VETERAN & FIRST RESPONDER KETAMINE INFUSION TREATMENT PROGRA

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ALL OF US AT STMHA & 361 WELLNESS HONOR OUR LOCAL VETERANS

 Drops of Hope is a nonprofit program that offers local veterans and first responders suffering with PTSD/Depression complete series of our exclusive Ketamine IV treatments  at no cost. 

 Dr. John Lusins (Founder) of Drops of Hope is passionate about veterans and had a vision to one day offer all veterans seeking help for PTSD these innovative treatments free of charge. At this time, Drops of Hope is honored to offer Ketamine treatments to one  veteran in need every month. 

To learn more about this program contact us at 361-986-3691.

So how does Ketamine Treatments treat PTSD/Depression?

Since the early 2000s, researchers have investigated ketamine infusion for other medical applications due to its excellent safety profile. Studies suggest that IV ketamine therapy is a well tolerated treatment option for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

IV ketamine therapy provides rapid relief from core PTSD symptoms and co-morbid depressive symptoms in patients with chronic PTSD. It is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR and/or exposure-response prevention.

At 361 Wellness/STMHA, we have been effectively relieving PTSD symptoms with IV Ketamine treatment for years. Our medical team, led by Dr. John Lusins, carefully designs individualized treatment plans according to each patient’s needs and preferences.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is the acronym for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a chronic and disabling psychiatric disorder that starts after exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury or violence. A person suffering from PTSD may experience disturbed sleep, avoidance, altered mood, and recurrent, intrusive, distressing memories of the traumatic event(s). 

PTSD can be a result of:

• Experiencing or witnessing traumatic event(s)
• Learning that violent or accidental event(s) happened to a loved one
• Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to distressing details of traumatic event(s)

Although most people may feel upset or have trouble coping after a traumatic stressor, they usually get better with time and self-care. People with PTSD often experience severe and worsening symptoms which interfere with their day to day activities for months or even years after the event.

PTSD can happen to anyone, and is often the result of experiences outside of your control. If you have distressing thoughts or feelings after a traumatic event which are interfering with your daily life, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about IV Ketamine. 

Many people associate PTSD with combat veterans. While soldiers experience an elevated risk of developing PTSD, soldiers are not the only ones impacted by PTSD or comorbid depression.

Almost daily, reports of death, injury and violence appear in the paper or on the daily news. Over 70% of adults worldwide experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetimes, with over 30% experiencing four or more. According to the National Center for PTSD, 7-8% of the population in the United States will have PTSD at some point during their life, and 8 million adults have PTSD in a given year. 

Even though PTSD treatments are effective, most people do not get the help they need. With our Kalypso Ketamine therapy at 361 Wellness, we are relieving the symptoms of PTSD today. 

Signs and symptoms of PTSD can begin right after a traumatic incident, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years later. Symptoms can vary in intensity over time and can vary from person to person. Symptoms of PTSD may include:

• Intrusive Traumatic Memory Recall: People with PTSD often have memories of a traumatic event. The recall of these may be random, or they may come up with certain cue words or “triggers.” Triggers are usually related to the subject or content of the trauma. These memories may be intense enough to make a person believe they are reliving the event—these are called “flashbacks.” 
• Disturbed Dreams and Insomnia: Distressing dreams also may result from trauma. These may cause trouble sleeping or trouble concentrating. 
• Emotional Disturbance: Some people with PTSD may exhibit anger or irritability, may be easily startled or frightened or may feel guilt or shame. A person with PTSD may also feel emotionally numb, avoidant or depressed. Often, people with PTSD avoid places or people who remind them of the traumatic event(s). 
• Specification: The DSM-V outlines two specific types of PTSD. The first is dissociative specification. This occurs when a person believes that they, or everything around them, is not real. The other is delayed specification. This occurs when the full diagnostic criteria of the disorder are not fulfilled until at least six months after their trauma. 
• Isolation: People with PTSD often feel isolated. They may separate themselves from loved ones and experience decreased interest in life or activities they used to enjoy, which can leave them feeling depressed. 

Timely support for PTSD and comorbid depression is critical and may help prevent its symptoms from worsening. Getting support from others, may also help prevent unhealthy coping mechanisms such as misuse of alcohol or drugs. Contact us for a free consultation with one of our Nurse Practitioners at 361-986-3691.