A ketamine detox is an excellent way to kick off a long-term recovery process from ketamine use. It is important that the detox process is done correctly to make sure it is safe and as effective as possible.
We’ll take a closer look at the topic of ketamine detox on this page. Educating yourself on what to expect in terms of ketamine withdrawal symptoms and other issues you are likely to face is an important step.
It’s best to get professional supervision when entering a ketamine detox process. Working with the experts at Changes Healing Center will give you an opportunity to immediately turn your life in a new direction. Contact us today to learn more.
Ketamine is a powerful dissociative anesthetic. When used properly by a medical professional, it can be an effective tool for managing discomfort in patients, both human and animal. Unfortunately, it is also abused regularly by individuals who desire its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects.
Such use has soared in recent years due to the diversion of medically prescribed ketamine products to the gray market, as well as the misuse of ketamine by those who have been given prescriptions with little or no clinical oversight.
When used illegally or abused, ketamine can be highly addictive. Physical dependence may take a while to develop but it can become particularly strong once it does. Those who are addicted to ketamine may struggle to function normally without using the drug.
The detox process is a necessary step for those with ketamine addiction. During detox, the substance gradually exits the body and withdrawal symptoms are sure to arise. This experience is not always easy or comfortable but it is the first step toward lasting recovery.
Ketamine detox is necessary because of the damage that using this drug can do to your health and your life. Ketamine cravings will become powerful and may take over your thoughts and attention on a daily basis. Long-term use can result in memory loss, urinary tract and bladder damage, and a significant dissociation from reality.
It’s important not to discount the serious nature of ketamine addiction. This is not something to take lightly and it is unlikely to just go away on its own. Intentional action to enter ketamine detox with the help of professional support is the right way to move forward.
Noticing ketamine dependence in your life is the first step toward getting help. When you see signs of a problem, reaching out for assistance is the appropriate next step.
Perhaps the biggest sign of ketamine addiction is the need to use this drug to feel normal. If you don’t use ketamine for a period of time, you will feel “off” and experience a number of different ketamine withdrawal symptoms.
Also, if you find that you are using the drug more and more often, that’s another sign that ketamine detox is required. The physical symptoms you experience while using ketamine will gradually require more and more use to achieve the same effect. Like other types of substance abuse, ketamine addiction gets worse over time as it continues to harm your body.
Withdrawal from daily life routines is another sign of a problem. You may start to pull away from school or work, and your relationships may become strained. Entering ketamine detox as soon as possible is important to reverse this pattern and get life back on track.
Take note if you start to experience disturbing psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety. These can come from ongoing ketamine use and you might start to be more and more detached from the reality of the world around you.
You don’t have to wait for your psychological symptoms to get any worse to seek treatment and get started with the ketamine detox process. If you think there might be a problem in your life with this drug, there is a problem.
Some substances lead to powerful physical withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms you are likely to experience when you stop taking ketamine are a little different. Most likely, your psychological symptoms will be worse than the physical symptoms of ketamine withdrawal, but that doesn’t mean this process is going to be a breeze.
There are a number of common withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping ketamine use, including those listed below.
You are likely to experience a drop in mood when you quit using ketamine. You may also notice that your mood swings are dramatic from high to low and back again. Feelings of hopelessness or despair may come along with the lowest of your mood swings.
Your body will be searching for balance when it is deprived of ketamine in the detox process. Without proper balance, poor sleep is often one of the strongest ketamine withdrawal symptoms. And, when you are tired, you are more likely to return to the substance to seek relief.
Another of the many withdrawal symptoms you may experience is ongoing, powerful anxiety. You could feel nervous and restless, especially early in the ketamine detox process. This should gradually improve with time but it can be difficult to get through it, especially on your own.
It’s hard to think clearly while in ketamine detox. Your thinking might feel slower than normal and you could have difficulty focusing on the same task for more than a few minutes at a time. Many people experiencing ketamine withdrawal symptoms also struggle to remember even basic things.
You may be tempted to take on these ketamine withdrawal symptoms on your own. After all, they aren’t as aggressive or physically dangerous as the withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting other substances.
We would strongly suggest that you think twice and consider getting professional help instead. Severe withdrawal symptoms are still possible with ketamine and the psychological symptoms alone can be enough to cause you to turn back and start using the substance once again.
The ketamine withdrawal timeline can also vary from person to person. Without knowing how long your withdrawal symptoms are going to last, you may struggle to stick with it and get through detox to the other side. The psychological withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming, and when paired with any physical symptoms you experience may prevent you from getting into recovery.
There are many benefits to having help when you deal with common ketamine withdrawal symptoms in the detox phase, such as the following.
You never know what kinds of medical concerns may arise during the ketamine withdrawal and detox process. This usually isn’t a life-threatening situation but it can be emotionally intense. As a result of those powerful emotions, you could make dangerous decisions that impact your health. Navigating the physical and psychological symptoms of ketamine withdrawal is simply easier and safer with professional guidance.
We’ve made it clear by now that the psychological dependence you have developed on ketamine is your main obstacle in detox. A staff of therapists and counselors will help you navigate everything that comes up emotionally during the withdrawal process.
The acute withdrawal symptoms you face will be unique to you depending on many factors. This is why we always customize our care plans to suit the needs of the individual. As the withdrawal process plays out, we will adjust as necessary to make sure your ketamine withdrawal is a comfortable and controlled as possible until the worst has past.
Detox is just the starting point. Once the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms have moved on and the intense cravings are over, you can transition right away to more treatment options. This could mean inpatient ketamine detox, an outpatient program, or some other approach.
No matter what type of treatment is determined to be the right choice for your situation, our safe and supportive environment will put you on the path toward success. You will always have medical supervision when needed. We’ll work on figuring out the causes of your psychological cravings so you can avoid those triggers and make a relapse less likely.
Long-term sobriety is always the primary goal after detox from ketamine. We will work together with you to create a recovery path that you can walk for many years to come. This all starts with undergoing detox, so take that first big step today.
The best time to start recovering from any kind of addiction is as soon as possible. This is the kind of thing that only gets worse if you put it off longer and longer. The physical symptoms and psychological symptoms of ketamine use will have an impact on you and can lead to very serious consequences.
Changes Healing Center is here to help. Get started today by calling us and speaking with an admissions coordinator about your situation. There is never any judgment when you reach out to our team – we are only here to help you get better. Give us a call now and let’s work together to break your ketamine addiction.