Ketamine Treatments for Substance Addiction

First developed in 1962, ketamine is an anesthetic medication that is both legal and FDA-approved. It's widely used during surgical procedures to induce general anesthesia, as it has an excellent safety profile.

In more recent decades and studies, it has been found to be highly effective in treating pain and mood disorders like substance addiction, anxiety, and depression.

It’s recommended that those with pre-existing cardiac or pulmonary conditions or high blood pressure obtain medical clearance from their primary care provider before beginning ketamine infusion treatments.

Additionally, while the benefits of ketamine therapy are wide-ranging, it is not recommended for those who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Here's what to generally expect during a ketamine infusion therapy session.

Before

• Refrain from consuming solid foods for at least six hours before your appointment.
• Refrain from beverages (soda, tea, coffee, etc.) two hours before your treatment.
• Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs 24 hours before treatment.
• Do not take any prescribed narcotics or benzodiazepines on the treatment day.

During

Typically, treatments are delivered intravenously slowly over 45 minutes. You'll be awake the entire time – ketamine therapy does not cause any loss of consciousness.

In the beginning, you may not experience noticeable effects, but as your treatment progresses, you may feel a lightness or floating sensation, which many describe as a weight being lifted off their shoulders.

You'll be monitored throughout the infusion, and we'll be there to intervene should you experience a rare unpleasant side effect.

After

You'll relax in your treatment room once the infusion is complete. Within 15 minutes, your senses and thinking will return to normal.

Every 7-14 days, a survey will be emailed to you, helping track your mood and progress. Together, we can update your treatments as needed, and will let you know when it’s time for your next ketamine infusion.

The effects of just one ketamine infusion can last up to two weeks. Following a completed treatment course, which typically consists of six infusions, some have reported being symptom-free for several months.

While effectiveness varies from person to person, many have experienced positive ketamine effects after just one infusion, lasting as long as two weeks.

After completing a recommended course, which typically consists of six infusions spread over a few weeks, some have reported being symptom-free for several months.

To help maintain long-lasting effects, Resilience Integrative Wellness offers booster infusion options, which can be administered monthly or a few times per year.

Our providers will review your medications with you during your free consultation, discussing which medications can be continued and which should be temporarily stopped before the procedure.

Our ketamine treatments in San Diego typically consist of six infusions within a three-week span. That allows the individual to harness the full benefits of ketamine.

That said, we tailor our treatments to the individual and invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about what your treatment course may look like.