What is Ketamine and PCP Use Disorder?

PCP and Ketamine addiction treatment are similar in some ways. While the drugs Ketamine and PCP are different, they have similar sedative and hallucinatory effects, so they are typically used – and abused – in similar ways. We also include Dextromethorphan (DXM) for the same reasons, as all three are pharmacologically similar. Each of these substances is considered very addictive.

Ketamine, which users also know as Special K, Kit Kat, cat valium, Dorothy, or Vitamin K, is intended to be an anesthetic for animals, but many people instead use it recreationally (particularly club-goers). PCP, also known as Phencyclidine or angel dust, can be used as an anesthetic as well. Dextromethorphan is used to control coughing for a variety of diseases, and is found in such common medications as Robitussin, NyQuil, and Vicks Formula 44.

Ketamine, PCP, and Dextromethorphan initially create a feeling of euphoria, but as the person uses more and more, the risk of use disorder rises precipitously. When users take any of these substances regularly for recreational purposes, and the dosages rise, they have likely developed a use disorder.

Oakvine’s IOP drug rehab treatment center in Austin can help with Ketamine, PCP, and Dextromethorphan use disorders. We offer a variety of therapies and an experienced, knowledgeable staff who can select a treatment plan specifically for you. If you want to address the Ketamine or PCP use disorder for you or someone you love, we’re ready to help.

What are the Symptoms Of Ketamine and PCP Use Disorder?

If you worry that you or someone you know has a Ketamine, PCP, or DXM use disorder, look for at least two of these symptoms:

  • Continually taking Ketamine, PCP, or DXM for recreational purposes or in larger does than were intended
  • Unsuccessful attempts to use less of the substance
  • Developing a tolerance to Ketamine, PCP, or DXM
  • The majority of your time looking for the substance, using it, or recovering from its effects
  • Periods of neglect or outright withdrawal from normal activities, such as spending time with friends and family, school, or work responsibilities
  • Abusing Ketamine, PCP, or Dextromethorphan even when realizing that the substance is having negative physical or psychological effects on your life
  • Dropping out of other important activities, whether social, occupational, or recreational
  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
  • Higher level of anxiety
  • Unusually aggressive behavior
  • Slurred speech, unsteadiness, bloodshot eyes

What are the Long-Term Effects of Ketamine and PCP Abuse?

  • Permanent changes to brain chemistry. Because these substances affect how the brain receives pleasure, prolonged abuse can chemically alter how your brain desires the feeling.
  • Psychotic state. Because the hallucinogenic effects of these drugs are so strong, they might last for weeks and cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia.
  • Risk of rape. The dissociative effects of Ketamine, PCP, and DXM make them popular choices as date rape drugs.
  • Risk of coma. These substances also cause the user to have difficulty moving and become physically vulnerable, which has led some with use disorder to fall into a coma.
  • Permanent impairments. Those with use disorders for Ketamine, PCP, and DXM might permanently damage their speech, memory and cognitive abilities.
  • Violent acts. The psychosis that can occur from one of these substances can lead to extreme violence with permanent consequences.
  • Cardiovascular and neurological toxicities. Ketamine, PCP, and DXM abuse can lead to seizures, dystonias, dyskinesias, catalepsy, hypothermia, and hyperthermia.
  • Organ damage and failure. Long-term abuse of these substances can lead to cardiac arrest, intracranial hemorrhage, rhabdomyolysis, and respiratory problems.

How Do PCP and Ketamine Addiction Treatment Centers Work?

Oakvine’s PCP and Ketamine addiction treatment center in Austin uses a combination of industry best practices and your own context abusing Ketamine, PCP, or Dextromethorphan to create an individualized treatment plan. Some of your options include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy. Almost anyone with a substance use disorder can benefit from CBT, which teaches you to understand why you started using, what people or situations lead to using more, and basic behaviors to avoid falling into the same patterns.
  • Individual therapy. Our skilled therapists will help you form a new identity as a person recovering from substance use disorder and show you how to build stronger coping mechanisms.
  • Group therapy. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from Ketamine, PCP, or DXM use disorder, and Oakvine can foster group sharing sessions to build the kind of support that helps you face the problem and move past it.
  • Pharmacological treatments. We may consider anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, or hypotensive drugs as needed.
  • Family therapy. We understand that serious addictions can fracture even the strongest relationships in your life, and we know how to begin building them back by making your family members an integral part of your recovery.

Call us Now to Get Started

Ketamine, PCP, and Dextromethorphan are very dangerous substances to abuse. Oakvine can help right away. Simply call our admissions coordinator and we’ll walk you through the easy process. Call (877) 255-6890 for a 100% confidential conversation.