Ketamine, initially synthesized for medical and veterinary anaesthesia, has unfortunately found its way into recreational use. There is now a growing concern around ketamine drug addiction, especially amongst younger people. Understanding the complexities of addiction is crucial steps in addressing this issue. Do you or someone you know struggle with ketamine drug addiction? I help people reduce Ketamine drug addiction using hypnotherapy in London and online. Click here to get in touch today.
What is Ketamine Drug Addiction?
At its core, Ketamine drug addiction, as with any addiction is a chronic, relapsing pattern. It is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. This compulsion arises from the way drugs like ketamine impact the brain’s reward system. It leads to intense cravings and a diminished ability to control use. Addiction isn’t simply a matter of willpower. Rather it involves complex neurobiological changes that make it incredibly difficult for people to stop using. And that’s even when they desperately want to. The cycle of seeking, using, and experiencing negative consequences perpetuates the ketamine drug addiction. That’s why seeking therapy and help is wise and often essential.
How Ketamine Drug Addiction Can Increase
Why do people initially use ketamine, and how can this lead to ketamine drug addiction? The reasons are multifaceted:
- Dissociative Effects: Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic, meaning it can create a sense of detachment from one’s body and reality. This “out-of-body” experience, often referred to as the “K-hole,” can be sought after for its novelty and perceived escape from personal problems or anxieties.
- Euphoria and Sensory Distortion: Users may experience feelings of euphoria, altered perceptions of sight and sound, and a sense of floating or weightlessness. These pleasurable effects can be highly reinforcing, increasing the likelihood of repeated use.
- Social Influence: Peer pressure and the desire to fit in within certain social circles can contribute to initial experimentation with ketamine.
- Coping Mechanism: Some people may turn to ketamine to cope with underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. The temporary relief offered by the drug can mask these issues, leading to a reliance and eventually ketamine drug addiction.
As tolerance develops with repeated ketamine use, people need to take larger and more frequent doses to achieve the desired effects. This escalation in use significantly increases the risk of developing a ketamine drug addiction, characterized by:
- Loss of Control: Difficulty limiting or stopping ketamine use despite intentions to do so.
- Craving: Intense urges or desires to use ketamine.
- Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: Still using ketamine despite experiencing problems in relationships, work, finances, or health.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological discomfort when ketamine use is stopped or reduced.
- Neglect of Other Activities: Abandoning previously enjoyed hobbies and social engagements in favour of obtaining and using ketamine.
A Brief History of Ketamine
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 by chemist Calvin Stevens as a safer alternative to the anaesthetic phencyclidine (PCP). It was initially used in the Vietnam War as a battlefield anaesthetic due to its ability to provide pain relief without significantly suppressing breathing or blood pressure. In the 1970s, ketamine began to be used recreationally, often in nightclubs and at parties, where its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects became known. This recreational use, while initially sporadic for some, has unfortunately led to the development of ketamine drug addiction in a growing number of people. The accessibility and relatively low cost in some areas have further contributed to its misuse and the prevalence of ketamine drug addiction.
The Devastating Consequences of Ketamine Addiction
Ketamine drug addiction can have severe and far-reaching consequences affecting various aspects of an individual’s life:
- Physical Health: Chronic ketamine use can lead to significant damage to the urinary tract, often referred to as “ketamine bladder.” This can manifest as frequent and painful urination, incontinence, and in severe cases, the need for surgical intervention. Liver damage and gastrointestinal problems are also potential risks.
- Mental Health: While some initial users may be self-medicating underlying mental health conditions, long-term ketamine drug addiction can exacerbate these issues or lead to the development of new ones, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairments.
- Social and Occupational Functioning: Addiction can strain relationships with family and friends, lead to job loss, financial difficulties, and social isolation. The focus on obtaining and using ketamine often overshadows other responsibilities and commitments.
- Legal Issues: Engaging in illegal activities to obtain ketamine can result in arrests and legal repercussions.
Finding Help for Ketamine Addiction
If you are grappling with ketamine drug addiction, it’s essential to understand that recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face this alone. My approach focuses on providing a supportive and personalized pathway to reduce and ultimately overcome your dependence on ketamine. This often involves:
- Assessment: Understanding the extent of your ketamine use, any co-occurring mental health conditions, and your individual needs and challenges.
- Individualized Treatment Planning: Developing a tailored plan that may include therapy, hypnotherapy, counselling and relapse prevention techniques.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Utilizing evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy to address the underlying reasons for your ketamine use, develop coping mechanisms, and build motivation for change.
- Support and Guidance: Providing ongoing support and guidance throughout your recovery journey. Helping you navigate challenges and build a fulfilling life free from ketamine drug addiction.
Taking the first step towards addressing ketamine drug addiction can feel daunting. If you are ready to explore options for reducing your ketamine use, please reach out. Together, we can work towards overcoming ketamine drug addiction and achieving lasting recovery. Sessions in London and online.
