Hello,
This is Dr. Justin Yanuck MD and I have given myself 10 minutes to talk about a very hopeful area of research.
Question: “I’ve struggled with substance use in the past. Can ketamine help me stay sober?”
Answer:
Addiction is, at its core, a state of “maladaptive plasticity.” Your brain has “learned” to rely on a substance to manage stress or feel pleasure. The neural pathways for craving have become like eight-lane highways, while the pathways for self-control and healthy coping have become like overgrown dirt roads. Breaking that cycle is incredibly difficult because your brain is physically wired to seek out the substance. This is why “willpower” is often not enough.
Ketamine can be a powerful ally in recovery because it helps to “re-pave” the roads. During the neuroplastic window, the brain is more flexible and less “stuck” in those old patterns of craving. It provides a window of clarity where the volume of the cravings is turned down, allowing you to actually engage with your recovery tools. It’s not a magic pill that fixes addiction, but it is a tool that can help “level the playing field” so that your hard work in therapy and support groups actually sticks.
We are very careful and intentional when working with patients who have a history of substance use. We focus on the clinical setting and the physician-led oversight to ensure the medicine is being used for its therapeutic purpose. Our patient never go home with the medicine, it is only administered in the clinic under our supervision. Our goal is to use that neuroplastic window to help you build new, healthy connections that support a life of sobriety. It’s about giving your brain the physical ability to choose a different path.
If you have more questions, feel free to email us at info@renewketamineinfusion.com or book a free consultation.
Cheers,
Dr. Justin Yanuck, MD & Dr. Tanya Dall, MD, Dr. David Richter, MD
Renew Ketamine Infusion
Tustin, San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach
