Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health

Simcoe Addiction & Mental Health

Comprehensive Ketamine Addiction Treatment in Ontario

Overview: Ketamine Addiction Treatment in Ontario

Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health is here to help those looking for ketamine treatment in Ontario. Our inpatient treatment facility is located just outside of Toronto (GTA), and for those unable to join us at our facility, we offer a virtual outpatient program for ketamine addiction treament in Ontario and across Canada.

Table of contents

Why Is Ketamine Addictive?

The effects ketamine has on the body and mind can be pleasurable and appealing to some individuals, leading to repeated use and a potential for addiction.

Additionally, ketamine can alter the brain’s reward system, causing it to release elevated levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, this can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function, making it more difficult for individuals to control their drug use and potentially leading to addiction.

The repeated use of ketamine can also lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. These factors can further contribute to the development of addiction.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that can cause feelings of euphoria and detachment from reality. Ketamine has been shown to be both safe and effective in clinical settings with careful administration. Addiction and even death are among the negative consequences that may occur from drug usage. Ketamine is a versatile drug best recognized for its use as an anaesthetic in animals.

Other uses include:

  • Anesthesia in humans
  • Pain relief
  • Recreationally

Recent studies even found evidence that it can be helpful in those suffering from severe depression and anxiety. 

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Ketamine Effects

Some of the signs of ketamine addiction include changes in:

  • Mood and behaviour
  • Financial problems
  • Social withdrawal
  • Taking ketamine more often or in higher doses than intended
  • Unable to reduce or stop ketamine use despite negative consequences
  • Neglecting work, school, or family obligations in favour of using ketamine
  • Continuing to use ketamine despite relationship problems
  • Giving up important activities in favour of using ketamine

Is it Possible to Have an Overdose of Ketamine?

A person can overdose on ketamine if they take a large amount or use the substance more frequently than intended. Included among the symptoms of a ketamine overdose are:

  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Impaired motor function
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Withdrawal from Ketamine

According to a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, ketamine withdrawal may be comparable to withdrawal from other addictive drugs, such as cocaine, that produce very strong cravings and a high tolerance but do not typically result in the physical symptoms typically associated with withdrawal from other substances.  Ketamine-dependent individuals will continue to use the medication due to the overwhelming urges they experience while attempting to quit.

Withdrawal symptoms​

  • Cravings for the drug
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Shakes
  • Sweating
  • Heart palpitations
  • Elevated body temperature
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Ketamine Detox

Due to the highly unexpected psychotic symptoms that might occur during withdrawal and detoxification and the intense cravings, ketamine is a tough substance to detox from. The key to a successful recovery is close observation by a skilled healthcare staff.

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Ketamine Addiction Treatment

Here is what a new resident can expect when they are admitted for treatment. Clients are assessed by our multidisciplinary teams. It’s the first step in developing a treatment program that works for each individual. Some new residents might require detoxification to minimize any withdrawal symptoms.

If that’s the case, our ketamine addiction treatment center is a safe and comfortable environment for clients to get through withdrawal symptoms that last a few days or longer. 

Relapse Prevention

The ketamine relapse prevention sessions we have expose some of the common triggers like financial issues and relationship problems as well as certain places and people.

Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health teaches some of the most efficient relapse prevention tools and skills like the following:

  • Understanding the importance of support groups. Participating in meetings gives people recovery and education and support from their peers. Important elements of recovery include this kind of peer support and a sponsor. Joining a support group helps to decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness. These are common triggers for relapsing. We offer one-on-one counseling and group counseling sessions.
  • Our counselors also help people to identify their triggers. Together, we can help our clients make a list of the external and internal triggers that will reduce the risk of relapsing.


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Ketamine Addiction Rehab Options

Inpatient Treatment

Most rehabilitation centres offer 12-step programs as part of their treatment options. These programs typically last 30 days or more and involve detoxification, medication treatment, therapy, and education. However, at Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we do not offer a 12-step program. Instead, we utilize an evidence-based treatment program that provides our clients with the best results.

Inpatient programs for drug addiction focus on individual and group therapy. An inpatient program is ideal for residents who need a safe and controlled environment. The average length of stay in an inpatient program is between 30 and 90 days.

