Ketamine addiction rehabilitation

Ketamine, also widely known as ‘ket’, is a powerful anaesthetic and hallucinogenic drug that was designed to be used in hospital or veterinary settings, as a means of managing pain during human and animal operations. Ketamine typically comes in liquid form which can be injected, or as a white, grainy powder which can be snorted or swallowed as a tablet.

What is ketamine addiction?

Ketamine addiction is a serious condition that is characterised by an individual repeatedly consuming ketamine in a recreational manner, until they develop both a physical and psychological dependence on the drug.

Ketamine is highly addictive, mainly because of its strong painkilling properties, and this anaesthetic effect can often cause people to experience feelings of pleasure and tranquillity. With regular use, individuals begin to develop a tolerance to ketamine meaning that they need to take more and more of the drug and in higher doses, in order to experience the desired effects. This causes people to develop physical and psychological dependence on ketamine, leading to a harmful ketamine addiction.

In addition, ketamine that is sold at clubs and parties may be mixed with other addictive drugs, such as opiates and benzodiazepines, thus exacerbating the ketamine addiction and the danger associated with taking this drug.

At Priory, we understand that without specialist treatment for your ketamine addiction, this condition has the potential to become increasingly worse over time and can have a profoundly negative impact on all areas of your life, including your work, hobbies, social life, and relationships.

Untreated ketamine addiction may also lead to the development of alcohol addiction and other drug addictions and behavioural addictions, causing a whole host of additional problems.

However, it’s important to recognise that ketamine addiction is treatable, and it’s possible for you make a full recovery. Our expert addiction psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and other professionals at Priory are committed to delivering comprehensive ketamine addiction treatment within our nationwide network of hospitals and wellbeing centres.

At Priory, our addictions experts recognise that acknowledging and seeking help for your ketamine addiction can be a difficult step to take. That’s why all of our specialist addiction treatment hospitals offer a free initial addiction assessment with an experienced addictions therapist, enabling you to discuss your ketamine addiction confidentially, and in a discreet and non-judgemental environment.

We are also able to offer a comprehensive medically assisted withdrawal detoxification process for your ketamine addiction, if this is required. The purpose of this is to remove all traces of ketamine from your body, whilst controlling withdrawal symptoms.  Detox involves:

• 24-hour support from experienced specialists who will ensure that your safety is a top priority
• A substance-free environment to prevent the possibility of relapse
• Controlled medication can be prescribed if required, to help to alleviate any discomfort that you may experience as part of the withdrawal process

Our treatment experts at Priory have extensive experience in treating individuals who are addicted to ketamine, and we are able to deliver a wide range of therapeutic techniques, empowering you to tackle your ketamine addiction symptoms, address the underlying triggers for your addictive behaviours, and take steps towards a positive and addiction-free future.

Each individual who seeks ketamine addiction support with us will benefit from an individually tailored treatment experience, which has been purpose-designed to meet your personal needs and requirements. This means that you will be placed at the centre of your treatment and rehabilitation journey and will be involved in decisions that are made about your care, in order to produce the most positive post-treatment outcomes.

The most crucial first step towards regaining control of your life is to seek support; contact Priory today to start your journey towards a full and sustainable recovery.

Ketamine addiction rehab at Priory

Ketamine addiction rehab takes place as part of Priory’s comprehensive Addiction Treatment Programme. This consists of a 28-day residential stay at one of our specialist hospital sites, where you will be able to undergo a medically assisted withdrawal detoxification process if this is required, before commencing with an intensive programme of group and individual therapy. Twenty eight days is the recommended treatment time for addictions, but the length of the addiction treatment that you receive at Priory can be flexible according to your condition, requirements and commitments.

All of the addiction treatment that we offer at Priory is based on the renowned 12-Step addiction treatment philosophy. This model was first pioneered by the organisation Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and is an abstinence-based approach that focuses on your motivation to change your addictive behaviours, whilst also drawing upon elements of spirituality in the treatment journey.

Our ketamine addiction treatment consists of:

• A free, no obligation addiction assessment, allowing you to discuss your unique ketamine addiction in confidence, receive guidance on our exceptional treatment options, and start your journey towards rehabilitation and recovery - book your appointment today
• 7 - 10 day medically assisted withdrawal detoxification for your ketamine addiction, if this is required
• Individual 1:1 therapy and structured group therapy programmes
• Family and couples therapy programmes
• Access to both on and off-site 12-Step support groups, specifically tailored to your unique addiction
• Free group aftercare for 12 months following treatment (aftercare is provided for life following treatment at Priory Hospital Roehampton and The Manor Clinic)
• Free family support for 12 months following treatment (family support is provided for life following treatment at Priory Hospital Roehampton and The Manor Clinic)

As well as offering comprehensive inpatient addiction treatment at Priory, we are also able to deliver both outpatient and day care treatment for ketamine addiction, depending on the nature of your addiction and the intensity of the support that you require.

These treatment options can be used as an entry-point to addiction treatment and therapy, or can be used as a step-down in treatment intensity for individuals who have undertaken an intensive residential programme for their ketamine addiction. For more detailed information on Priory’s high quality ketamine addiction treatment, as well as the type and format of the addiction therapy that we can offer, please visit our approach to addiction treatment page.

This page was clinically reviewed in November 2018 and is scheduled to be reviewed again in November 2020. To view all Priory ketamine addiction specialists, please click here.