Ketamine for Alcohol

A New Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder

Ketamine for alcohol treatment is rising as a new option for improving alcohol use disorder, alcoholism, and alcohol withdrawal. It works by helping reset brain pathways tied to cravings and reward, while making it easier to break harmful patterns and engage in therapy.Studies on alcohol abuse disorder show that almost 15 million people aged 12 and up have alcohol use disorder. Furthermore, research shows that 85.6% of people aged 18 and older drink alcohol at some point. Ketamine is proving to increase the effectiveness of therapy and increase abstinence periods.

Ketamine therapy is being explored as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. It may help reduce cravings and support new patterns in the brain when used with therapy. At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives in West Jordan, Utah, care focuses on helping individuals understand this option and how it may fit into treatment. To learn more, call 385-685-1410 or reach out online.

Benefits of Ketamine Treatments

• Improve Many Areas of Mental Wellness
• Rewire the Brain
• Release Trauma
• Fast-acting Treatment
• Strengthen Mental Adaptability

Understanding Alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcoholism, when diagnosed, is called an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcoholism is considered the most severe form of alcohol abuse. It involves the person’s inability to manage their drinking habits. Alcohol use disorder is categorized into mild, moderate, and severe. Each category has various symptoms and can cause harmful side effects to the person. If alcoholism is left untreated, it can spiral out of control and result in catastrophic events or occurrences for the addict.

What is Normal Alcohol Consumption?

According to the The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism one standard drink is any of the following:

• 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of regular beer (about 5% alcohol)
• 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 milliliters) of malt liquor (about 7% alcohol)
• 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine (about 12% alcohol)
• 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of hard liquor or distilled spirits (about 40% alcohol)

Additionally, NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows:

• For men, consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week.
• For women, consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism

Alcohol use can begin in your teenage years. However, alcohol use disorder typically begins in the 20s or 20s, though it can start at any age. Risk factors for alcohol use disorder include:

• Steady drinking that increases over time
• A family history of alcoholism
• Depression or other mental health issues
• History of trauma
• Social and cultural factors

The Warning Signs of Alcohol Use Disorders

Sometimes the signs of alcoholism are very plain, other times, they can be hidden. When alcohol addiction is discovered in its early stages then the chances for recovery increase. Early dedication is only possible through knowing the common signs and what to look for. Common signs of alcohol use disorder are:

• Craving alcohol
• Being unable to control consumption
• Drinking to avoid responsibilities
• Feeling the need to drink more
• Spending large amounts of money on alcohol
• Behaving differently after drinking

When to Seek Help for Alcoholism

If you are starting to think you drink too much alcohol or your drinking is causing problems either with your health or life, talk to a healthcare provider. Other ways to get help include speaking with a mental health professional such as a psychologist or seeking help from support groups, Alcoholics Anonymous, or similar self-help groups.

Denial is common for alcoholics. You might feel you don’t have a problem with your drinking or that you have your drinking under control. However, you may not be able to recognize how much you drink or that it is causing problems in your life. It is important to listen to your loved ones or friends. If they express concern and want you to seek help, listening to them is a good idea. Consider talking with someone who has had a problem with drinking but has stopped.

How Ketamine Treatment Works for Treating Alcoholism

Ketamine has been proved to help the brain rewire itself by increasing glutamate production. Glutamate is responsible for the communication between nerve cells. As glutamate increases, new neural pathways are made. As a result, the mind becomes more adaptable and open to healing. This is what makes Ketamine so popular as a treatment for mental illness. Ketamine targets the mind first and doesn’t merely dull symptoms. In addition to the treatment of alcohol disorders, Ketamine can also treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD, addiction, even symptoms of perimenopause, and more.

Now, Ketamine is being utilized as a treatment for alcoholism. This treatment helps your brain essentially heal itself, creating new neuropathways that allow you to break free from substance abuse. With the help of your doctors, loved ones, and any other form of medication, Ketamine is the perfect treatment addition to help you overcome alcoholism before it has the chance to damage you, your relationships, or any other important factors of your life.

Owner of Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, Nurse Practitioner, Austin Francom, ARPN, FNP, states “Ketamine treatment for alcoholism can prevent relapse by helping patients rewire damaged neuro-pathways in the brain. Additionally, the out-of-body experience ketamine can provide helps patients look at their mental health issues with a new perspective.” 

Ketamine Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder in Clinical Studies

Treatments for alcoholism have limited effectiveness, and researchers have recently noticed a great need for better help for those struggling with alcohol use disorder. The University of Exeter recently conducted a study on Ketamine treatments for severe alcohol disorder. In this study, 96 patients with previous alcohol use history were given low doses of Ketamine combined with therapy. Celia Morgan, the lead author of the study and professor of psychopharmacology at Exeter, stated, “We normally see three out of every four people returning to heavy drinking within 6 months of quitting alcohol”. Therefore, the study tested 96 patients over a period of 180 days (6 months). Results of the study showed 87% abstinence; participants that had Ketamine combined with therapy stayed completely sober for 162 out of 180 days. These results were much better in comparison to other treatment options.

Learn How to Prepare for Ketamine Treatments >>>

What to Expect During a Ketamine Treatment for Alcoholism

Ketamine treatments are gaining popularity throughout the nation. What was once a recreational drug is now at the forefront of mental health treatments. CEO and founder of the U.K rehab clinic Delamere, Martin Preston, said this about ketamine treatment for those dealing with alcohol dependence: “Ketamine at the right levels, alongside therapy, can act as an antidepressant and help block out pain or depressive feelings that come with alcohol dependency…this can mean that those who are suffering from alcoholism might be more open to learning new information as part of their psychological therapy and start the healing process in a much more effective way.”

The Cost of Ketamine for Alcohol Treatments

As Ketamine is still a new treatment for alcoholism, these treatments are not typically covered by insurance. Ketamine therapy treatments are also highly customizable. Providers are able to tailor dosage and therapy to each person based on their unique circumstances. Therefore, the cost will vary per patient. The best way to know how much Ketamine treatments will be is to speak with Ketamine Therapy SLC, Therapeutic Alternatives.