Addiction to Ketamine: Getting Help and Treatment Options

The Detox Center Coronavirus Policy Update

As we closely monitor the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we are taking every precaution to ensure our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our clients and staff. This guides each and every decision we make.

We have and will continue to follow the guidelines of our local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC} the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Broward and Palm Beach County Health Departments. As a result, we stay current on this evolving situation, we want to assure you that we are taking the appropriate and precautionary measures, such as:

• Ensuring proper and rigorous cleaning and sanitation of common surfaces

• Requiring hourly sanitization of all staff and clients

• Provision of additional sanitizing products to our clients and staff

• Ongoing staff training to enhance cleaning and disinfecting procedures to maintain a healthy environment

• All employees are required to remain home in the event:

o They display any signs or symptoms of being ill. Employees who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines.
oIf the employee has traveled outside of the state of Florida by any means or if an employee has traveled via cruise or airplane to any destination, that employee must report to management and Human Resources and self-isolate at that time.

Regarding current and admitted patient's change of schedule, the following has been implemented:

• Some programs and therapies have been temporarily postponed due to COVID-19

• Grocery shopping will be completed by the facility staff

• Clients are urged to keep a safe distance from other persons

• Hourly mandatory hand washing breaks are in effect

• Clients have been instructed to report to medical staff any symptoms

• Additional Health screenings will be conducted at that time of admission

• Clients will not be admitted to the facility if any of the following symptoms are present:

o Fever above 100 degrees
o Consistent Dry Coughing
o Shortness of Breath
o Severer body aches, that surpass PAWS range and/or
o Sore Throat

If a client does contract coronavirus, they will be isolated and quarantined on location. The client will only be handled by designated staff with the proper PPE. The local Department of Health (or equivalent agency) will be informed so that they may come out and provide further guidance on how to best handle the individual. All suspected cases are reported to the Department of Health (or local agency) who will be handling it accordingly. A deep cleaning will occur at the identified location.

Additional information regarding the virus can be found on the Broward Health Department's website or the Centers for Disease Control website.

We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our patients and team members and adhere to any new regulatory changes as they come.

Ketamine is known by various names, including Special K, Kit Kat, cat valium, Dorothy, and Vitamin K. The drug itself is an animal anesthetic. Still, it is commonly abused as a recreational drug because of its sedating effects. Substance abuse of ketamine is prevalent in clubs among young adults. It gives those who abuse doses of ketamine an out-of-body experience. Substance abuse does not have to ruin your life. Recovery is possible. If you are suffering from a ketamine addiction, seek help.

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Signs & Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction

Ketamine is popular for the dissociative hallucinations it causes. Small doses of ketamine give a high that lasts less than an hour, but higher doses can cause an effect known as the “k-hole,” where people typically describe a “near-death” or “out-of-body” experience. Ketamine abuse is especially dangerous and can lead to accidents or serious injuries. Don’t wait until it is too late to get help for your ketamine addiction. If you are using ketamine, seek out addiction treatment. Some of the other symptoms or effects of ketamine addiction include:

Increased heart rate
Elevated blood pressure
Muscle rigidity
Respiratory issues
Flashbacks
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Depression
Long-term cognitive difficulties
Loss of coordination
Stumbling
Muscle weakness

Coming off of the drug can also have some intense side effects. Some withdrawal symptoms after ketamine abuse include:

Physical and muscle weakness
Anxiety
Feeling hopeless
Feeling helpless
Numbness
Impaired vision
Severe confusion
Amnesia
Delirium

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Treatment for Ketamine Addiction

Because ketamine is so addictive, enrolling in an inpatient or intensive outpatient rehabilitation program to detox may be the most beneficial treatment plan. During drug rehab, a team of professionals will help guide you through recovery to overcome your ketamine addiction. Rehab centers that offer an inpatient or intensive outpatient rehabilitation program will also treat any co-occurring disorders or mental illnesses while treating a ketamine addiction. Trusted medical professionals at rehab centers will help you establish life skills and create a support system to stay sober when you leave the program. There are different treatment programs, but it is typically recommended to enroll for at least 90 days in an inpatient or intensive outpatient rehabilitation program. If you are struggling with a ketamine addiction, consult with a behavioral health professional and see if a rehab addiction treatment program is the best course of action for you. Addiction recovery is possible, and treatment provides the opportunity to live a full, healthy, sober life after suffering from substance abuse and addiction.