Ketamine Therapy for Substance Abuse in Reno, NV
Scientifically speaking, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that acts upon the central nervous system chiefly through antagonism along the n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Basically, this means that ketamine can work to rewire how the brain functions.
Recently, ketamine has attracted attention for being a rapid-acting anti-depressant. The lesser-known fact is that other studies have reported its effectiveness in reducing problematic illicit drug and alcohol use.
Who is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy for Addiction?
If you or a loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, and other forms of treatment have not been effective, ketamine infusion therapy may be the solution you have been seeking.
Ketamine therapy may be a fit if you have:
- Alcohol use disorder that has not responded to conventional treatment
- Opioid, stimulant, or other substance dependence with co-occurring depression or anxiety
- Repeated relapse after detox, rehab, or medication-assisted treatment
- A recovery program, counselor, or sponsor you are working with, or are willing to start with
At WellCentric Health, a ketamine treatment center in Reno, NV, we utilize ketamine to help our patients overcome their addiction and substance abuse issues.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Help Addiction?
Addiction typically occurs due to the brain and body experiencing a form of elation when consuming a substance. As individuals continue to consume the narcotic, dependency can form, and the initial bliss that was felt after consuming drugs or alcohol can quickly turn into misery.
A ketamine infusion works by injecting patients with ketamine, a commonly used anesthetic and pain reliever. By binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) glutamate receptors found in the body, ketamine blocks the signals to the brain, giving the brain a chance to form new neural pathways.
As addiction is closely related to the memories involved with taking the narcotic, this rewiring can provide patients with relief as they begin dissociating the events and other triggers that commonly prompt cravings.
Through the use of ketamine therapy, we are able to treat the underlying issues that may be causing patients to abuse substances, providing a fast-acting and unobtrusive alternative when other forms of treatment have not worked. To learn more about how ketamine infusion therapy for addiction can help patients manage substance abuse issues, contact us today.
Psychotherapy & Integrated Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine therapy is most effective when combined with integration support. While WellCentric Health does not provide psychotherapy services, we can refer patients to trusted independent ketamine integration therapists in Reno.
Patients may also continue working with their current therapist for preparation and integration.
