Ketamine misuse can affect your mental health, physical well-being, relationships, and ability to function in everyday life. Our Athens ketamine addiction treatment program provides individualized, evidence-based care to help you address the effects of ketamine use and begin building a healthier future. Following a comprehensive clinical assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan that combines counseling, behavioral therapies, education, and ongoing support to promote lasting recovery.
Ketamine has recently started being marketed as a treatment for a variety of mental and physical health conditions, including depression. This has led some to believe that ketamine has been approved for self-administration and that it is safe for recreational use. Ketamine, however, has not been approved by the FDA for use outside of a clinical setting. Misconceptions like this can contribute to misuse and potential ketamine addiction.
According to the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, ketamine was developed in the 1960s as a battlefield anesthetic for the Vietnam War. For decades following its development, it has been used as a popular party drug.
Ketamine is described by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a “dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effect.” This means that at high enough doses, it provides the user with a state of sedation in which they are detached from their environment and any potential pain they may experience. At the same time, the user may experience hallucinations, which are sights, sounds, and sensations that feel real to the user but are not actually real. There may also be unwanted side effects to Ketamine use, including:
Some cases of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) have also been reported after ketamine use. This disorder occurs when visual disturbances and hallucinations persist for months to years after using a hallucinogenic drug, even after the drug has left your system. HPPD can be an extremely scary and disturbing experience that can cause anxiety and other mental health disorders.
In addition to unpleasant side effects, ketamine is a potentially addictive substance. This is because it facilitates the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine from the brain. Dopamine is known as one of the “feel-good” chemicals, and it is associated with pleasurable acts like eating and having sex. A drug that causes dopamine to flood the brain can lead to addiction. Additionally, the state of sedation and distraction from reality can be pleasurable for people looking to escape from their thoughts and circumstances. However, ketamine should only be used as prescribed by a medical professional and under their supervision.
In the long term, ketamine addiction can cause irreversible damage to your body and mind. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), prolonged ketamine abuse can lead to ulcers and pain in the bladder, kidney damage, stomach pain, depression, and memory issues.
At Athens Area Commencement Center, we understand that recovering from ketamine addiction is a personal journey. Substance use disorder is a chronic medical condition, but recovery is possible with individualized treatment, professional guidance, and ongoing support. Taking the first step toward treatment can feel overwhelming, yet reaching out for help is an important milestone on the path to lasting recovery.
Every person who comes to us has a unique history, set of challenges, and recovery goals. That is why we begin with a comprehensive clinical assessment and create a personalized treatment plan designed around your specific needs. Whether you benefit from intensive outpatient care, a flexible treatment schedule, or specialized therapies, our team works with you to develop an approach that supports your long-term success.
Recovery involves more than stopping ketamine use. Lasting healing often requires addressing the emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors that may contribute to substance use. As part of your individualized treatment plan, we use evidence-based therapies to help you develop healthier coping skills, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen your recovery.
When clinically appropriate, treatment may include services such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), individual counseling, group therapy, and family involvement. If co-occurring mental health conditions are identified during your assessment, we incorporate those needs into your treatment plan to provide more comprehensive care.
Recovery is an active process that continues beyond the first stages of treatment. Our team provides education, encouragement, and practical tools to help you navigate challenges, reduce the risk of relapse, and build a healthier future. While we are committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey, lasting change comes from your continued participation, commitment, and willingness to apply the skills you develop during treatment.
At the Athens Area Commencement Center, we believe that the recovery journey extends far beyond the completion of primary drug addiction treatment. We understand the importance of sustained care and support in fostering sobriety and embracing a life of wellness. That is why we tailor individualized aftercare plans for our clients, equipping them with the necessary resources and assistance to continue their path to recovery.
Your personalized aftercare plan may include ongoing counseling sessions, involvement in local support groups, participation in 12-Step programs, or engagement with online forums. These avenues serve as vital resources for constructing a strong support system beyond our facility. The connection you make here will provide a steadfast presence during the next phase of your recovery journey. Additionally, you will be empowered with relapse prevention strategies, which are invaluable for navigating the transition back to daily routines. A comprehensive aftercare plan can equip you to tackle any challenges that lie ahead with confidence and resilience.
If you or someone you love is struggling with ketamine addiction, help is available. Call Athens Area Commencement Center at (706) 546-7355 to take the first steps.