How Can Ketamine Abuse Make Depression Worse?
It can be difficult for one to manage the negative effects of depression. Some individuals are prescribed ketamine to relieve their depression symptoms. Although prescription medications may be beneficial, choosing to misuse prescription drugs can potentially worsen one’s condition and lead to severe addiction. There are many health risks involved with ketamine abuse. Ketamine abuse may significantly impair many different aspects of an individual’s life. Choosing to surrender to a dual diagnosis program at Restoration Recovery can significantly improve an individual’s mental health and help one achieve long-term sobriety.
What Is Ketamine?
According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, ketamine is a synthetic drug and a controlled substance that is made from hallucinogenic properties. The prescription drug is commonly used to treat depression and is also used for chronic pain management. Ketamine is a Schedule III drug that includes anabolic steroids and codeine. Although the substance may be less addictive than Schedule I and II drugs, ketamine abuse can still lead to psychological or physical dependence. Street names for ketamine include:
- K
- Special K
- Cat valium
- Vitamin K
The Risks of Ketamine Abuse
According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, a majority of ketamine abusers are teens and young adults. Studies have estimated that approximately 74% of U.S. citizens aged 12-25 report ketamine abuse in emergency settings. Those who abuse ketamine may experience distorted perceptions of sight and sound. They may feel out of control and detached from society.
Prolonged ketamine abuse may interfere with an individual’s ability to make wise judgments. This may be due to the effects of the drug, such as having a severe lack of coordination and impaired senses. Ketamine abuse may cause worsened mental and physical complications. Young adults who abuse ketamine in risky environments may also put themselves at an increased risk for sexual assault. The warning signs of ketamine abuse commonly include:
- Delirium
- Amnesia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed breathing
- Weakened concentration
- Seizures
- Liver damage
- High blood pressure
- Impaired motor function
- Fatal respiratory problems
The Link Between Ketamine Abuse and Depression
As ketamine contains hallucinogenic, euphoric, dissociative, and dissociative properties, it is a commonly abused recreational substance. Thus, the drug has been known to lead to strict pharma regulations for certain medications.
Depression is a mental health disorder that severely affects an individual’s mood. An individual facing challenges with major depressive disorder may experience weight changes, suicidal thoughts, and intense fatigue. Although ketamine’s therapeutic effects help treat the adverse effects of depression, abusing the drug can ultimately worsen one’s mental state.
Understanding that ketamine abuse can lead to substance use disorder (SUD), it’s important also to understand that addiction in all forms can severely impact many different areas of one’s life. Unmanaged ketamine abuse can lead to intense distress, ultimately worsening one’s depression. For example, ketamine abuse may also cause:
- Impaired relationships with family and friends
- Poor work performance
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Physical health problems
- Legal issues
- Problems at school
- Accidents
- Death
Moving Forward From Ketamine Abuse at Restoration Recovery for Ongoing Mental Stability
It can be difficult for one to recognize the warning signs of ketamine abuse. Although the euphoric effects of ketamine can feel great, the long-term effects of the drug can worsen one’s depression and put their future at risk. A dual diagnosis can be challenging to manage alone. Emotional support from loved ones and following self-help strategies may help one cope with their condition. Pursuing treatment can help one maintain progress and provide the resources needed for long-term recovery.
Restoration Recovery’s dual diagnosis treatment program can help those with ketamine addiction and depression stay on track to mental stability free from substances. Our treatment facility provides clients with evidence-based therapy strategies to promote ongoing improvement. Different therapy options include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Developing an Individualized Treatment Plan for a Successful Recovery From Ketamine Abuse
An individual’s treatment plan strongly depends on the severity of their condition. Not many individuals know what to expect before surrendering to professional treatment, which can make them feel hesitant to move forward with professional care. It may help to take time to speak with a mental health professional for positive encouragement. Sometimes, bringing a family friend can make one feel more comfortable moving forward with treatment.
Many individuals may benefit significantly from developing an individualized treatment plan with a trained specialist. One may be asked to share their medical history, strengths, weaknesses, and goals. This will help a certified specialist place the client in the best program for them. An individualized treatment plan may reduce unwanted stress and lead to better outcomes. Treatment programs used to manage ketamine abuse and depression include:
- Medical detox
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps clients achieve wellness and wholeness. Restoration Recovery is a dual diagnosis treatment center in California with programs designed to address the person as a whole. Because co-occurring disorders interact and affect the course and prognosis of treatment, addiction rehab facilities often include dual diagnosis treatment. Substance addiction and mental illness can develop at any time during a person’s life. At Restoration Recovery Center, dual diagnoses are treated together. Integrated treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders has been found to yield consistently superior recovery outcomes than treating each diagnosis separately. Call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 to learn more about our programs.
