Sports betting is legal in 38 states across the U.S., with each state having its own laws and regulations regarding it. Due to the widespread legalization and accessibility, betting has never been easier. Betting can easily turn into an addiction, which can have dangerous consequences, not only financial ones, but mental and physical health can suffer as well. Here’s how ketamine can be a transformative treatment option for sports betting addiction.
Understanding Sports Betting Addiction
Sports betting can be considered a form of gambling, as it involves betting on the outcome of a sports event. The consequences of gambling can be financially devastating, but it can also compromise personal relationships and health, as the highs and lows of betting can increase stress, anger, and recklessness.
Betting is appealing due to the release of dopamine, regardless of the outcome. A win will influence a person to bet again, just as much as a lost bet, making it hard to break the cycle of compulsive gambling. Much like other addictions, gambling and sports betting can be used as an unhealthy coping mechanism against stress and to escape everyday life.
Betting and Mental Health
Sometimes, individuals struggling with gambling addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
There are several treatments for those struggling with sports betting addiction that revolve around professional treatment and support, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) being the most popular one.
How Ketamine Can Help With Sports Betting Addiction
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug with dissociative properties, used to help reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions and addiction disorders.Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. This results in neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections), better mood regulation, and the reduction of obsessive and rigid thought loops that are common in addictive behaviors. Due to these benefits, ketamine is useful in reducing compulsive behaviors and gambling urges.
Not only is ketamine a viable treatment option for gambling disorder, it’s also an effective treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is a transformative treatment used to help individuals heal and manage depression, anxiety, PTSD, pain conditions, as well as addictions and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The treatment is conducted in a safe, clinical setting and administered by a team of medical professionals. The team consists of compassionate professionals who provide understanding and support throughout the treatment, making recovery feel safe and comfortable at Kadelyx Health.
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 tailored to fit the therapeutic needs and recovery journeys of each patient.
A typical Ketamine Therapy session has three main phases, including:
- Preparation phase: A compassionate Guide is there to prepare the patient and help them reach the right mindset and be open before the session. The preparation phase can include setting intentions, doing breathwork, and meditation.
- 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 after treatment, while receiving grounding guidance and support, reflecting on newly obtained insights and healthy coping mechanisms. Integration can take many forms, such as journaling, art therapy, and meditation, for deeper healing.
Different Ketamine Therapy Services
Kadelyx Health offers several different ketamine services, depending on the desired administration and guidance methods, for a personalized recovery journey that accommodates your preferences. The common services include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: A one-on-one ketamine session with 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: A balanced therapysession with limited guidance, led by a compassionate clinician. 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 Free From Your Betting Addiction Today
If you are struggling with sports betting addiction, know that recovery is possible with the right treatment. Book a free consultation with Kadelyx Health and learn more about the benefits of ketamine therapy and how it can help individuals struggling with sports betting addiction.
