Gambling addiction can be just as harmful as other forms of addiction, drastically impacting the individual’s personal and professional lives. Ketamine Therapy can be an effective treatment for gambling disorder due to its effects and therapeutic benefits.
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling can take many forms, from sports betting and lottery tickets to casinos, slot machines, and poker games. Nowadays, gambling is easily accessible, with online gambling sites being available at an arm’s reach. But gambling is far from a fun game, it involves real-life money and can turn into a devastating addiction, with financial, personal, and professional losses.
The addiction consists of repeated cycles of impulsive gambling, without being able to stop or reduce the urge to gamble. Gambling influences the brain’s chemistry by producing dopamine spikes with every bet that’s placed. Regardless of whether a person wins or loses the bet, they get the urge to chase their losses or gamble again in hopes of winning big. This makes breaking the cycle of compulsive gambling really hard, but not impossible with the right treatment approach.
People struggling with gambling addiction sometimes aren’t aware of the severity of their problem, which can lead to debt and bankruptcy. Personal relationships are also at risk due to hiding or downplaying the gambling problem, and isolating from loved ones due to shame.
Gambling disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions
Individuals with a gambling disorder have a high chance of struggling with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety, as well as other forms of addiction, such as alcohol use disorder. Substance use can worsen the gambling addiction due to increased impulsivity, recklessness, and lack of self-control, which are already prevalent gambling behaviors.
Common treatments for gambling disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups, while gambling addiction with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, is treated with traditional antidepressants.
How Ketamine Can Help With Gambling Addiction
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug with dissociative properties, first synthesized in the early 1960s. Now it’s used in Ketamine Therapy to help reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance use disorders.Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. This results in neuroplasticity, better mood regulation, and the reduction of obsessive and rigid thought patterns that are common in addictive behaviors. Ketamine may reduce the gambling urges and compulsive behaviors, as well as help with potential underlying mental health issues that can co-occur with gambling addiction.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is conducted in a safe, clinical environment by a team of licensed professionals. The Kadelyx team offers support and compassion throughout the treatment, creating a safe space for every patient.
Ketamine Therapy is administered by intramuscular injections (IM) and intravenous infusions (IV). Intramuscular injections are the preferred way of administration due to fewer side effects. Kadelyx offers personalized treatment plans created to fit the preferences and therapeutic needs of each patient.
A typical Ketamine Therapy session has three main phases, including:
- Preparation phase: A compassionate Guide helps the patient reach the right mindset before each session, making them more relaxed and open to healing. The preparation phase includes practicing breathwork, meditation, and setting intentions.
- Medication phase: A precise dose of ketamine is injected into the large muscle of the shoulder by a medical professional. The patient is medically monitored throughout the session to minimize risk.
- Integration phase: Patients are monitored during and after the medication phase, while receiving grounding support, helping the patient reflect on newly obtained insights, and healthy coping mechanisms. Integration can take many forms, such as journaling, art therapy, and meditation.
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
Every patient has unique preferences, which Kadelyx Health respects by offering several different services with desired administration and guidance levels. The common services include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: Offering extended preparation and integration phases led by a Guide of choice. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: Offering limited guidance for a balanced approach, led by a compassionate Guide. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV).
IV Ketamine Infusions: A ketamine treatment administered intravenously (IV), with similar elements of Semi-Guided Therapy.
Couples Ketamine Therapy: For couples who want to address their individual or shared gambling problem and rebuild their relationship. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: For individuals who want to heal in a supportive, group setting with up to 6 like-minded individuals. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Break the Gambling Cycle Today
If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health and learn more about the transformative effects of ketamine.
