Addiction Treatment in Houston: Break Free from Substance Use with Innovative Therapies

Substance use disorders are complex medical conditions characterized by uncontrollable use of substances despite harmful consequences. When you have a substance use disorder, you continue using even when you know it’s damaging your health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Addiction isn’t a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It’s a chronic brain disease that changes the structure and function of your brain, particularly in areas involved in reward, motivation, memory, and impulse control. These changes make it extremely difficult to quit, even when you desperately want to stop.

Common substance use disorders include alcohol use disorder (problematic drinking patterns that interfere with daily life), opioid use disorder (dependence on prescription painkillers or heroin), cocaine use disorder (compulsive use despite awareness of problems), methamphetamine use disorder (addiction to meth or other stimulants), and cannabis use disorder (problematic marijuana use patterns leading to significant impairment).

The experience of addiction is deeply painful. The substance becomes the central focus of your life. You spend considerable time obtaining it, using it, and recovering from its effects. You develop tolerance, needing more to achieve the same effect. When you try to stop, you experience withdrawal symptoms that drive you back to using. You’ve probably tried to quit multiple times, only to relapse when cravings become overwhelming.

Recognizing the signs of substance use disorder is the first step toward getting help. Common signs include taking substances in larger amounts or over longer periods than intended, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down, spending considerable time in substance-related activities, experiencing cravings or strong urges to use, continuing use despite recurring problems, giving up important activities because of substance use, using in physically hazardous situations, continuing use despite physical or psychological problems, developing tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

The impact extends beyond just the physical act of using. Addiction affects your work or school performance, damages relationships with family and friends, causes financial problems, leads to legal issues, and significantly impacts your physical and mental health.

When someone tries standard addiction treatments without achieving lasting recovery, they may have treatment-resistant addiction. Traditional addiction treatment typically involves detoxification, behavioral therapies (like cognitive behavioral therapy or motivational enhancement), support groups (like AA or NA), and sometimes medications (like methadone for opioid addiction or naltrexone for alcohol).

While these approaches help many people, relapse rates remain high. Research shows that 40 to 60% of people relapse within the first year after treatment. Some people complete multiple treatment programs without achieving lasting sobriety. Others find that while they can stop using temporarily, they struggle with persistent cravings that eventually lead to relapse.

The reasons for treatment resistance vary. Some people have co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD that drive continued substance use. Others face environmental triggers or lack adequate support systems. Some individuals don’t respond to standard behavioral interventions or medications.

The frustration of repeated relapses can be devastating. Many patients tell us they felt hopeless after trying everything without achieving lasting recovery. We want you to know that innovative treatments are available, and they work through entirely different mechanisms than what you’ve tried before.

Your journey toward recovery begins with a thorough assessment at no cost. We need to understand your unique situation to develop the most effective treatment plan.

During your consultation, we’ll discuss:

• Your history with substance use
• Previous treatment attempts and what worked or didn’t
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Current situation and recovery goals
• Whether you need medical detoxification before beginning treatment
• Which innovative treatments might work for your specific situation

There’s no obligation to continue, and everything we discuss remains completely confidential. We understand that addiction is complex, and we approach these conversations without judgment.

If you decide to proceed, we’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan designed specifically for you. Substance use disorders vary widely in severity, and recovery looks different for each person.

Your personalized plan considers:

• Type of substance(s) you’ve been using
• Severity and duration of addiction
• Previous treatment responses
• Co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD
• Your support system and living situation
• Whether you need to coordinate with addiction treatment programs
• How to integrate our treatments with behavioral therapies

IMPORTANT: Ketamine therapy works best as part of comprehensive addiction treatment, not as a standalone solution. We strongly recommend combining our treatments with behavioral therapies, support groups, and other recovery resources. We can coordinate with your existing treatment providers or help connect you with appropriate resources.

Some patients benefit most from ketamine therapy to reduce acute cravings while engaging in intensive outpatient programs. Others use our treatments as part of long-term relapse prevention after completing residential treatment. We tailor the approach to your specific needs and stage of recovery.

Every treatment session at Catalyst takes place in a safe, comfortable environment with continuous medical monitoring.

What makes treatment at Catalyst different:

• Extended hours: 5am to 9pm, seven days a week
• Flexible scheduling around work and recovery activities
• Private treatment rooms designed for healing
• Led by Dr. Ho, anesthesiologist and former pediatrician
• Continuous monitoring throughout treatment
• Understanding of addiction as a chronic disease
• Compassionate, non-judgmental care

Dr. Ho’s expertise as both an anesthesiologist and pediatrician means he’s highly skilled at administering treatments safely while understanding the complex nature of addiction. Whether you’re receiving ketamine, TMS, Spravato, or stellate ganglion block, our medical team monitors you carefully and adjusts your treatment as needed.

Typical treatment protocols for substance use disorders:

• Ketamine: 4-6 sessions over 2-3 weeks initially, combined with behavioral therapy
• TMS: Daily sessions over 4-6 weeks
• Spravato: Twice weekly initially, then reduced frequency
• Stellate Ganglion Block: 1-3 treatments for anxiety/trauma components
• Maintenance: Regular booster treatments to prevent relapse

After your initial treatment series, we develop a comprehensive maintenance plan. Research shows that ketamine works best when repeated at intervals to maintain reduced cravings. Some patients need monthly booster treatments. Others need more or less frequent sessions depending on their response.

We’re committed to your long-term recovery. Regular follow-up appointments help us monitor your progress, adjust treatment as needed, coordinate with your other providers, and ensure you have the support you need to maintain sobriety.

We offer treatments specifically proven to reduce cravings and extend abstinence periods. These aren’t unproven experiments. They’re backed by rigorous clinical research demonstrating effectiveness for substance use disorders.

We understand that successful addiction recovery requires multiple approaches. We work closely with your existing treatment providers, therapists, and support networks to ensure coordinated care. Our treatments complement traditional addiction therapies, not replace them.

Dr. Ho’s background as both an anesthesiologist and pediatrician brings unique expertise to addiction treatment. His anesthesiology training means extensive experience with medications like ketamine and patient safety. His understanding of chronic disease management helps him approach addiction with the expertise this condition requires.

We understand that addiction is a chronic medical condition, not a moral failing. Our entire team approaches substance use disorders with compassion, expertise, and without judgment. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as you work toward recovery.

Recovery doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Our 5am to 9pm hours, seven days a week, mean you can get treatment when it fits your life and recovery activities. Early morning appointments, evening sessions, or weekend treatments are all available at every location.

Many people use substances to cope with underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain. We can address these co-occurring conditions as part of your comprehensive treatment plan, giving you better tools for maintaining sobriety.