Ketamine Addiction and Treatment Options
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic that induces sedation and a trance-like state while relieving sensations of pain. It was originally developed as a surgical anesthetic for human and animal use, though it has also been used to treat medication-resistant depression. Because of its legitimate medical uses, it is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it still has the potential for abuse and dependence despite its medical applications.
Ketamine produces euphoric and hallucinogenic effects that have made the drug appealing for recreational use. It’s known by street names such as “Special K,” “Kit Kat,” and “Vitamin K,” and it’s commonly snorted in its powdered form though it can also be injected, smoked, or ingested. It is used in party or club culture and is commonly mixed with other substances.
How Ketamine affects the body
Ketamine primarily acts on the brain’s NMDA receptors, which are associated with pain sensation, emotions, memory, and learning. When these pathways are disrupted, ketamine can produce a sense of detachment from the environment and from oneself, known as dissociation. This effect can result in altered sensory perceptions, dreamlike states, and hallucinations.
In low doses, ketamine has a mildly sedative effect, which may cause confusion, disorientation, immobilization, or unconsciousness. A particularly severe side effect of Ketamine use is known as a “K-Hole,” which is an intense dissociative state that causes users to experience perceptual distortions, loss of motor control, and disturbing hallucinations. This experience can last for as long as an hour, with related symptoms persisting after that.
Side effects of Ketamine use
- Dizziness
- Poor muscle control
- Slurred speech
- Depressed breathing rate
- Changes in heart rate including palpitations or irregular rhythm
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramping
- Urinary problems
- Impaired attention
- Memory loss
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
Ketamine use is also associated with indirect hazards such as accidents and death through physical injury as a result of physical incapacitation and lack of coordination.
Long-term effects of Ketamine use
- Bladder inflammation
- Kidney dysfunction
- Ulcers
- Stomach pain
- Depression
- Elevated blood pressure
- Memory loss
Is Ketamine addictive?
Ketamine does not carry a significant risk of physical addiction. However, psychological addiction may still be possible. This occurs when users become reliant on the sedative and dissociative effects that can act as escapism and may motivate them to use ketamine more frequently. Psychological reliance can lead to compulsive use.
Regular use can also lead to the development of tolerance, which occurs when the same dosage no longer has the same effects so users begin to take increasingly higher doses. Through psychological dependence, problematic behavioral patterns can develop that reinforce the drug’s use, prioritizing ketamine over other important aspects of life. This pattern underlies substance use disorders that require intervention.
Signs of Ketamine addiction
Ketamine addiction can be hard to detect in its early stages when use may only be occasional or in specific social settings. But as addiction becomes more severe, certain behavioral signs may become evident to users and their loved ones. These signs include:
- Preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug
- Neglecting work, school, or personal obligations
- Social withdrawal or other behavioral changes that are out of character
- Failed attempts to quit or cut down on ketamine use
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Taking higher doses than intended or for a longer period than intended
- Emotional instability, mood swings, or depression
- Development of tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect
Ketamine withdrawal
Ketamine does not typically cause intense physical withdrawal like opioids, but quitting may still pose a challenge. Psychological withdrawal symptoms can be extremely distressing and might cause individuals to relapse to avoid them. Symptoms typically begin within 24 hours since the last use of ketamine and can persist for several days or weeks, depending on the severity of the addiction. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Intense cravings to use ketamine
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Cognitive difficulties
- Depression
- Anxiety
These symptoms may be worsened with co-occurring substance use and may be difficult to overcome without help. That is why medical detox is often recommended to guide individuals through the detox process.
Ketamine overdose
Though rare, ketamine overdose may be possible for several reasons. The first is that illicitly manufactured ketamine may be cut or mixed with other substances that creates a far more powerful and unpredictable effect. Ketamine overdose is also common in cases when it is used in conjunction with other substances, a likely scenario when taken in a party or club setting. Combinations of ketamine and substances such as alcohol or cocaine are far more likely to lead to overdose than ketamine use on its own because it creates a synergistic effect that is more potent together than either substance is on its own.
Signs of ketamine overdose include:
- Slowed respiration
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased heart rate
- Seizures
- Vocal cord spasms
- Stupor
- Heart attack
- Coma
It’s important to know that overdose is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of overdose, you should call emergency services and stay with the person until they arrive.
Ketamine overdose
Adequate treatment of ketamine abuse and addiction requires a comprehensive approach that typically includes medical supervision, psychological support, and behavior therapy. Though there is no single path to recovery, effective treatment programs often follow a stepwise progression, starting with the highest level of care.
Medical detox
Medical detox is recommended for individuals who may have difficulty overcoming withdrawal symptoms to eliminate ketamine and other substances from their system. During detox, individuals receive 24-hour medical care to ensure that they are stable, particularly during the first days of sobriety when symptoms are the most severe. If ketamine use is ongoing, medical detox is the first step in recovery.
Inpatient rehabilitation
Inpatient rehabilitation is an intensive program for people suffering from severe addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders. Individuals are required to live in inpatient facilities full time, effectively removing them from triggering environments. Inpatient programs provide intensive therapy, continuous support, and structure.
Outpatient treatment
After an individual has completed detox and inpatient rehabilitation, they may proceed to outpatient care. Though still providing intensive scheduled therapy and peer group sessions, this is far more flexible and allows individuals to return to work and live at home.
Aftercare and relapse prevention
Recovery from ketamine abuse is a continuous process that doesn’t end when structured treatment does. Aftercare may include ongoing therapy or participation in peer support groups, which can maintain long-lasting supportive resources that one can turn to if there is a risk of relapse.
Ketamine abuse and addiction treatment at Riverwalk Ranch
A Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area Addiction Treatment CenterAt Riverwalk Ranch, we treat ketamine abuse and addiction treatment as part of our comprehensive addiction rehabilitation programs. Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our experienced addiction professionals are ready to provide personalized treatment to best suit your needs. To help your journey toward sobriety, our facilities offer a comfortable and safe environment to recover that is both comfortable and private.
If you or a loved one is suffering from ketamine addiction, don’t hesitate to contact our addiction treatment center today at (877) 863-3869. Whether you are from Texas or you are looking for a new beginning in a new environment, Riverwalk Ranch can provide a therapeutic and supportive home for you to overcome your ketamine abuse. We believe everyone deserves a life free from substance abuse, and we are committed to helping you achieve it.
