If you need a supervised medical detox to streamline ketamine withdrawal, we can connect you with a licensed medical detox center near you. After a week, you will be ready to engage with one of our intensive outpatient treatment programs for ketamine addiction. That said, ketamine can be addictive, especially when used in high doses or for sustained periods. Chronic use of ketamine can lead to the development of tolerance, meaning that you need to take more of the drug to achieve the desired effects. Additionally, sudden discontinuation of ketamine can cause withdrawal symptoms that include intense cravings, anxiety, and insomnia. Learn about the risks and effects of ketamine addiction and discover how to connect with evidence-based treatment if you have been abusing this potent drug.
Furthermore, there is a higher risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases if sharing needles to inject ketamine. Yes, ketamine can be addictive if used recreationally.2 It is a Schedule III non-narcotic substance, which means it has accepted medical uses but has potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.
Ketamine is very often used recreationally in group settings as a party drug because of its highly intoxicating effect. The drug has a relatively short-lasting effect, which is why many people take multiple doses, one after the other, to maintain and enhance the “high” they get and avoid any potential crash. At Ohio Community Health, you can address the psychological side of ketamine addiction with behavioral therapies like counseling and psychotherapy.
When used correctly for legitimate medical reasons, ketamine produces effects of pain relief and sedation, but when used in high doses, the drug can cause delirium, hallucinations, and memory loss. Withdrawal from Ketamine should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can monitor the process and provide support and treatment as needed. Treatment may include medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, therapy to address underlying issues that may be contributing to addiction, and support groups to help individuals stay on track with their recovery.
Widely known for its medicinal properties, ketamine’s effects have made it a popular addition to the party scene. It has also joined the ranks of GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol ketamine addiction (Flunitrazepam) as a date rape drug. In 2020, 1.3% of 12th graders were found to have misused the drug for recreational purposes—this number was at 0.7% only a year prior.
Until fairly recently, ketamine was classified as a Class C drug, with many professionals unaware of its dangers. In 2014, however, the Misuse of Drugs Act reclassified ketamine, moving it from Class C to a Class B, hoping to send a message that the drug was harmful and not to underestimate its dangers. From all of us at UKAT, we would ask you to remain mindful of the dangers of ketamine use. Ketamine is a particularly interesting drug, as it can be utilised for a variety of purposes. By targeting multiple processes in the brain, ketamine manipulates the neurotransmitter glutamate, essential to keeping our brains functioning as they should.
For instance, patients using ketamine with opioids like heroin and fentanyl may receive medications that can relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Addiction can negatively impact quality of life, physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. If you think you may have a ketamine addiction, reaching out for help is not a weakness. Getting support from friends, family, and professional facilities can assist you in overcoming your addiction and living your life free of substances. While the drug is largely eliminated from the body within 14 to 18 hours after the last dose, it can also have longer-term effects. People who have used this drug report harsh flashbacks even weeks after the drug has been cleared from the body.
Some people may be more prone to addiction due to their genes, which can affect the way their body and brain respond to drugs. Others may be more likely to develop an addiction if they have experienced trauma, stress, or other challenging life circumstances. Understanding how serious ketamine misuse can be is important; stopping its misuse is also key. Furthermore, trying to stop and deal with withdrawal symptoms can create a “yo-yo” effect where the person relapses with a huge dose that can also risk overdose. Although those changes may make a person appear impulsive, desperate, irrational, and excessively risk-taking, treating them with empathy and understanding is essential. Ketamine abuse is a destructive cycle where the effects of the drug disrupt support networks and other sources of fulfilment and purpose like work and hobbies, which can further entrench a person into addiction.
Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-long-does-fentanyl-stay-in-your-system/ ever understand what I was going through. As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.
