Ketamine abuse is a dangerous realm to get into. Those stuck in the cycle of abuse and addiction can attest to the difficult nature of getting out of it. Ketamine is a potent, powerful drug that can get its grip on a person’s life and jeopardize it. Continuing on a road of addiction to ketamine can lead to impacts to mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. Understanding ketamine and its effects can help be the starting point for anyone trying to break free from the cycle of addiction.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a sedative drug used in veterinary medicine for large animals such as horses. It is used to induce and maintain sedation during medical and veterinary procedures, illicitly it is used as a hallucinogenic drug. Those who have been administered ketamine for its sedative effects often report periods of dissociation from the physical world, hallucinations, impaired motor movements, and amnesia. It is produced and distributed in different forms. From tablets and nasal sprays to liquid used intravenously.

It is known by slang terms such as K, Special K, Super K, and Vitamin K. When used medically for anesthesia purposes, it doesn’t have the respiratory depression effects that other sedatives have, making it a safe alternative medically. However, when used inappropriately for the purpose of getting high, the effects can lead to dangerously devastating results.

Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine abuse is becoming more and more popular across the United States, leading to memory and attention issues, impaired breathing, and other health and psychological problems. Abusing this drug can be done by intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, or snorting it. The effects of ketamine can take effect in up to 30 minutes, sometimes immediately.

The effects of this drug can be mild to severe, even in clinical settings. Rashes and discoloration at the injection site, facial and tongue swelling, hives, nausea, vomiting, delirium and cardiac and respiratory arrest can all occur as a result of ketamine abuse. Vivid hallucinations are another effect. These hallucinations can feel and seem like they are real, and lead to dangerous reactions.

Higher doses of ketamine can result in a coma and even death. Ketamine overdose requires immediate medical attention, and any person undergoing an overdose should be medically treated as soon as possible to prevent a fatal overdose.

Signs of ketamine abuse can include decreased sensitivity to pain, paranoia, delirium, panic and anxiety. Other signs to look out for include:

Confusion
Disorientation
Continued use despite negative consequences
Feelings of intense power
Lying and hiding usage
Stealing
Withdrawal from enjoyable activities
Physical symptoms of withdrawal

Ketamine Withdrawal

The effects of ketamine withdrawal are not as well known as other substances. However, there are psychological effects caused by withdrawal from ketamine that should be looked out for and addressed. The symptoms of withdrawal can begin as little as 24 hours after the last use, and can last anywhere from 4 days up to a couple of weeks. The ketamine withdrawal symptoms can include depression, anxiety, insomnia, cravings, irritability, anger, confusion, mood swings, tremors, seizures, and suicidal thoughts.

Experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts when trying to come off of a drug is dangerous. These mental health conditions can have devastating results. Having professional care as a person ends the abuse of this drug can be extremely beneficial in that any symptoms that arise can be monitored and addressed. It can help to prevent these devastating results from happening.

Detox

As with other drugs, ketamine withdrawal and detox are necessary when starting with a clean slate. Ridding the body of the toxins that were introduced is crucial to having a clear mind and being able to address underlying issues that lead to abusing the drug to begin with. Professional medical detox can make the process of ending ketamine abuse and addiction smoother. Addressing any physical and psychological symptoms as they arise can make the process more comfortable, and addressing the severe symptoms of ketamine withdrawal can ensure someone’s safety through this process. Not everybody recovers at the same pace.

A friend could have had minor symptoms of withdrawal as they go through the process. This could be different for the next person. Their symptoms could be more severe and complicated. Age, mental health, and physical well-being can all play a part in how intense and severe the withdrawal process is. Having proper care is essential to ensuring the best start to the road to recovery from ketamine abuse and addiction.

Help for Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine is a dangerous substance. The impacts on mental health and physical health are vast and can be severe. From depression and anxiety to organ damage, addiction to ketamine can be a dangerous undertaking requiring professional help to overcome.

If you or a loved one are struggling with Ketamine, Ocean Hills can help. Our on-site professionals are here to help as you begin a journey to a new life and begin to regain control of your life again. Reach out now and begin a journey to a new life!

About the author:

Greg Doss, CATCI

Greg opened his home and heart to alcoholics and addicts in 2003. He is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATCI). Starting in 2009 Greg has fostered the growth of Ocean Hills Recovery into one of the most respected and effective treatment centers in the area and has been working with people with addictions since March of 2001. Greg believes in a holistic approach to recovery. His focus is on drug alcohol addiction treatment with a combination of 12 Step work, therapy and counseling, and the rejuvenation of the body through healthful eating and exercise. He has designed his program to foster a family-like atmosphere and believes that people in recovery are just beginning their lives. He encourages the people he works with to learn to enjoy life in sobriety. Greg is married to Nicole; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

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How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

Ketamine Abuse: Warning Signs and Withdrawal Symptoms