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Ketamine vs. Antidepressants

Addiction is a complex and deeply personal battle that affects both the brain and the body. Whether it’s opioids, alcohol, stimulants, or other substances, breaking free from addiction often requires more than just willpower. At Nervana Medical, we believe in treating the root of the issue—not just the symptoms—and that’s where ketamine therapy may offer new hope for patients struggling with addiction.

Understanding Addiction as a Brain-Based Disease

Addiction isn’t just a behavioral issue—it's a neurological condition. Repeated use of addictive substances rewires the brain’s reward system, particularly the dopamine pathway, making it harder to feel joy, motivation, or purpose without the substance. Over time, this dysregulation can contribute to:

Traditional treatment options, like therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), can be life-changing—but for many people, they’re not enough on their own. This is where ketamine may fill a vital gap. A book we love that explains the way Dopamine works in addiction is: Dopamine Nation; You can find it on Amazon here: (Or it is also on Audible!)

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence: Lembke, Dr. Anna: 9781524746742

How Ketamine Works for Addiction Recovery

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that, when used in controlled, sub-anesthetic doses, can profoundly affect the brain’s NMDA receptors and glutamate system—a key player in mood regulation, cognition, and learning/memory. It is also known to promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier connections.

Key Benefits of Ketamine for Addiction:

  1. Reduces Cravings – By interrupting compulsive thought patterns and modulating glutamate transmission, ketamine may reduce the urge to use.Ketamine can weaken or erase drug-related memories and triggers, helping individuals break habitual patterns of substance use[1][2].
  2. Eases Depression and Anxiety – Many addiction patients also suffer from co-occurring mood disorders. Ketamine offers fast-acting relief.
  3. Supports Trauma Processing – Ketamine can open the door to deeper emotional healing, especially when combined with therapy. Ketamine may amplify the effectiveness of psychotherapy by inducing mystical experiences or altering neural networks[1].
  4. Improves Neuroplasticity – It helps the brain "rewire" by forming new neural pathways that support long-term recovery. It enhances the brain's ability to rewire itself, potentially reducing cravings and improving motivation to quit drugs[3].
  5. Prolonged Abstinence**: Studies indicate ketamine can increase abstinence rates for substances like alcohol, cocaine, and opioids, with effects lasting up to two years after treatment[4].

Ketamine as a Reset for the Brain

Think of ketamine as a "neurological reset"—helping break the deeply ingrained thought and behavioral loops that fuel addiction. Many patients report feeling emotionally clearer, more open to therapy, and less burdened by the shame, guilt, or trauma that often drives relapse.

It can be especially beneficial during:

Ketamine + Therapy = A Holistic Approach

At Nervana Medical, we emphasize integrative care. Ketamine works best when paired with ongoing support such as:

We can help you create a care plan that addresses both your mental and physical health—including any nutritional, hormonal, or neurological imbalances that could be contributing to your addiction cycle.

Who Might Benefit?

Ketamine therapy may be appropriate for individuals who:

Hope Starts Here

Recovery is not about being perfect—it’s about getting support that helps you heal on every level. Ketamine therapy is not a cure for addiction, but for many, it’s a powerful catalyst for change—opening the door to meaningful recovery, reduced cravings, and emotional resilience.

Serving Patients Across Utah

Nervana Medical offers ketamine-assisted therapy in a safe, supportive, and medically-supervised environment. We serve patients across Sandy, Salt Lake City, Draper, Midvale, South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and the surrounding Utah areas.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see if ketamine is right for your recovery journey.

 

Sources

[1] Ketamine for the treatment of addiction: Evidence and potential ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29339294/

[2] Ketamine for Addiction | Bespoke Treatment https://bespoketreatment.com/blog/addiction-and-ketamine-how-ketamine-helps-with-addiction/

[3] Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Addiction in Brookfield & Mequon, WI https://www.randrmd.com/KetamineTreatments/Addiction

[4] Efficacy of Ketamine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6094990/

[5] National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues - SAMHSA https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

[6] Ketamine for Addiction: What to Know - WebMD https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/ketamine-for-addiction-what-to-know

[7] How a Ketamine Infusion Can Offer Hope for Drug Abusers https://futurepsychsolutions.com/blog/how-a-ketamine-infusion-can-offer-hope-for-drug-abusers/

[8] Is ketamine addictive, and is it safe for depression? - UCHealth Today https://www.uchealth.org/today/ketamine-safety-is-it-addictive-does-it-help-with-depression/

PubMed

Ketamine for the treatment of addiction: Evidence and potential mechanisms - PubMed

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic drug which acts on the central nervous system chiefly through antagonism of the n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Recently, ketamine has attracted attention as a rapid-acting anti-depressant but other studies have also reported its efficacy in reducing prob …

