Is Ketamine Addictive?
Ketamine, created in 1961, is what’s known as a dissociative anesthetic. Today, many veterinary hospitals use it in short-term surgeries for dogs and cats. However, it is more widely known as the popular club drug or the “chameleon drug” on the streets. It doesn’t seem to get as much of a bad rep for being addictive like other street drugs, which leaves us to question, is ketamine addictive?
Ketamine: A Drug That Takes on Different Forms
In short, the answer is yes, ketamine can be extremely addictive. It is called the “chameleon drug” because, depending on the dose administered, the drug can take on many different forms. Small doses have been used to suppress pain and depression, while larger doses are used as a medical sedative in hospitals everywhere.[1]
When a large dose of the street form of ketamine is taken, it can leave the user in what’s known as a “K hole.” Someone that gets stuck in a K hole succumbs to what is also known as a bad trip. The user starts to feel detached from their body and may experience extreme delirium. At its core, it might be a less intense version of PCP (phencyclidine), but it is still insanely addictive.
How Is Ketamine Addictive?
Ketamine changes the chemical make-up of your brain, which in turn means it can be incredibly addictive to those that use the drug. Once you become addicted to ketamine, it is difficult to overcome without the strict help of a trained professional. Those that begin their sobriety from ketamine are likely to undergo chemical changes again as their brain adjusted to not having the drug there. These changes can be nearly impossible to handle without a professional by your side.
Warning Signs of Ketamine Addiction
If you aren’t sure whether or not you are addicted to ketamine, please consider these warning signs that are clear indicators of an underlying addiction:
- You have an increased tolerance
- Wondering when your next hit will be
- All your money is spent on the drug
- You’ve messed up relationships because of the drug
- Things like school and work begin to fall behind
According to the Rx List[2], some other things you might start to notice include:
- High blood pressure
- High resting heart rate
- Respiratory problems
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Cognitive difficulties
You could experience these side effects from taking the drug for an extended period of time. However, you can also experience them during recovery. That is why professional help is so necessary when dealing with a drug like ketamine. You never really know how you are going to react to the withdrawal. That said, when you choose Ocean Hills Recovery, you can trust that you are in capable hands that will help guide you toward a path of recovery.
Contact Ocean Hills Recovery, California Addiction Treatment
For those that are suffering from a ketamine addiction, look no further than the caring professionals at Ocean Hills Recovery. We have a flexible detox program that allows the program to be tailored to the person. Everyone has their very own recovery plan that is specific to their individual needs and healing process. Contact us today to find out more about how Ocean Hills Recovery can provide you with the tools to live a happy and fulfilling life of recovery.
Sources:
[1]: https://www.thesoberworld.com/2020/08/01/ketamine-the-many-faces-of-the-chameleon-drug/ [2]: https://www.rxlist.com/ketamine-hydrochloride-side-effects-drug-center.htmAbout the author:
Nicole earned her doctoral degree in Psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy at California School of Professional Psychology. Her doctoral thesis was a grounded theory study exploring the role of alienation and connectedness in the life course of addiction. She specializes in treating addiction and trauma. She is certified in DBT and EMDR, two of the most highly regarded evidence-based methods in psychotherapy. Dr. Doss is a strong LGBT advocate and provides open and affirming support to her LGBT clients.
Dr. Doss’s earlier education included graduating cum laude from the University of California, Irvine in June of 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While there, she received honors recognition by Psi Chi and Golden Key honor societies.
Nicole has been working with alcoholics and addicts in our California drug and alcohol rehab center as an advisor and counselor for many years. She is passionate about providing quality counseling and care to her clients. Her main focus is on integrating the 12 Step and disease models of addiction with experiential therapeutic theory. She is married to Greg; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.
