Understanding Addiction Recovery
As Ketamine Therapy specialists, our understanding of addiction recovery is not just abstinence. It’s the restoration of neurochemical balance, emotional resilience, and functional well-being after the brain has been hijacked by a substance or compulsive behavior. Recovery, from our viewpoint, is neurological rewiring — helping the brain unlearn dependency and relearn healthier coping mechanisms.
Traditional methods may address symptoms, but we believe true recovery requires deep brain-level healing, which is where ketamine steps in — especially for those whose addiction is tied closely to trauma, depression, or treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions.
In Washington State, the need for effective addiction treatments is pressing. Here’s what current data and logic supports:
- Washington has seen a sharp rise in opioid and alcohol use, particularly post-pandemic.
- Seattle and nearby metro areas have piloted ketamine research studies for depression and addiction, showing early success.
- Access is still limited, with only a handful of certified clinics (like Capitol Ketamine and Wellness) offering in-person IV ketamine for addiction.
- As per 2023 estimates, less than 1% of those with substance use disorder in WA have received ketamine therapy — meaning accessibility is still low.
- However, among patients who do receive it, published trial results show up to 60-70% short-term reduction in cravings and relapse within the first month of adjunctive therapy (Yale, NIH trials).
Washington’s mental health legislation is more progressive than many other U.S. states — meaning patients here have greater legal and medical access to emerging treatments, positioning the state as a leading recovery hub when supported by ethical clinics.
Common Types of Addictions Treated
Ketamine therapy has shown promise in treating various addictions, including:
– Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Ketamine can disrupt the cycle of cravings and compulsive drinking.
– Opioid Addiction: While still under study, ketamine may benefit those with co-occurring PTSD or trauma-related opioid dependence.
– Stimulant Abuse (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine): Early research suggests ketamine may reduce cravings by modulating glutamate pathways.
Highlighting these specific addictions emphasizes ketamine’s targeted efficacy, ensuring it’s applied where most beneficial. Its efficacy is highly linked to the type of addiction and the neurobiological profile of the patient.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy involves the controlled administration of ketamine to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including addiction. At Capitol Ketamine and Wellness, we offer intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions in a safe, clinical setting. This therapy has been shown to rapidly reset neural pathways, improving emotional regulation and reducing compulsive behaviors associated with addiction. Our sessions often incorporate virtual reality (VR) to create a serene environment, enhancing the therapeutic experience.
Ketamine isn’t a first-line treatment; it’s considered when:
– Traditional therapies have failed.
– There’s a co-occurring mental health condition like treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or PTSD.
– The individual has a history of relapse despite conventional treatments.
Before initiating therapy, we conduct comprehensive assessments to ensure suitability, prioritizing patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Is Ketamine Safe for Recovery?
It’s fair — ketamine has been historically misused recreationally. Critics fear:
- Dissociation and hallucinations if unsupervised.
- Addiction potential, though this is rare in clinical settings.
- At-home treatments being abused due to loose regulation.
Now here’s where we calm those concerns:
- In a clinical setting, dosing is precise, time-bound, and strictly supervised.
- Our staff includes board-certified emergency physicians and trauma-informed clinicians.
The protocol includes post-infusion integration therapy to help the mind process change and avoid dependency.
The space is optimized for safety — with VR therapy, hydration, and aftercare support built-in.
Safety isn’t just about avoiding harm — it’s about creating an environment where recovery becomes inevitable.
Choosing the Right Treatment Path
Selecting an appropriate treatment path is crucial. Every addiction has different roots: trauma, genetics, social exposure, chronic pain, emotional neglect — each needs a tailored intervention. A wrong treatment might temporarily suppress symptoms, but won’t lead to lasting change. Here’s why the path matters:
- Behavioral therapy works for those with high self-awareness and support systems.
- Medication-assisted treatment helps those with intense withdrawal risks.
- Ketamine therapy is ideal for patients with neurochemical imbalances, high relapse rates, and mental health overlap.
Right path = right root cause addressed.
Wrong path = surface-level recovery and higher relapse.
Your Journey to Wellness Starts Now
Embarking on recovery is a courageous step toward reclaiming one’s life. To a person trapped in addiction, “wellness” might sound distant or vague. But in reality, it’s the most powerful motivator.
Why?
Because addiction doesn’t just damage your body. It shatters your self-worth, distorts your perception, and makes joy feel unreachable. Wellness is the reclaiming of wholeness — sleep improves, emotions stabilize, relationships mend. Through ketamine-assisted recovery, patients often report:
- Clarity of mind
- Hopefulness for the first time in years
- A calmness that lets them choose sobriety, not force it
They’re not just avoiding a substance. They’re finally living without its shadow.
Capitol Ketamine and Wellness is located at 3301 New Mexico Ave NW, Suite 228, Washington, DC 20016. For appointments and inquiries, please call (202) 481-0947 or visit our website at capitolketamineandwellness.com
