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Ketamine Infusions for Addiction & Substance Abuse Disorder

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Addiction & Substance Abuse Disorder Serving Bay Area, Los Altos CA

Ketamine infusions are an emerging treatment option for individuals struggling with addiction and substance use disorders. At Bay Area Ketamine Center, Dr. Paul Wender, MD, provides ketamine therapy to support patients in managing cravings and breaking the cycle of addiction. This innovative approach may help reset neural pathways, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and improve mental clarity, offering hope for long-term recovery. For more information contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 746 Altos Oaks Drive Suite B, Los Altos, CA 94024.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Addiction & Substance Abuse Disorder Serving Bay Area, Los Altos CA
Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Addiction & Substance Abuse Disorder Serving Bay Area, Los Altos CA

Table of Contents:

Can ketamine be used to treat addiction?
What is the treatment protocol for treating addiction?
But I read that ketamine is addictive, is this a concern?

Can ketamine be used to treat addiction?

The answer is yes, ketamine infusions are showing remarkable results in not only curbing cravings but also using it to help wean patients off substances like Methadone with only mild withdrawal symptoms. Although this treatment may not work for everyone, it’s been exciting to see our patients not only have success with sobriety but also with minimal withdrawal symptoms!

What is the treatment protocol for treating addiction?

For addiction treatments, we use the same series of six infusions that we use for depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. The 6 treatments over the course of two weeks have the same brain reboot effect. It’s believed the new synaptic connections made are producing the needed glutamate that helps change the brain’s ability to deal with cravings, behaviors, and motivation that may normally be a struggle. Booster infusions are often needed to help keep cravings at bay. Most patients begin a booster regimen of every 3-8 weeks with many patients scheduling boosters as needed, especially if they are suddenly struggling with cravings due to environmental stressors. It is normal to need random infusions as needed between scheduled boosters.

But I read that ketamine is addictive, is this a concern?

This is a very logical question with a pretty easy answer; ketamine administered through IV infusion under the care of our medical staff is very safe and non-habit forming due to the infrequency of infusions. In fact, most patients report no desire to drink or use any substance between boosters, even patients without a history of substance abuse! Ketamine infusions are shown to be a thrilling new tool for those struggling with addiction, enabling them the freedom to live the life they want.

What makes Dr. Paul Wender, MD at Bay Area Ketamine Center in Los Altos, CA, a trusted choice for ketamine infusion therapy in addiction and substance use disorders?

Dr. Paul Wender is regarded as a trusted provider of ketamine infusion therapy for addiction and substance use disorders because of his physician-led, evidence-informed approach that prioritizes safety, precision, and individualized care. At Bay Area Ketamine Center, he begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment that evaluates each patient’s substance use history, co-occurring mental health conditions, and prior treatment responses. This careful screening process allows him to determine whether ketamine-assisted therapy is appropriate and how it should be structured for maximum therapeutic support. His board-certified medical expertise helps ensure that treatment decisions are grounded in clinical judgment rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

What further distinguishes Dr. Wender is the structured and closely monitored infusion environment he maintains throughout treatment. Patients receive ketamine therapy under continuous medical supervision, with careful attention to physiological response and psychological stability during sessions. His approach integrates ketamine’s potential to disrupt maladaptive reward pathways with broader recovery goals, including improved mood regulation, reduced cravings, and enhanced engagement in ongoing addiction treatment strategies. By combining medical oversight, individualized dosing strategies, and a supportive clinical setting, Dr. Wender provides a comprehensive and safety-focused model of care that helps patients work toward sustained recovery outcomes.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 746 Altos Oaks Drive Suite B, Los Altos, CA 94024. Our clinic is conveniently located at 746 Altos Oaks Drive Suite B, Los Altos, CA 94024. We serve patients from Los Altos CA, Sunnyvale CA, Palo Alto CA, Stanford CA, Atherton CA, Cupertino CA, Santa Clara CA, Mountain View CA, Loyola CA, and surrounding areas.