person more prone to addiction, such as:
Yes. Overdose risks include coma and deep unconsciousness. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, amnesia, violent outbursts, anxiety, and even death.
Like all addictions, the signs and symptoms someone might be displaying are all dependent on the volume and frequency of that person’s drug use. That person’s environment and personality will also be deciding factors. There are, however, some typical signals you should look out for if you are worried you or a loved one is misusing ketamine:
Starting your recovery journey can be incredibly daunting and it’s often difficult to initiate the process. Please take a look at some of our suggestions, to combat the early stages of drug addiction:
The initial stages of any addiction are frightening and after admitting you are struggling it is easy to be fearful of what comes next. To soothe these early stages, we provide a free ketamine addiction assessment. One of our practitioners is on hand to discuss any of your concerns, fears, or queries regarding your ketamine addiction. In addition to this, we offer a secondary assessment with a consultant psychiatrist to identify any pre-existing medical or psychiatric conditions. These findings would then inform your specific treatment plan.
At Cornerstone, we also provide a drug detox procedure, where you will be guided by a medical professional. Our team of therapists, psychologists, and medical professionals offer emotional support at every hour of the day. To resist the urge of ketamine cravings, we encourage everyone suffering from addiction to detox in safe and secure environments – free from temptation and non-prescribed and medically supervised medications. If your symptoms are particularly severe, then we are able to provide approved medicine to assist your withdrawal.
Our ketamine addiction treatment program typically lasts for around 28-days. Of course, each addiction is unique, so every person’s stay will vary depending on how they respond to our treatment procedures. Our facilities and programs are designed to suit the needs of every patients’ drug experience. At Cornerstone, we try and make your treatment as smooth and comfortable a process as we can, and our team is essential in ensuring this. They have vast experience in dealing with drug addictions and are all dedicated to ensuring you remain safe at all stages of your recovery. We believe that our patients and practitioners should be transparent and honest with each other at all times, and this is something we pride ourselves on.
All of our treatment programs are designed around that particular patient. Every story is different and every treatment plan must be too. Our in-depth support allows patients to explore the root of their ketamine addiction, and plan for a positive future. All of our treatment programs are centered around therapeutic methods, designed to develop that person’s confidence and self-esteem.
Ketamine addiction, like most of our treatment plans, is built upon the 12-step addiction treatment model – an adaptation of abstinence from the Alcoholics Anonymous organization (AA). These treatment plans are all modified with the patient in mind. Our 12-step program guides patients through their recovery, alongside a set of spiritually influenced values and beliefs. These values are all focused on advocating self-worth and humility. Our ketamine treatment program typically consists of:
If residential treatment is not something you would like to take part in, then we do offer high-quality alternatives in day treatment or outpatient treatment programs. Our ketamine treatment options can be used either as a starting point for treatment; or, for those beginning to reduce the quantity and intensity of treatment, having already gone through an intensive residential program. Your specific treatment plan will be determined by the severity and nature of your addiction, and the support you feel is best suited to you.
At Cornerstone, we offer 24 hour support and care, 7 days a week. You can get in touch and seek help for your ketamine addiction, at whatever particular stage of recovery you may be at. We are always here to help.
Our Locations and support areas.
You can find us in Orange County, California. Our centers are located in convenient areas so you can get to us without any problem. Please contact us at: (714) 547-5375. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Drug Detox Santa Ana, CA
Drug Detox Orange County, CA
Drug Detox Anaheim, CA
Drug Detox Irvine, CA
Drug Detox Newport Beach, CA
Drug Rehab Center Orange County
