Are Ketamine Infusions Addictive?

This article was originally published on Psychedelic Spotlight and appears here with permission. 

It is understandable that people are apprehensive about ketamine use considering its well-known misuse. However, when administered under the direction of a medical professional for depression or other mental health related treatment, ketamine does not seem to be addictive in any way.

The mystery of ‘Special K', also known as Ketamine, Kit Kat, Vitamin K or Cat Valium can be perplexing to grasp. Developed in 1962, this drug was commonly used as an anesthesia for humans and animals alike by medical professionals.

At the mention of ketamine infusion therapy treatments for mental health issues, many people immediately wonder if it has potential for addiction.

Understandably so, as many individuals associate ketamine with “k-holing” and drug abuse given its prevalence in these contexts.

For years, ketamine has been utilized in medical settings with tremendous success and absolutely no life-threatening addictions. This medication boosts people's quality of living without any inherent risks or dangerous repercussions.

Recently, medical advancements have revealed that ketamine has the potential to treat and deliver long-term relief for people who struggle with mental health issues, including depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum disorders, PTSD, anxiety, suicidal ideation and more.

Despite the wealth of research on ketamine, one fundamental question remains unanswered: is ketamine addictive and by extension, can receiving ketamine infusions lead to addiction?

Is Ketamine Addictive?

Undeniably, ketamine is addictive. Its capability of providing people an “out-of-body” and dreamlike state of mind as well as elation has made it a prime target recreational use and abuse – unsupervised, high or frequent self-administration dosing lead to addiction.

Are Ketamine Infusions Addictive?

It is understandable that people are apprehensive about ketamine use considering its well-known misuse. However, when administered under the direction of a medical professional for depression or other mental health related treatment, ketamine does not seem to be addictive in any way. In fact, addiction can be prevented or even eradicated altogether.

In order to ensure the safety and security of patients from potential addiction, doctors take extra precaution with dosing amounts, frequency levels and administration methods.

Even though the public is becoming increasingly versed in ketamine's genuine advantages, misconceptions about it still prevail. To amend these inaccurate beliefs and enlighten people on how beneficial this non-traditional depression therapy can be, educating ourselves is fundamental.

To discover more about this groundbreaking medication and bring solace to patients, read on how addiction is exceedingly unlikely when under the supervision of a medical professional.

Is Ketamine Safe?

When used as prescribed in a clinical setting, ketamine is generally safe. However, if abused for recreational purposes, it can become dangerously hazardous.

Frequent Ketamine Use & Neurodegeneration

Despite being deemed as relatively safe for short-term use, frequent Ketamine intake carries a risk of long-term neurodegeneration. It has been determined through research on rhesus monkeys that intravenous exposure over nine or twenty four hours can lead to brain cell death.

Frequent Ketamine Use & Cognitive Impairment

With frequent use, ketamine has been associated with several cognitive deficits involving thinking and memory. Luckily, this isn't the case for occasional users.

Frequent Ketamine Use & Bladder Problems

Recurrent users of this product may experience unpleasant bladder pain, along with other long-term issues such as reduced bladder capacity, urinary incontinence, blood in the urine, and cystitis.

All in all, not only is it a prevalent recreational drug on the streets, but ketamine has also been long-respected for its therapeutic benefits. It's widely employed in medical settings worldwide to provide safe sedation for people of all ages prior to procedures.

For decades, this lifesaving drug has been used in war zones – rescuing countless lives from the brink of death.

More recently, FDA-approved ketamine nasal sprays have also become available to treat depression and other mental health issues.

With the support of skilled professionals and trusted medical experts, addiction can be effectively prevented or even eliminated entirely.

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