Addiction to ketamine is rare but it is not unheard of, and it is a good idea to become familiar with the long-term damage it can cause and the treatment options available. It becomes vital for the individual to seek residential treatment in order to recover from the addiction.

If the addiction is left untreated, however, the person can become vulnerable to the damages, perhaps for the rest of their lives. If you or someone you love is suffering from a ketamine addiction and needs help, please call 800-915-1270 (Who Answers?) to speak with a caring specialist who can help.

Long-Term Damage

Professional treatment is necessary to overcome the aftereffects of ketamine addiction.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, when someone abuses or become addicted to ketamine, it can cause long-term effects and permanent damage that includes bladder pains and ulcers, stomach pains, kidney problems, poor memory, and depression.

If the addict uses needles to shot the ketamine into their system, they become vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and many other infectious diseases.

It is highly recommended that ketamine users not use it with alcohol, as the combined drug use will put them at further risk for adverse effects.

Inpatient Treatment for Withdrawal Symptoms

Ketamine users who try to quit on their own are at a higher risk of relapse than those who seek inpatient treatment because of the harsh withdrawal symptoms that accompany detox. These symptoms can be similar to a severe flu virus and can include chills, anxiety, depression, dilated pupils, cravings, stiff muscles, nightmares, involuntary eye movements, tiredness, and sweating.

With inpatient ketamine treatment, the addict has access to immediate medical care and supportive staff to help encourage them through the withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Treatment Benefits

Ketamine can be a hard drug to quit, and while outpatient care is excellent for someone who is readjusting to life without the drug, inpatient is much better for the initial treatment.  Inpatient treatment centers have detox services that can offer possible medical assistance to help their patients through the period of withdrawal. The patient will also have access to immediate medical attention if they need it.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, medications can be used for mental and substance disorders to provide relief for withdrawal so that patients may move on to use other strategies to pursue their recovery. As they go through residential treatment, addicts will also be removed from their environment, which can hold many triggers and temptations that cause relapse.

Everything You Need to know about Special K Addiction

Residential drug rehab also allows therapists to determine an accurate diagnosis, which can give the patient specific treatment to strengthen their recovery. Patients can also undergo different therapies daily to help them build their recovery on a strong foundation.

Some of these therapies include family, group, and individual, all of which can encourage mental health, restore relationships, and show the addict that they are not alone. The addict will also undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy, which will determine the causes of the initial use of ketamine and work to reverse them. It will also teach addicts how to cope with stress without the use of the drug.

Ketamine addiction does occur and it can leave behind long-term damages if it is not treated as soon as possible. Residential drug rehab can help the individual to reach beyond the addiction toward recovery by removing them from temptation, easing their way through withdrawal symptoms, and placing them in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

To find out more about treatment options and the benefits of inpatient care, call 800-915-1270 (Who Answers?) to speak with a representative.