Around 36 million people worldwide abuse opioids. It is an epidemic in the USA. While there are drugs that can help treat withdrawal (like methadone and suboxone), they are still opioids and, therefore, bear the risk of abuse.
However, ketamine therapy is an opioid-free, viable option to ease the withdrawal process. It is not a treatment for substance abuse but an aid to help one get over it and lessen the pain of the journey.
The Withdrawal Process
Depending on the kind of opioid abused, withdrawal durations can range from symptoms starting eight hours after last use and continuing up to seven days, or appearing 36 hours after and continuing for 14 days or more. Regardless of how long symptoms last, it is best to undergo the withdrawal process under medical supervision.
The first few days, in particular, can be excruciating. While the symptoms are not fatal, they can cause severe discomfort and phycological anguish.
Physical symptoms include insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle aches, bone pain, chills, sweating, high blood pressure and a racing heart. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, aggression and depression. Ketamine therapy is a highly effective method to alleviate these symptoms while helping with pain management.
How Ketamine Works to Alleviate Symptoms
Opioid abuse can cause hyperalgesia – a chronic illness in which one feels an increased sensitivity to pain. Meaning that pain levels increase even if the “injury” has not worsened.
Ketamine blocks the noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors responsible for the pain signals’ amplification. Since NMDA modulate pain, blocking their transmission of signals reduces pain.
Another reason ketamine is an excellent adjunct for withdrawal is its ability to control acute agitation, which helps with psychological symptoms.
In addition, ketamine treatment could make behavioral therapy more effective by changing how your brain deals with cravings, staying motivated and controlling reactions. These are all significant factors in overcoming addiction.
Ketamine Treatment for Opioid Addiction Requires Medical Professionals
Ketamine must be used under the guided care of medical professionals to be helpful in addiction treatment. It is suitable for mild to moderate withdrawal situations. Furthermore, recreational use of ketamine is dangerous and could lead to addiction or other hazardous effects, so do not try to wean off opiates with ketamine on your own.
If you suffer from addiction, Ketamine Healing is here to help support you through your withdrawal journey. Do not wait any longer to start leading a more fulfilling and proactive life. Contact us for a consultation today to live an opioid-free life tomorrow.
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