Ketamine is a potent sedative pain reliever that is increasingly common in recreational drug use. Common in hospitals for pain relief, people use illicit ketamine to numb emotional, physical, and psychological pain. Like other synthetic opioids, it slows down every system in the body and distorts the perception of reality. Because ketamine is an opioid, it is highly addictive and can affect the brain. Understanding the relationship between ketamine and the brain can help someone know when it’s time to find a ketamine addiction treatment center.
If you or someone you love in the LGBTQ community is looking for a ketamine addiction treatment center in California, we can help. La Fuente provides cutting-edge, evidence-based therapy and alternative ketamine addiction treatment. Our dual diagnosis clinic offers residential and outpatient treatment for alcohol, mental health, and drug abuse. With alumni programs, sober living, and group therapy, we’re here to help the community recover together. Call us now at 888.903.9898 to learn more about ketamine and the brain.
Effects of Ketamine
Like other synthetic opioids, ketamine mimics the effects of opium. In fact, synthetic opioids are significantly stronger than opium, making them more dangerous. Ketamine alters a person’s brain chemistry and can be difficult to stop taking without psychological support and medically-assisted detox. As a sedative, ketamine depresses the nervous system and slows every process in the body. Effects of ketamine include:
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
- High temperature
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Feelings of detachment
Dehydration, malnutrition, and combining ketamine with other drugs can increase side effects. Effects are also worse for those living with co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Studies show that long-term use of ketamine can be dangerous and alter someone’s brain.
Ketamine and the Brain
While ketamine is increasingly popular for depression and PTSD treatment, recreational abuse and addiction can cause lasting effects on the brain. Like other opioids, ketamine can have short- and long-term effects on the brain. Ketamine affects every part of the brain, including memory, behavior, visual processing, and how someone learns. When taken short-term, ketamine can cause hallucinations. Long-term use can make it difficult for someone to feel in touch with reality. They may experience persistent hallucinations, dissociation, and increased depression.
It’s easy to build a tolerance to ketamine. The more often someone takes ketamine, the more they need to feel the same effects. When someone quits ketamine cold turkey, they will experience withdrawal, which can be impossible to manage without medical support. Like other opioids, stopping ketamine can adversely affect the brain and make someone a danger to themselves or others.
Get Help From our Ketamine Addiction Treatment Center in California
Ketamine abuse often signifies a deeper emotional, physical, or psychological issue. Often, trauma and mental health disorders are the root cause of substance abuse. Dual diagnosis is the best way to assess, treat, and support addiction recovery alongside mental health. Studies show that dual diagnosis treatment can decrease drug cravings and increase program completion rates.
If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about ketamine and the brain, our team is here for you. At La Fuente, we understand ketamine abuse. In the center of Hollywood, California our LGBTQ ketamine treatment center believes in treating our community first. With residential, outpatient, and sober living options, we’re here for every stage of recovery. In fact, many of our clinicians are in recovery themselves and understand every step of recovery first-hand. With dual diagnosis, cutting-edge technology, and a passion for our community, La Fuente is here to support you or someone you love to avoid the long-term effects of ketamine on the brain.
Learn More About Ketamine and the Brain
Call us now at 888.903.9898 or contact us online to learn more about the effects of ketamine on the brain and how our treatment programs can help you recover and thrive.
