What Does Ketamine Addiction Look Like?

In the last decade, ketamine has become widely known in society. Whilst used in a medical setting for decades, there has been a rise in its use to help treat depression, putting more focus on it.

Also, recreational use of the drug has increased massively, as the number of people who have used the drug in the past month increased by 251.85% since 2015.

The rise in use in both contexts has confused the talk around ketamine. Is it dangerous to us, or can it be helpful to some people?

Knowing about the early signs of ketamine dependence can prevent escalation, so it’s important to know what the drug does, what ketamine addiction can look like and how you can get help.

 

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic. The effects of ketamine in producing sedation on the body and blocking receptors in the brain to make users feel detached mean that it is used in medical settings. It is used in surgeries to induce general anaesthesia and as a pain relief. It is also used in veterinary settings, with ketamine being associated with a “horse tranquiliser”.

More recently, it has become a more popular treatment option for treatment-resistant depression, showing promising results.

Ketamine is also used recreationally, snorted as a powder and predominantly in a club setting. Recreational use has increased with more people using it alone or in a relaxed setting, rather than on a night out.

It’s legal, and helpful use has blurred the perception of it for people, with many unaware of how dangerous the drug can be. It is a drug that is helpful if used safely in a medical or clinical setting.

 

Can Ketamine Be Addictive?

Yes, ketamine can be addictive if abused.

Addiction can be only a psychological phenomenon, like a gambling addiction, but also a physical dependence can occur. Ketamine can become physically addictive as your brain becomes used to the presence of the drug in your system. Your tolerance grows, and you take more to avoid going into withdrawal when levels drop.

Psychological addiction occurs when you become addicted to the dissociative effects of ketamine. Eventually, you lose all control over the drug, continuing to take it even when the effects are worsening your life.

The common myth around dissociative drug addiction is that it is not as severe as substances like heroin or cocaine. Research by the University of Exeter and University College London found that users found ketamine just as devastating on their lives, and some described it as the “heroin of a generation.”

 

What Does Ketamine Addiction Look Like?

If you want help for yourself or a loved one, knowing ketamine addiction signs is vital. Not everyone is the same, and there are many signs of addiction you should be aware of.

Ketamine abuse symptoms can be behavioural, psychological and physical. They include:

Behavioural signs

• Using ketamine more frequently or in larger amounts
• Prioritising ketamine use over responsibilities or relationships
• Secrecy, lying, or defensiveness
• Difficulty stopping despite consequences

Psychological & emotional signs

• Cravings and preoccupation with use
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Dissociation outside of intoxication
• Emotional numbness

Physical signs

• Bladder and urinary problems
• Abdominal pain or digestive issues
• Sleep disturbances
• Reduced appetite or weight changes

 

 

Short-Term vs Long-Term Effects of Ketamine Misuse

Many effects of ketamine can impact you in the short and long term, especially if you abuse the drug.

Short-term effects of ketamine include:

• Accidents due to impairment
• Memory loss
• Dissociation (known as falling into a k-hole)
• Panic attacks
• Increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, or body temperature
• Hallucinations

Long-term effects of ketamine include:

• Kidney damage
• Worsening mental health
• Cognitive decline
• Bladder issues
• Liver damage
• Addiction risk

Like with any harmful substance, the risk of negative effects increases over time and the more you abuse the drug.

 

Ketamine Addiction vs Therapeutic Ketamine Use

Ketamine is not completely dangerous. When used in a supervised medical setting, ketamine can be helpful in surgeries or to treat depression.

The safety of ketamine is reliant on dosage, monitoring and the intention behind the use. When low levels are used safely under supervision with the intent of treating something, ketamine is a powerful drug for good.

The danger of ketamine arises when it is misused. Signs that therapeutic use of ketamine has become unsafe include:

• Cravings
• Hallucinations
• Memory and attention issues after the session
• Strong physical reactions to the drug (nausea, dizziness)

 

When Ketamine Use Becomes a Problem

There is really no risk-free ketamine use. However, many people who take drugs engage in grey-area use—the space between full-blown addiction and rarely, if ever, taking a drug.

This grey-area use could be those who take drugs socially on a semi-regular basis. The middle road use of ketamine can develop into a full addiction if the misuse continues. Soon, your use of ketamine may require you to seek professional help.

Signs that your use of ketamine has become a problem include:

• Withdrawal symptoms when you stop
• Using ketamine alone
• Experience cravings
• Ketamine use is beginning to dictate your life (poor work performance, isolating yourself)

Even if you feel like you have your ketamine use under control, professional help should still be considered. The idea of hitting rock bottom is not true, and severity is not required to seek help.

It’s better to get ahead of addiction, rather than it leaving you with no choice but professional recovery.

 

How Ketamine Addiction Is Treated

The most effective way of treating ketamine misuse is by going to ketamine rehab. At a private rehab centre, you will be assessed, and a personalised treatment plan will be made to suit your particular needs.

You will start with a medically assisted detox to end your physical dependence on ketamine. Next comes therapy and behavioural interventions, which are key to long-term recovery. Therapeutic sessions can help you learn more about your addiction and yourself, uncovering the mental health factors that are driving your dependence.

Beyond the walls of a rehab centre, you will receive ongoing support through aftercare to help you along your journey and support relapse prevention.

 

How Addiction Advocates Can Help

Addiction Advocates is a referral service. We offer non-judgmental, confidential support to people suffering from addiction, helping them connect with professional help. We also offer guidance for families who may be a bit lost at sea in an overwhelming time.

Our goal is to help with early intervention and offer treatment options for people, so they get to where they need to be.

Through all this, we treat people with the dignity they deserve. We believe that education and care are at the core of recovery and want to support as many people as we can.

You may think you are alone, but ketamine addiction is real and treatable. If you are struggling, seek support now and don’t let the situation get worse. Help is out there for you, and we at Addiction Advocates are always available.

 

Find Ketamine Addiction Treatment Options Today

Are you worried that your ketamine misuse is getting worse?

Addiction Advocates can give you the guidance you need to take positive steps forward. Contact us now for a free and confidential chat about your situation and what options are available.

Call 0800 012 6088 or text HELP to 83222 to start your recovery journey.