Partying With a Ketamine Addiction
What is Ketamine and What are its Uses?
Ketamine is a common anesthetic that veterinarians use to subdue animals for surgery. Hospitals also administer it to patients with anesthetic allergies. Ketamine produces effects much like hallucinogens and club drugs, so a population of recreational users abuses it regularly. Despite what these users may think, ketamine use can turn to addiction and its abuse can lead to physical, mental, and emotional side effects. Fortunately, treatment for ketamine addiction is successful for those who want to escape the deadly grasp of addiction.
What are the Effects of Ketamine?
Abusers of ketamine find the appeal of its use in the effects that it brings. Ketamine makes its users experience hallucinogenic effects like the distortion of sound, colors, and perception. These effects make ketamine a popular drug to use in the club, party, and bar scenes. This dangerous drug, although providing what seems to be a good time, can very much end up being dangerous.
What are the Side Effects of Ketamine Addiction?
The side effects of ketamine addiction are varied, particularly when used in combination with other substances. Most of these side effects are irreversible but with prolonged use some can remain permanent. Common side effects of ketamine use includes:
- Reduced vision capabilities
- Increased blood pressure
- Respiratory system problems
- Severe muscle spasms
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- High stress levels and anxiety
- Sleeplessness
- Psychosis
The Addictive Property of Ketamine
Contrary to popular belief, ketamine has the potential of developing addictive behaviors in those that use it. Although it may not be as addictive as other illicit drugs or have as severe as a withdrawal period, both physical and psychological dependence on ketamine is possible. Choosing sobriety may not be the easiest decision for ketamine users since the drug affects brain functionality. Those that have concurring mental disorders, as well as an addiction to ketamine, may find that the behavioral reactions of their mental disorder keep the cycle of addiction from ceasing. For those that have been abusing ketamine for a long period of time, may develop cognitive impairments such as psychosis or extreme paranoia that may keep them from recognizing the effects of ketamine addiction and neglect seeking treatment.
Is My Loved One Addicted to Ketamine?
Ketamine addiction is not as substantial as heroin or alcohol addiction since its addictive properties are not as intense. Also, since ketamine is a party drug, most users take it irregularly, which means addiction is less likely. For those who do, it can be hard to tell if addiction is present. Warning signs of a ketamine addiction include:
- An Obsession with Ketamine: Those that are addicted to a substance have what they are addicted to on their mind all the time. If you find that your loved one constantly talks about, wants, and is trying to get ahold of ketamine, the realization of an addiction is possible.
- Secretive Behaviors: If your loved one has an addiction to ketamine that they want to keep secret from you, they will start to show secretive behaviors. Examples are hiding out alone for significant amounts of time and taking phone calls in a separate area.
- Incoherent Actions: Since ketamine is an anesthetic, it causes its users to have slurred speech, confused thoughts, and all-around weird behavior.
- Sleeping Patterns: Ketamine’s anesthetic value is good for medical reasons, but causes its abusers to have unusual sleeping patterns. Stay aware of how much time and when your loved one is getting sleep because it can be a big factor in determining whether or not an individual is suffering from addiction.
- Psychosis: Extended use of ketamine that is likely to result in addiction will also be accompanied by periods of psychosis. These episodes include irrational thoughts and actions like hearing voices and experiencing false visions.
Treatment for Ketamine Addiction
Although the dangers of ketamine addiction are debilitating and terrifying, the good news is that it is treatable. It might seem impossible, but long-term ketamine addiction recovery is quite possible. Success requires an individual who devotes him or herself to proper treatment and decided eliminating the drug from his or her life.
Techniques used in the treatment of ketamine addiction include medical detox, behavioral therapy, relapse prevention education, and other treatment methods. The most important step in accomplishing an addiction-free life is to decide that you no longer want ketamine in control of your choices and actions. No one can decide to rid your life of an addiction except for you. When you understand that the sooner that you stop using, the better it is for your overall well-being. Get help today and take your life back!