How Can Ketamine Infusion Therapy Help Addiction & Substance Abuse Disorder?

Ketamine infusion therapy is being studied as a potential complementary approach for people with certain substance use disorders, particularly when conventional approaches have not provided sufficient improvement. Research suggests ketamine may influence brain pathways involved in mood, cravings, and behavioral patterns, although it is not a stand-alone treatment for addiction. At Bay Area Ketamine Center, Dr. Paul Wender, MD, considers each patient’s medical history and individual circumstances when discussing whether ketamine infusion therapy may be appropriate as part of a broader recovery plan. 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.

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.

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, Atherton CA, Cupertino CA, Santa Clara CA, Mountain View CA, the Bay Area, and surrounding areas.