Ketamine for the treatment of addiction: Evidence and potential mechanisms - PubMed

Bespoke Treatment

Ketamine for Addiction | Bespoke Treatment

Ketamine in addiction treatment. Understand how it helps rewire the brain, reducing dependency on alcohol & other substances

randrmd.com

Ketamine Infusion Therapy & Treatment Clinic in Milwaukee & Waukesha

R and R MD is a ketamine infusion therapy clinic in Brookfield, WI. Contact us today for an initial consultation! (66 kB)

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Addiction in Brookfield & Mequon, WI | Reset Restore MD

PubMed Central (PMC)

Efficacy of Ketamine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review

Background: Despite advances in behavioral and pharmacotherapy interventions, substance use disorders (SUDs) are frequently refractory to treatment. Glutamatergic dysregulation has received increasing attention as one common neuropathology across ... (174 kB)

Efficacy of Ketamine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review - PMC

samhsa.gov

National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. (64 kB)

National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA

IM and IV vitamin/nutrient injections

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are unknowingly running low on essential vitamins and minerals. Factors like stress, poor diet, medical conditions, and limited absorption all play a role. That’s where intramuscular (IM) vitamin injections and intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy come in—they offer a quick and effective way to restore balance and support your health from the inside out.

Here are some of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the U.S.—and how IM/IV therapy can help:


1. Vitamin B12

Why levels drop: Poor absorption from gastrointestinal issues, aging, vegan/vegetarian diets, or chronic inflammation.

What it affects: Energy, mood, nerve health, cognition, and red blood cell production.

Why IM/IV works best: B12 delivered through IM or IV bypasses digestive barriers, making it ideal for individuals with absorption challenges.
Choose from our classic B12 injections, high-potency options, or take-home vials for convenience!


2. Vitamin D

Why it’s low: Indoor lifestyles, sunscreen use, living in northern climates, darker skin pigmentation, and obesity all contribute.

Signs of deficiency: Fatigue, frequent illness, muscle weakness, and bone or joint discomfort.

How we replenish it: Monthly vitamin D injections offer superior absorption over oral supplements.
Standard injections or take-home vials—we offer both for your lifestyle needs!


3. Magnesium

What depletes it: Stress, caffeine, alcohol, digestive disorders, and low-magnesium diets.

Symptoms to watch for: Insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps, migraines, and heart rhythm issues.

Best delivery method: IV infusions offer rapid relief—especially for muscle spasms or migraine sufferers.
Most of our IV formulas include magnesium, and we offer premium high-dose options as well.


4. Iron

Why it’s deficient: Heavy periods, pregnancy, poor diet, or gut absorption issues.

Common symptoms: Exhaustion, dizziness, pale skin, and breathlessness.

Why IV is preferred: Oral iron can be harsh on the stomach. IV iron bypasses the gut and replenishes levels faster.
Feel better, faster, with IV iron support!


5. Vitamin C

Why deficiency happens: Smoking, stress, illness, or poor dietary habits.

What it impacts: Immunity, skin repair, wound healing, and collagen production.

Top delivery option: IV therapy is ideal for higher doses to support immune health, skin, or adjunct cancer care.
IV or injection, we offer flexible options—including take-home vials—for immune support on your terms.


6. Glutathione – The Body’s Master Antioxidant

Why you may be low: Aging, chronic illness, oxidative stress, or environmental exposure.

How it shows up: Fatigue, foggy thinking, reduced detox capacity, and dull skin.

Effective delivery: IV push or IM injection—oral glutathione is poorly absorbed.
We offer standard and high-dose glutathione injections, with optional hydration added for full-body support.


7. Amino Acids (L-Carnitine, Taurine, Glutamine, etc.)

Why they matter: Amino acids are essential for muscle repair, metabolism, and overall vitality.

What causes deficiency: High-stress lifestyles, inadequate protein intake, and intense physical activity.

Best route: IM and IV therapy for performance recovery and energy.
Explore our “Weekend Warrior” drip, “Athletic Performance” IV, or single amino acid injections tailored to your goals!


8. B-Complex Vitamins

The B-vitamin family plays key roles in everything from energy metabolism to nerve and brain function:

We incorporate B vitamins into nearly all our IV blends—or you can opt for a standard B-complex shot!


Who Benefits the Most from IV or IM Nutrient Therapy?

You may be a great candidate if you:


Restore, Recharge, Rebalance

IV/IM nutrient therapy is a game-changer when it comes to feeling and functioning your best. Whether you're targeting low energy, immune challenges, or just aiming to stay at your peak, our team is here to help you recharge—quickly and efficiently.

Serving Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale—and select locations in Arizona.

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