Ketamine Addiction Treatment

Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic drug used in medicine for humans and animals. It blocks pain and also has an antidepressant effect. Outside of medical use, ketamine is an illegal ‘club drug’ that is used recreationally, commonly through snorting in its powder form. The effects of ketamine differ depending on the dosage but can lead to very pleasurable feelings including happiness and euphoria. However, as a mind-altering substance, ketamine can be highly addictive.

Not only can the addiction impact your finances, relationships, mental health and work performance, regular ketamine use can lead to extremely unpleasant, chronic pain as a result of damage to the bladder and urinary tract that the drug can cause ‘ketamine bladder syndrome’ can develop quickly and the damage can be irreversible, so it’s important to seek help sooner than later to prevent this painful and serious condition from escalating.

Regardless of how strong the desire may be to stop using ketamine, when you are suffering with addiction, we know it can simply be too hard to achieve alone. The good news is that ketamine addiction is treatable with the right support and as a renowned addiction treatment centre with over 50 years of experience, our team at Broadway Lodge can help you or your loved one to lead a fulfilling life without ketamine. Get in touch with us today or continue reading to explore how we can assist you on your journey to recovery.

We’re here to listen. Contact us online or call us on 01934 812319

Ketamine addiction: Symptoms, family & health

What are the symptoms of Ketamine addiction

Ketamine is a potent anaesthetic drug that is often used in medical procedures and surgeries. However, when used recreationally and addiction takes hold, a number of serious symptoms can be experienced, including:

• Increased tolerance leading to more use
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Decline in physical and/or mental health
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Disassociation between the mind and body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Damage to the bladder, kidneys and liver
• Pain when passing urine along with a frequent and urgent need to go
• Passing blood in the urine
• Incontinence
• Respiratory problems
• Depression

The health risks of Ketamine to you and your family

Ketamine has gained a reputation as a popular party drug and a quick fix for depression. But the use of ketamine comes with a host of health risks that can affect not only the user but also their family. Some of the main risks include high blood pressure, heart rate changes and ketamine bladder syndrome.

What is Ketamine and why is it addictive?

Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic and pain reliever that can induce a dissociative state in users. It is classified as a ‘dissociative anaesthetic’ and is used medically for procedures such as surgeries or emergency operations. However, ketamine has also gained popularity as a recreational drug due to its psychoactive effects, such as the feeling of being disconnected from reality and hallucinations.

Unfortunately, ketamine is highly addictive due to its ability to produce intense and immediate sensations. It can also leave users with a feeling of depression and anxiety when the drug wears off, leading to a cycle of addiction and emotional instability. Despite its medical benefits, ketamine misuse can lead to serious consequences, making it important for people to be aware of its addictive properties and to seek help if they become addicted.

What is ketamine bladder syndrome?

Ketamine bladder syndrome is caused by ketamine misuse where the bladder lining becomes irritated, inflamed, ulcerated and damaged leading to chronic pain. Over time, the bladder walls thicken as scar tissue develops, shrinking the size of the bladder. Ketamine bladder syndrome can also affect the urinary tract and the damage can be irreversible, in some cases requiring reconstructive surgery.

Additionally, ketamine has been known to cause psychological side effects such as memory impairment, depression and anxiety. But for family and friends who can see the effects the drug has on their loved one, their emotional wellbeing can really suffer too.

It’s crucial to understand these risks and take steps to prevent them from affecting you and your loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine use, it’s important to seek professional help.

What our clients say

“Broadway Lodge get it right… I can show up for life today and that’s quite amazing after decades of isolation and addiction.”

Rachael, former client

Your recovery

Our programme to full recovery

The comprehensive programme at Broadway Lodge includes a wide range of therapeutic sessions that not only enable you to understand and address your addiction but also allow for thorough exploration of your deeper-rooted issues so that you can begin to heal. Providing a healthy mix of challenge and support, the individual and group sessions will enable you to learn the tools to sustain your recovery from ketamine addiction for the long-term. We aim for you to leave Broadway Lodge with increased self-worth, self-esteem and confidence, with compassion for yourself and positivity for the future.

You will learn and work through the 12 steps at your own pace, have one to one counselling with your focal counsellor and participate in group therapy sessions which happen at least once a day every day. You will also partake in educational and interactive workshops, listen to inspirational shares from people in recovery, work on personalised assignments and watch therapeutic films. Additionally, along with calming meditations, holistic and specialist treatments are available to aid relaxation and promote healing. These include auricular acupuncture, soothing aromatherapy massage, Reiki, EMDR and hypnotherapy.

While you can stay for any duration between four weeks and 6 months, we recommend a stay of 12 weeks in order to gain a solid foundation to your recovery.

To learn more about how our life-altering therapeutic program at Broadway Lodge can benefit you.