Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that produces visual and auditory hallucinations and a feeling of being disconnected from reality. It was originally used as an anesthetic in animals and humans, but it is now used in the treatment of chronic pain, depression, and addiction. Ketamine therapy programs are gaining popularity across the country for their effectiveness in treating a number of mental health disorders. When combined with behavioral and holistic therapies, ketamine can greatly reduce depressive and suicidal feelings and help people succeed in managing their symptoms and leading full and productive lives.
At BRC Healthcare, we support people who are struggling with depression, addiction, or other disorders through our ketamine therapy programs. To determine if this program is right for you, we will run a full assessment of your physical and mental health to find the best treatment options for your condition. Therapists work with clients in group and private therapy sessions while medical staff administers ketamine or other types of medications. To discover the benefits of our addiction therapy programs, call 888.559.2036 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.
What Is a Ketamine Therapy Program?
A ketamine therapy program uses small doses of ketamine to treat chronic pain, depression, addiction, and other disorders. It was originally developed in the 1960s in Belgium as an anesthetic for animals and later on for people. Today, it is most widely known as a party drug but is quickly gaining popularity at addiction and mental health treatment centers.
When starting a ketamine therapy program, it may take a few attempts to find the right dosage for each person, as everyone’s physiology is unique. Medical professionals will administer a small dose of ketamine, between 1-2 milligrams, and monitor their reactions for any adverse side effects. In large enough doses, ketamine can cause:
- Vivid hallucinations
- Trouble moving
- Short-term memory loss
- A “out-of-body” experience
- Dilated pupils
- Stiffened muscles
- Nausea
In low doses, these symptoms are mild to rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. Using ketamine therapy for depression is safe when clients abstain from taking other drugs or alcohol during the program and actively participate in therapy. An accredited addiction treatment program will include group and private therapy sessions using cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and other types of behavioral and holistic therapies.
At BRC Healthcare, we offer ketamine therapy in Austin, TX, for individuals whose depression has resisted other types of treatment. We work closely with each client to find the right medications and therapies that will ease their symptoms and allow true healing to begin.
Ketamine Therapy for Treating Mental Health Conditions
Ketamine therapy is a relatively new program but has shown great promise in treating several types of mental health conditions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently only has one type of ketamine-based medication that was approved in 2019 to treat depression. Further research is necessary to uncover the full benefits of this medication.
Ketamine Therapy for Addiction
Ketamine therapy programs have proven very effective in treating addiction to alcohol and cocaine. The medication is administered by medical staff through an IV over a 12-14 day period. During this time, clients will work with a behavioral therapist in group and private therapy sessions to develop coping skills to manage their symptoms and triggers more effectively.
Ketamine therapy for addiction has proven to be very effective in reducing addictive symptoms and helping clients reach their recovery goals safely and with fewer risks of relapse.
Ketamine Therapy for Depression
Ketamine is very effective for treating depression in people who have not had any luck with other types of anti-depressant medications. They have what is known as treatment-resistant depression. The FDA has approved Spravato, a ketamine-based nasal spray, for the treatment of this type of depression.
After starting a ketamine therapy program, it can take 3-4 weeks for the treatment to be fully effective.
Find Comprehensive Addiction Therapy Programs at BRC Healthcare
BRC Healthcare offers ketamine therapy in Austin, TX, as part of our BRAIN program outpatient services and inpatient treatment. Our medication-assisted treatment programs use FDA-approved medications that have proven results for treating addiction, depression, and other mental health issues. For people whose depression has resisted past treatments, a ketamine therapy program can greatly reduce depressive symptoms and allow them to reach their full potential.
If you feel you can benefit from our depression treatment programs using a combination of medications and behavioral therapies, contact us at 888.559.2036 today to speak with our compassionate team.