Addicted to Ketamine

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Addicted to Ketamine

Becoming addicted to ketamine can lead to many mental and physical consequences. Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic used during surgery, one that has been in use for about fifty years. Over the past decade, ketamine has been used as a recreational drug due to its dissociative effects, or out-of-body sensations. Although ketamine is neither an opioid nor barbiturate, like those drugs it does provide sedation and pain-management functions. If you are concerned you’ve become addicted to ketamine, there is support available to help you overcome it.

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What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a tranquilizer that is used primarily as a general anesthetic, assisting patients by inducing sleep during surgeries. Ketamine is a NMDA receptor agonist that is used in both human and animal medicine, either alone or combined with other anesthetics.

Ketamine has a Schedule III controlled substance classification due to its potential for both abuse and addiction. Ketamine has also shown promise as an off-label drug for treating depression.

Effects of Ketamine

Because ketamine is a derivative of PCP, it produces dissociative and euphoric effects. The most notable effect is an out-of-body experience, or dissociative effect. The person experiences sight and sound distortions, and a sense of being detached from their environment. It also produces an analgesic effect, or relief from pain.

Ketamine has been abused as a “date rape” drug because of its tranquilizing effects, temporarily paralyzing its victim. The drug may cause amnesia, or the absence of memory while under the influence of the drug. Ketamine is available as a white powder or a clear liquid and has no taste or odor. This allows the perpetrator to sneak the drug into someone’s drink without notice.

Some of the adverse effects of ketamine include:

Impaired judgment
Disorientation
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Numbness
Insomnia

Trance-like state
Redness of the skin
Respiratory distress
Impaired motor functions
Psychosis
Impaired memory

About Ketamine Abuse

As a mind-altering drug, ketamine has found favor among young adults as a party drug. Ketamine street names include vitamin K, special K, and jet. Ketamine can be misused in various ways. The drug can be mixed in a drink, mixed with tobacco or cannabis and smoked, or snorted.

Ketamine isn’t only used to induce a psychedelic party experience. Some people access its dreamlike effects while practicing meditation, as a way of experiencing an altered spiritual realm.

With ongoing use of ketamine, beyond the party scene, the brain begins to adapt to the presence of the drug. The dopamine rush that is induced by the drug becomes a desired experience within the brain’s reward system. This, combined with increased tolerance that leads to higher consumption, is what can lead to addiction.

Dangers of Ketamine

Long-term ketamine use has many inherent risks. These include:

Addiction. Ketamine is has a high potential for psychological addiction. Ketamine abuse can escalate quickly, even becoming a gram a day (or more) habit. Ketamine addiction can cause the person to be unable to function normally in society.

The K-hole effect. When ketamine is taken in a higher dose it can lead to a near death experience called a k-hole. The person may have intense auditory and visual hallucinations, feel like they are detached from their body, and be unable to move or speak.

Injuries or falls. While under the effect of ketamine, visual distortions combined with being in unfamiliar places may lead to falls, drowning, or sexual assault.

Health effects. Long-term ketamine abuse can cause kidney problems, damage to the bladder, and chronic stomach pain.

Suicide risks. Depression and suicidality are two of the more serious effects of ketamine addiction, as it may lead to suicide.

Signs of Ketamine Addiction

With ongoing use of ketamine, the risk of being addicted to ketamine increases. The signs of a ketamine addiction are similar to other addictive substances and include:

Spending a lot of time seeking ketamine
Trying to cut back on ketamine or quit the drug but cannot
Increased tolerance that leads to higher consumption
Neglecting work, school, and family responsibilities
Intense cravings
Avoiding friends and family members
Continue to use ketamine despite the negative effects it causes
Risky behaviors while using ketamine
Lying about the ketamine abuse
Becoming psychologically addicted and compulsive about ketamine use

Ketamine Withdrawal

When someone makes the decision to seek help for the ketamine addiction, they will experience withdrawal symptoms as the brain adjusts. Withdrawal features fairy mild physical symptoms, but some concerning psychological withdrawal symptoms. These psychological symptoms are the main reason why ketamine withdrawal should be supervised by a detox team.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

Fatigue and shaking
Agitation
Confusion
Loss of hearing
Insomnia
Hallucination and paranoia
Rage
Anxiety and depression
Cravings

What to Expect at Ketamine Rehab

To be able to achieve long-term abstinence from ketamine, it is vital that the person complete a comprehensive rehab program. Ketamine addiction is difficult to break without the tools that are gained at rehab.

Residential or outpatient treatment programs provide a range of very useful coping techniques through the classes, group work, and therapy. Here is what is involved in a comprehensive ketamine rehab program:

Individual behavioral therapy and counseling
Group support sessions
Dual diagnosis treatment for any co-occurring mental health issue
Addiction education
Holistic treatments
Aftercare planning

Ketamine addiction can have a devastating impact on someone’s life. If you struggle with ketamine and have a desire to quit the drug, reach out for support today.

The Treatment Specialist Offers Guidance for Ketamine Addiction

The Treatment Specialist is an online resource for informative articles on mental health conditions and treatment options for adults, teens, and families.

If you or a loved one is struggling with ketamine abuse or addiction, we can help. Please reach out for guidance today is you or someone you know is addicted to ketamine.

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