London, U.K +44 203 868 5710
Ibiza Clinic, Spain +34 664 443 433 sharon@ibizacalm.com

Ketamine Addiction

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that has been widely used in medical settings and veterinary science since the 1960s. Originally developed for use during surgery, ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to a disconnection between the brain and body, which produces its dissociative effects.

Request a callback!

CLICK HERE TO GET HELP

Why do people use ketamine?

In medical situations, it is commonly used for anaesthesia and pain relief. In recent years, low doses have been utilised for the treatment of severe depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Ketamine is known for its rapid onset of action and the unique, sometimes intense, experiences it induces.

Outside of medical settings, ketamine is often used recreationally for its mind-altering effects. At lower doses, it can cause feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and detachment from reality, while higher doses can lead to more profound dissociative experiences, including hallucinations and a sense of being disconnected from one’s body (sometimes referred to as the “K-hole”).

Some individuals also seek out ketamine for its reported antidepressant effects, though unsupervised use can be dangerous.

Long-term use of ketamine can also lead to some severe health issues such as bladder dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and mental health disorders.

Is ketamine addictive?

Ketamine can be addictive, particularly with repeated use. While it is not as physically addictive as substances like opioids or alcohol, it has a significant potential for psychological dependence.

People who use ketamine regularly, may develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, and may become preoccupied with using it, leading to compulsive use despite the negative consequences.

What is ketamine withdrawal?

Ketamine withdrawal occurs when someone who has been using ketamine habitually, stops or significantly reduces their use. Although ketamine withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and symptoms can include intense cravings, mood swings, feelings of hopelessness (depression) and heightened feelings of anxiety; severe tiredness or lethargy, and difficulty falling or staying asleep; problems with memory, focus, and decision-making.

Managing withdrawal typically requires a supportive environment and, in some cases, medical supervision to help the individual through the acute phase and prevent relapse.

Recovery from ketamine addiction is possible with the right treatment and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine use, seeking help from a mental health or addiction specialist is a crucial step towards recovery.

Signs and symptoms of ketamine abuse and addiction

Signs and symptoms of ketamine abuse and addiction can include:

Behavioural changes:

• Unexplained secrecy.
• Social withdrawal.
• Neglect of responsibilities.
• An increased focus on obtaining and using ketamine.

Physical symptoms:

• Memory loss.
• Impaired coordination.
• Slurred speech.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Disorientation.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Bladder dysfunction.

 

 Psychological symptoms:

• Increased tolerance.
• Craving for the drug.
• Anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders.

Social and occupational impact:

• Problems at work or school.
• Strained relationships.
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Treatment for ketamine addiction at the rehab centre

Treatment for ketamine addiction involves a combination of behavioural therapies, counselling, and support groups. In some cases, a stay in a residential rehab programme may be the best option, particularly if the individual has co-occurring mental health conditions.

Ibiza Calm is a specialised mental health and addiction treatment clinic that provides rehab treatment for individuals who are struggling with ketamine abuse, addiction and any associated or co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. The aim of the treatment is to help individuals understand the triggers and patterns of their drug use and develop healthier coping mechanisms

The rehab centre offers a comprehensive approach to recovery from ketamine use. The Ibiza Calm team comprises experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, who work together to provide the highest level of care and support to each patient.

Key components of inpatient ketamine addiction treatment at Ibiza Calm

Residential treatment includes:

Comprehensive assessment: Upon admission, all clients undergo a thorough assessment to evaluate their physical and mental health, the severity of their ketamine addiction, and any co-occurring disorders. This helps in creating a personalised treatment plan.

 

Medication management: Certain medications can help manage any withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, or treat co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. Our residential treatment centre gives you access to the best health care, including psychiatrists who can prescribe and monitor medications to ensure they are effective and well-tolerated. At Ibiza Calm our medical director, Dr Manuel Rodriguez oversees the management of all medications.

Education: Workshops on a range of topics including addiction, relapse prevention, boundary setting, powerlessness, anger, family dynamics, acceptance, and healthy lifestyle choices empower our clients with knowledge to take forward into their new lives.

Individual therapy: Regular one-to-one sessions with one of our specialist therapists helps clients to address underlying psychological issues, develop coping strategies, and set recovery goals. We use a variety of treatment modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with their drug use.

