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What is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic disease that can include behaviors like sex, gambling, and shopping but it is most frequently associated with substance abuse. Addiction radically changes the way the brain manages dopamine and other neurotransmitters that link reward centers. According to statistics, almost 21 million Americans have at least 1 addiction but only 10% will receive treatment.
At Daytryp Health, we view addiction as part of the larger issue of the current mental health epidemic in America. Out of the 21 million Americans struggling with addiction, approximately 8.5 million suffer from both a mental health issue and a substance use disorder. We understand that often people turn to substances to escape the problems in their lives, not because there is something wrong with them. We are very excited to be able to offer ketamine for addiction as an alternative treatment to rehab. As you’ll learn later in this article, there is science that proves ketamine therapy and sobriety may just go hand in hand.
Each person that suffers from addiction will have a slightly different experience, but there are some common signs to watch out for if you are concerned someone in your life is struggling. You may see only some of these signs. A person can still be addicted if they do not exhibit all of them.
Common Signs of Addiction
- Lying
- Financial issues
- Changes in social groups. For example, new and unusual friends.
- Drug paraphernalia
- Secretiveness
- Stealing
- Stashes of drugs
Symptoms of Addiction
Signs of addiction are what you may be able to observe. Symptoms are what is experienced by the addict. It is important to note that if someone exhibits any of the symptoms below, it does not mean they are addicted, and their symptoms could be due to another explanation. If you find drugs or drug paraphernalia, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider for guidance on the best way to handle this difficult situation.
Common Symptoms of Addiction
- Being preoccupied with the addiction in a way that involves spending a lot of time engaging in, planning, and recovering from (either physically or psychologically)
- Life activities center on the addiction in a way that negatively affects school, work, and relationships
- Difficulty controlling or cutting back on the addictive behavior
- Energy changes, such as being extremely energetic or tired
- Erratic mood swings
- Physical changes to appearance that can include weight loss and skin tone and health
- Sleeping more often or less often or changing sleep schedules
- Withdrawals – if the person is not engaging in the activity or taking the substance, they experience unpleasant symptoms
Traditional Treatments for Addiction
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment. Addicts and loved ones need to choose a treatment that best fits their needs depending on the type of addiction, the level of support and care required, and mental health needs. Traditional addiction treatments for substance abuse involve detoxification and rehab facilities with ongoing programs, whereas behavioral addiction typically uses a combination of talk therapy, counseling, and support groups.
According to the Restore Center in Los Angeles, rehabilitation treatment for substance abuse statistics reflects a low sobriety rate after 5 years. For inpatient and residential rehab treatment, only 21% remain sober after 5 years, with outpatient treatment dropping to 18%. These numbers are disheartening and provide good reason for those affected to seek alternative treatments like ketamine for addiction.
Ketamine Therapy for Addiction
Research shows as many as two-thirds of those suffering from addiction experienced some type of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma during childhood. This provides us with insight into what may be at the root of addiction for most people seeking freedom from it.
At Daytryp Health, we understand the importance of using a multi-step approach for treating addiction. This includes combining ketamine therapy for addiction with integration sessions and possibly psychotherapy, as well.
How Does Ketamine Treat Addiction?
Because ketamine for addiction inspires more flexible attitudes in our patients, it creates a window of opportunity to relax their defenses and explore challenging emotions without high levels of reactivity. It is often these emotions that addicts are trying to numb by self-medicating.
In addition, ketamine therapy for addiction can help patients struggling in several ways and for a variety of substances. One of the most exciting is ketamine’s potential to decrease cravings, regardless of the substance. “These results suggest that ketamine may facilitate abstinence across multiple substances of abuse (Opioids, Alcohol, Cocaine) and warrants broader investigation in addiction treatment.” (Medical University of South Carolina)
In patients with a history of addiction, ketamine’s regulation of the neurotransmitter glutamate has been shown to improve brain functionality. “Converging evidence suggests a single sub-anesthetic dose of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine may work to correct these neuroadaptations and restore motivation for non-drug rewards.” (Columbia University)
Numerous studies have been conducted exhibiting ketamine’s incredible efficacy in treating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which often go hand in hand with addiction. Ketamine can repair damaged and grow new neural pathways through neuron imaging, giving the brain an opportunity to heal.
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Ketamine for Addiction Protocol
Protocols for addiction ketamine therapy can vary based on what is being treated and the needs of the patient. Typically, ketamine treatment for addiction will require multiple sessions (between 3-6). Your ketamine treatments will be facilitated in one of our thoughtfully designed session rooms. They are certain to evoke a sense of healing and tranquility from the moment you step through the door. Our expertly trained staff will answer any questions you may have prior to treatment and will be there to support along the way.
Ketamine can be a very effective treatment for addicts who have detoxed and are looking for ways to support and maintain their sobriety. If you are sober but still struggling with cravings, or if you wish to quit but have been unsuccessful with previous attempts or other programs, give us a call to learn more about how Ketamine therapy for addiction can assist you on your journey to wellness.
YOUR JOURNEY TO WELLNESS BEGINS WITH DAYTRYP HEALTH
Many of the patients we treat arrive mentally, emotionally, and physically drained from their battle with addiction, yet they remain hopeful and unwilling to give up. We are excited and so very grateful to be able to offer ketamine therapy for addiction. It will not just provide alleviation of symptoms for so many, but facilitates healing on a deep level, often addressing the root cause of addiction. Contact us today to get started!
Ketamine Therapy for Addiction FAQs
Yes, ketamine is a controlled substance. It is classified as a Schedule III drug in the United States. Ketamine is used primarily as an anesthetic for humans and animals but has proven successful in helping addicts break the negative cycle of thoughts associated with the drive to pursue drug abuse.
Yes, ketamine is used for treatment of opiate addicts. It has been shown to be effective in reducing craving and withdrawal symptoms in opiate-dependent individuals. Ketamine has also been shown to reduce the risk of relapse in opiate addicts.
Yes, ketamine can be used to treat addiction. Ketamine is a glutamate receptor antagonist and NMDA receptor blocker. It works by blocking the NMDA receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Ketamine has also been shown to help increase the release of dopamine, which can help to reduce the risk of relapse.
Ketamine is used to treat opiate addiction by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. This can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and can also help to prevent relapse. Click here to learn more.
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