Ketamine is a drug typically used by veterinarians as an anesthetic for animals; however, some people have resorted to using this substance as a way to get high. The drug’s ability to produce hallucinations is what often causes people to use it. The hallucinations caused by this drug result from a blockage of the chemical activity responsible for sensory input to the brain. This blockage causes visions and produces a dream-like state of mind. If you are, or someone you care for is, experiencing ketamine addiction symptoms, look into getting help right away.
Finding the best ketamine addiction treatment center for your situation is only a phone call away. Call our confidential hotline today at to get connected with a facility in your area. It can be difficult to stop using drugs, but it can feel nearly impossible if you are trying to do it without the assistance of professional help.
Effects of Ketamine Use
Other effects of ketamine use a person may experience include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Problems with breathing
- Nightmares
- Nausea
- Convulsion-like muscle contractions
When a person is trying to quit using ketamine, he or she may experience a series of psychological symptoms that strengthen the urge to use. This is why it is important to seek the assistance of professionals for ketamine addiction recovery. If the abuse stems from a mental health problem, behavioral disorder or issues with mood swings, these problems can be treated simultaneously to help the person cope with all issues in a healthy manner.
With many mind-altering drugs, there is a possibility that abusers will experience long-term psychotic impairments, such as paranoia or psychosis. These conditions can make it difficult for drug abusers to make wise decisions about how to get the proper help to get rid of their habits. A person suffering from these conditions may ignore ketamine addiction symptoms and signs and continue using the drug as if nothing is wrong.
How Is It Ingested?
Ketamine users typically consume the drug in one of two ways. Some users get high by injecting the drug into their veins with a needle, and others snort it as a powder. Another way that users consume ketamine is by taking it orally, but the other two methods are more popular.
Ketamine Statistics
Because this drug can cause feelings of floating and hallucinations, a lot of users take it as a club drug or while out partying in order to enhance the party atmosphere. This is what makes it popular among the younger generation. Results from a survey published in 2010 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) showed that 1.6 percent of 12th graders, 1.1 percent of 10th graders and 1.0 percent of 8th graders reported having used the drug at least once in the previous year. Although these numbers are down from previous years, ketamine abuse is still a serious issue that should be addressed by expert medical professionals and counselors. Seeking help for ketamine addiction symptoms can help lower the statistics even further in the future.
Getting Treated for Ketamine Addiction
A person’s gender and age, along with the length of time the person has been using the drug, will play a part in determining how treatment will be administered. Other factors used to determine the treatment approach are whether a person has any coexisting problems with mental disorders or behavioral issues. There are ketamine addiction treatment centers that can assist abusers on an outpatient or inpatient basis, as well as some that operate on a partial hospitalization or residential basis.
Withdrawal Symptoms
As with other types of drugs, quitting the use of ketamine can result in withdrawal symptoms. With ketamine, there are typically minimal physical withdrawal symptoms, but there are several psychological symptoms a person may experience. Symptoms may include restlessness, a short attention span, depression, twitches, irritability and insomnia.
In light of the dangers that using ketamine presents, along with the withdrawal symptoms that may occur when trying to stop use of it, there is every reason to turn to professional aid for recovery. A ketamine addiction recovery facility can provide patients with a host of benefits that cannot be achieved by trying to kick the habit alone. There are many rehab programs that provide individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and relapse prevention instruction, and they can help you effectively navigate the road to recovery, until you are free of ketamine addiction symptoms.
There are also facilities that provide anger management programs, medication management instructions, and a wide range of therapeutic and recreational activities. These are all things that are not available to someone who has decided to try to stop using ketamine on his or her own. To get connected with a recovery program that addresses ketamine addiction symptoms in your area, don’t hesitate to call us for private assistance at . Many individuals recover from abuse of this drug every day, and you or your loved one could be one of these people.
