Substance addiction is a serious health problem in the U.S. From legal substances such as alcohol and nicotine to illegal use of opiates and other street drugs, millions of individuals fight substance addiction, which can impact their health, relationships, career and overall wellness. Ketamine therapy has helped many people struggling with substance addiction finally overcome their dependence on their drug of choice.
Ketamine and the Addicted Brain
Substance addiction begins in the brain. Over time, the brain creates conditioned responses to addictive substances. This over-stimulated response can trigger cravings for opiates, alcohol, nicotine and other addictive substances. Certain neurotransmitters in the brain are affected by addicted substances, such as NDMA antagonists like glutamate.
Ketamine has NDMA antagonism properties that can impact how the brain responds to substance stimuli. Ketamine can slow down the over-stimulation of the brain and help rewrite the neuropathways. This can interrupt triggers that cause cravings. Ketamine also can block certain receptors in the brain that respond to addictive substances.
Impacting Addiction Recovery
Ketamine therapy can be a useful tool for recovering from substance addiction. Not only can it impact the neurotransmitters in the brain, but it may be able to reduce withdrawal symptoms, which is a significant hurdle in overcoming addiction to substances. The physical and mental discomfort when stopping substance use are difficult to bear, but Ketamine has been linked to reduced withdrawal symptoms.
For those who use addictive substances like opiates or alcohol for pain, ketamine offers pain relief with possible reduction of withdrawal. When combined with psychotherapy and other addictive therapy options, ketamine may help those working on overcoming their addiction succeed in their recovery.
Substance addiction is a deadly crisis. It is estimated that 88,000 people die from alcohol-related deaths and 70,000 others die from drug overdoses each year. Overcoming substance addiction is not easy, but it is possible. Ketamine therapy has showed incredible promise is helping those with addiction pave the way to sobriety and improved overall wellness.
If you are interested in learning more about using ketamine therapy to help overcome your addiction, contact us at Ketamine Healing. Call our West LA or Orange County locations to schedule a consultation.
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