Counselling for Ketamine Addiction

Counselling for Ketamine addiction is often available in person or online. Counselling is typically less time-intensive than inpatient treatment programs and helps clients continue working on skills they started developing.

You no longer need to remain at a facility 24/7 to receive treatment or help. This makes it ideal for clients who need to work or have other obligations. Counselling programs also help you practice skills in real-world settings.

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What to Look For When Picking A Rehab​

If you’re in the process of seeking a rehab center, there are a couple of details you’ll want to inquire about. A reputable addiction treatment facility for ketamine should offer a comprehensive and individualized treatment program that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. Some of the types of treatment programs that should be available include:

  • Medical detox
  • Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and group therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if needed to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support recovery.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with concurrent mental health disorders
  • Aftercare planning that includes follow-up care, support groups, and ongoing counseling and therapy.
  • Holistic and alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy, to support overall wellness and recovery.

A comprehensive treatment program that addresses the unique needs and challenges of each individual is critical for achieving lasting recovery from ketamine addiction.

Aftercare Treatment

One of the essential components of rehabilitation after being treated for ketamine addiction is the recovery process. At Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we can guarantee lifelong support to all of our graduates.

Conclusion

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic and recreational drug that has gained popularity in recent years. While its therapeutic uses in medicine are well-established, its recreational use has raised concerns about its potential for abuse and addiction. The effects of ketamine can vary greatly and can include hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. In high doses, it can cause an overdose, which can be life-threatening. Withdrawal from ketamine can be challenging, and individuals may experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Ketamine detox and addiction treatment is a complex process that requires the support of trained professionals. The first step in treatment is often a medically supervised detox, during which withdrawal symptoms are managed. After detox, individuals can receive ongoing treatment and support through a comprehensive addiction treatment program. The best rehabilitation options for ketamine addiction will provide a range of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches, as well as aftercare planning to help individuals maintain their recovery. Treatment options, staff credentials, and the center’s guiding principles are all crucial factors to think about while choosing a rehab. People who are addicted to ketamine may recover permanently with the help of a high-quality addiction treatment program.

Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health provides ketamine addiction treatment in Ontario and across Canada. Our inpatient treatment centre is situated outside Toronto (GTA) Ontario, and we provide a virtual outpatient program for ketamine addiction treatment in Ontario and throughout Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ketamine

Ketamine is a type of drug that works by affecting the way your brain and body respond to pain. Although it was first developed as a surgical anaesthetic, some people now take it recreationally for the high it provides, which may include disorientation, hallucinations, a sense of floating or detachment from the body, and altered perceptions of time and space.

The amount of time ketamine stays in your system can vary based on factors such as your age, weight, and overall health. However, it might take anything from a few days to a week for it to completely exit your system. Remember that just because the ketamine is no longer in your system does not imply that it has no effect on you. Even after it leaves your body, it may continue injure your brain and body.

Yes, ketamine is sometimes used as a tranquilizer for animals, including horses. As a result of the sedative and analgesic properties it has, it is often given to patients before to and during medical procedures in order to keep them tranquil and free from pain.

The effects of ketamine can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the dose and how it was taken. Short-lasting side effects, such as a feeling of helplessness or altered perception, often last for 30 minutes to an hour. Hallucinations and a sense of being detached from one’s body are two of the longer-lasting symptoms that might last for many hours.

Yes, ketamine can cause psychedelic effects, which are changes in perception and reality. Hallucinations, altered sense of time and space, and a general lack of control are only some of the potential side effects of these drugs.

No, ketamine is not an opioid. Opioids are a different type of drug that work differently in the body and can cause different effects. Opioids reduce pain by attaching to certain brain receptors; they may also produce pleasure.

Yes, repeated use of ketamine can cause harm to the brain, including changes in memory and learning, as well as damage to the bladder. Ketamine usage may cause slurred speech, decreased motor abilities, and mental confusion in the short term. Some of these symptoms can linger for an accessive amount of time.

No, you cannot smoke ketamine. Tablets, liquids, and powders are the most prevalent forms of administration. Any drug has the potential to have unintended consequences on a person’s health. Negative effects on respiratory health and an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease are two of the many negative outcomes of smoking.

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