“Everything is poison and everything is medicine. Only the dose makes the drug poison and the poison medicine” – these words of Paracelsus can be attributed to all drugs with a medical purpose. Including ketamine, which is used as anesthesia, in the treatment of depression and other mental illnesses. And also as a narcotic drug that develops a strong dependence.
We tell you what ketamine is, how it affects the body and what to do if you or your loved one has become addicted to this drug.
Ketamine and its properties
Ketamine is a synthetic anesthetic that has found use in medicine and veterinary medicine. When used legally, it enters the bloodstream by injection or orally. Abuse of such a drug includes all of these routes, as well as smoking and inhalation.
The substance has a dissociative effect: the perception of the outside world is impaired in a person who has used ketamine. The drug blocks receptors and interferes with the transmission of signals in certain parts of the cerebral cortex and thalamus. The pronounced analgesic effect can be explained by binding to opioid receptors.
Intravenous injection of the drug causes anesthesia in as little as one minute. This state lasts up to 15 minutes. If the dosage is exceeded, symptoms of psychoactive substance intake are observed: anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, cognitive decline.
How ketamine is used
As part of medications, ketamine finds use in the following applications:
- in surgery as an anesthetic;
- in the treatment of depression;
- in veterinary medicine as an anesthetic.
Because ketamine is readily available on the black market, it is often used by addicts who want to experience the hallucinogenic effects of use. It is often taken in conjunction with alcohol and other drugs, which multiply the effect, lead to the development of a strong complex dependence, can cause slowed breathing and overdose.
The development of ketamine dependence
Dependence on ketamine develops gradually after 10-15 doses. To a greater extent, it has a psychic character and appears against the background of use in groups of people, for example, among adolescents. Over time, tolerance to the drug increases, the effect of previous doses becomes shorter and less pronounced. After six months of use with a frequency of 3 times a week or more, withdrawal syndrome occurs.
Withdrawal from use is usually accompanied by the development of depressive disorders and deterioration of mood, the appearance of muscle pain.Also as withdrawal symptoms may be observed general weakness, deterioration of appetite, anxiety. All this manifests itself a day after the last dose. The duration of painful symptoms can be up to one or two weeks.
Ketamine use for 2 years leads to memory impairment, decreased ability to assimilate new information, unstable mood, prolonged depression. After 4 years, a condition may develop which is manifested by helplessness, indifference, apathy to everything around. Along with this, neurological disorders may appear: tremors, seizures, ataxia. But the most dangerous thing that can happen is switching to alcohol or other heavier drugs. That is why treatment for ketamine addiction should be carried out as early as possible, preferably in the conditions of a rehabilitation clinic – in a hospital.
Recent studies have shown that long-term administration of high doses of ketamine can lead to brain cavities. This is characteristic of addicts with a history of more than two years. MRI readings in such addicts have revealed atrophy of the cerebral cortex, which can explain the decline in cognitive abilities of the patients.
Approaches to addiction treatment
The treatment program for ketamine addiction is selected individually by the attending physician. It depends on the patient’s age and history of substance use. Family psychotherapy and outpatient treatment are usually recommended for adolescents.
In case of severe forms of addiction, in which there are mental disorders in addition to craving for drugs, inpatient treatment is recommended. It includes drug treatment, which is combined with psychotherapy. Hospitalization lasts 1-2 months on average, during which the patient undergoes a full course of recovery.
Despite all efforts, the risk of relapse remains for several years. Any strong trigger can be a reason to return to drugs. That is why, in order to consolidate the result of treatment, it is necessary to periodically seek consultations with narcologists, take courses of individual, group and family therapy. Particular attention should be paid to attending Narcotics Anonymous groups – this is a simple, free and effective way to maintain a sober lifestyle.