 

Group therapy: Facilitated group sessions provide peer support, enhance communication skills, and help individuals connect with others who are facing similar challenges.

 

Aftercare planning: Long-term recovery from ketamine addiction involves ongoing support, such as continued therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes to prevent relapse. Successful residential treatment will include preparing for life upon leaving the clinic.

This involves developing coping strategies and relapse prevention plans, as well as access to support groups. All clients are introduced to the Ibiza Calm aftercare therapy group before leaving treatment, ensuring they are confident of ongoing, continued support.

 

How Ibiza Calm will help!

EXPERIENCED TEAM

 

 

NEWEST TECHNIQUES

 

 

BESPOKE TREATMENT

 

 

A simple click helps…

THE RECOVERING PATH STARTS
WITH A SMALL FIRST STEP.

Request a callback!

CLICK HERE TO GET HELP

Testimonials

I wanted to drop you a quick message to thank you very much for your help and support during my stay within Ibiza Calm. Each and every person in the house was important in his own way in my recovery. I feel very grateful to all of you. It’s not always easy but it is achievable. My life is way much better than it was before coming and I am definitely a better version of myself now.

Testimonials

My son attended two rehab facilities before going to Ibiza Calm. Ibiza Calm, however, was exactly what it professed to be. They worked with my son as a vital ally in his recovery process, not as a person to be broken and fixed according to a set regimen, who would be blamed and shamed if he did not respond appropriately to the facility’s treatment protocol and schedule. The therapist assigned to my son struck the right balance between allowing him to move at a pace at which he was comfortable and pushing him to keep a challenging pace of self-discovery and recovery. My son has come out of this treatment calm and self-aware; whereas he finished the other programs angry and even traumatized. My son has only been 6 weeks out of Ibiza Calm, so the long-term success in remaining sober remains to be seen, but the change in his attitude and behavior is so profound that I have great hope for the future for the first time in years. I recommend Ibiza Calm without reservation, rather with overwhelming gratitude.

Testimonials

I was at Ibiza calm from the 4th of July to the 29th of July 2020, I am 23 years of age and was in a horrific place in my life From drink and cocaine. My girlfriend is pregnant and outright had enough of my selfish behaviour. I was really ready to start my recovery, I settled in fantastic they have amazing staff so helpful and caring, the food is unbelievable thanks to Danny the main man in the kitchen, the grounds are beautiful, the bedrooms are very nice I overall found my stay amazing. 10/10 couldn’t fault it many thanks Francis.

Testimonials

My husband was in another rehab clinic in the UK 6 months ago, which I wasn’t totally convinced by not only experiences of others but the surroundings/ Set up and approach to it .. he is only 2 weeks into his journey at IBIZA calm and it’s the first time in a long time I can finally hear happiness in his voice, and motivation on his healing / sobriety journey , commitment to his inner and outer health.. I know this is just the beginnings But both billy and Luca have been extremely helpful and helpful to myself ! If your looking for yourself or a loved one, 100 look no further this is the type of place someone who is suffering needs- the surroundings, the programme, the environment , and amazing team!

Testimonials

I can’t thank the team at Ibiza Calm enough. I had a friend who spent time with them and what they have done is amazing. From the therapy to the meetings have all set him up for moving forward. Once he left he was not just left and has a fantastic aftercare system in place. Thank You.

Testimonials

ibiza calm is a great place for treatment I was using drugs and drink all the time my life was a mess until I went to ibiza calm in april 2016 the staff were fantastic and cared for me the treatment I recieved was second to none I can’t thank ibiza calm enough and also my family have there son and husband back in there lives thanks to this place I am grateful to the owners who have always supported me through the years

For free information and advice on issues related to mental health and addiction check out the following websites:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A worldwide 12-step fellowship for individuals who have a problem with alcohol. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome. https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Is a global non-profit fellowship, a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. https://ukna.org

Al-Anon. A mutual peer-support programme for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.  https://al-anonuk.org.uk

Mind. A registered charity in England, which offers information, advice, local services and support, for those individuals and family members struggling with a mental health condition.  https://www.mind.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation. A UK charity that provides individuals with advice and resources related to mental health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

BEAT. The UKs eating disorder charity that provides information and support for those affected by an eating disorder. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk