Gaming is a common hobby that millions of people indulge in every day, but some can develop an addiction to it. Here’s how ketamine can be a transformative treatment option for video game addiction.
Understanding Video Game Addiction
Playing video games is used as a pleasurable way to unwind and relax, especially after school or work. In some cases, playing video games is a coping mechanism, as people find comfort in gaming for hours on end and escaping their everyday lives. Some individuals experience loneliness and have low self-esteem, which leads them to seek fulfillment and a sense of achievement through playing video games. Video game addiction, like other addictions, is connected to the brain’s reward system. This can have detrimental consequences to people’s personal and professional lives, as well as their health, as some video game addicts prioritize gaming over nutrition and sleep as they don’t see it as rewarding.
Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Both adults and adolescents with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are at risk of developing an addiction. Many people who struggle with trauma and stress use addiction to cope with their situation, self-regulate and
Video game addiction shares many symptoms with other forms of addiction, such as gambling or substance use, including psychological dependence, lack of control, cravings, impulsivity, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Common treatments for video game addiction include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or group therapy, while individuals with underlying mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are given traditional antidepressants.
How Ketamine Can Help With Video Game Addiction
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug with dissociative properties. Today, it’s used to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, causing a surge of glutamate. This can lead to
Ketamine can help alleviate cravings and reduce the obsessive and rigid thought patterns that are common in addiction and promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. Symptom reduction is rapid, occurring within hours or days of the session, which is much faster compared to traditional antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which could take weeks or months to notice improvement.
Ketamine is not a member of the opioid family, and it’s not an addictive substance when taken in low, controlled doses in clinical settings.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine Therapy is conducted in a clinical setting by compassionate professionals. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) and intravenously (IV). Intramuscular injections are the preferred way of administration due to fewer side effects. A typical ketamine treatment lasts two to six weeks, but Kadelyx Health offers personalized treatment plans tailored for every patient, with follow-up care and booster sessions.
A typical ketamine session consists of three distinct phases:
- Preparation phase: Before the ketamine session starts, a trusted Guide helps the patient reach the right state of mind by doing breathwork, setting intentions, and meditation. To achieve the optimal results, patients need to be relaxed and open first.
- Medication phase: A precise dose of ketamine is injected into the large muscle of the shoulder by a trusted clinician. Patients are medically monitored throughout the ketamine session to minimize risk and ensure their safety.
- Integration phase: After gaining full consciousness, patients are encouraged to reflect on their experience and new insights. Integration can take many forms, of journaling, art therapy, or meditation, to find healthier coping skills and promote deep emotional healing.
Ketamine Services Available
Ketamine Therapy services are available in several different forms with different approaches and administration methods, depending on individual preferences and therapeutic goals. The common ketamine services include:
Guided Ketamine Therapy: A one-on-one ketamine session with a compassionate Guide of choice. The preparation and integration phases are extensive, and Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Semi-Guided Ketamine Therapy: Consists of limited preparation and guidance led by a trusted professional who monitores the session outside the room. 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 have shared or individual video game addiction, looking to rebuild their relationship and break free from addiction together. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Group Ketamine Therapy: For individuals seeking group healing with up to 6 people. Ketamine is administered intramuscularly (IM) by injecting it into the large muscle of the shoulder.
Regain Control Over Your Gaming Addiction Today
Ketamine Therapy can be a transformative addiction treatment for those seeking to heal from their mental health issues and break free from addiction. Book a free consultation at Kadelyx Health and learn more about ketamine and its benefits.
