Ketamine Substance Abuse Treatment
What is Ketamine used for?
Ketamine was originally created by the Parke-Davis company in the early 1960’s before becoming a part of the Pfizer Company. The drug is used in both human and veterinary medicine, but it is growing in popularity where recreational use is concerned. It functions by producing a fast-acting, dissociative effect and became the replacement drug for PCP in 1963. Recreationally, ketamine is either snorted or swallowed and is considered as being a powerfully addictive substance.
As a result of this and the number of annual reported cases of serious illnesses associated with Ketamine, many addiction treatment and recovery facilities provide Ketamine substance abuse treatment programs. Additionally, health organizations and medical professionals have labeled it as being a serious public health threat in the US today. Some of these programs rely on the more conventional therapies whereas the alternative rehab centers employ more innovative ones.
Side effects of the drug
One of the first things you need to be aware is that Ketamine greatly impairs the senses, namely balance, sense of time, and vision. However, it can also result in cardiovascular depression, nausea and vomiting, and depression or stimulation of the respiratory system. It is usually manufactured as an injectable liquid. However, when used recreationally, it is evaporated and turned into powder so that it can be smoked or “snorted” (inhaled).
It is an odorless and tasteless substance and can be added to beverages without detection, hence its classification as a “date rape” drug. Oftentimes, it produces a dream-like state and hallucinations. This ranges from a floating feeling to a feeling of complete separation from the body. In cases that are more severe, people experience feelings of terror such as total sensory detachment which is oftentimes perceived as a near-death experience.
There is help available
As was mentioned above, addiction treatment and recovery centers offer Ketamine substance abuse treatment programs to address the issue. The Delray Recovery Center is one of those facilities. We are an alternative residential rehab center that provides our clients with a homelike environment to recover in complete with many of the amenities they have grown accustomed to at home.
Each of our Ketamine substance abuse treatment programs is based on our 5-phase step-down model and includes a number of activities and programs that serve to further enhance the recovery process. The programs include:
- educational seminars
- group and individual counseling sessions
- holistic therapy
- life-skills workshops
- twelve-step workshops
In addition to the above, art therapies, health and wellness programs, healthier meal planning, spirituality workshops, and therapy-based excursions are also available to the client should they want to participate in them. We will be happy to speak with you if you or a loved one needs a Ketamine substance abuse treatment and recovery program.
