What is Ketamine? Addiction, Abuse & Treatment

Ketamine is an effective anesthetic; however, it has gained popularity due to its high potential for abuse. Individuals are drawn to its unique hallucinogenic effects. The medical use of Ketamine has been established since the 1970s, but the illicit use of the drug, especially at parties, has gained attention over the past years. Understanding how people become addicted to this drug helps in the journey to achieve a substance-free life.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medically approved drug used as a general anesthetic, first introduced in the 1960s. It is an injectable used legally for people and animals to detach them from pain and their surroundings before a medical procedure.

However, people have been abusing Ketamine due to its hallucinogenic effects. It can make a person feel relaxed and calm, altering their vision and auditory sensations. Ketamine is safe to use in medical settings but can be harmful when used illegally.

Common street names of Ketamine include:

• Cat Tranquilizer
• Cat Valium
• Jet K
• Kit Kat
• Purple
• Special K
• Special La Coke
• Super Acid
• Super K
• Vitamin K 

How is Ketamine Used? Methods of Consumption and Dosage

Ketamine is used for adults or animals via intravenous or as an injectable before a medical procedure to manage pain. Some physicians also prescribed it as a nasal spray for people with treatment-resistant depression. 

For people 16 and older, the usual initial dose of ketamine through IV is 1 to 4.5 mg/kg. An average dose of 2 mg/kg typically provides about 5 to 10 minutes of anesthesia, starting in 10 to 30 seconds and lasting around 5 to 15 minutes.

Illicit Ketamine is available in powder or liquid form. The powdered form is usually snorted, sniffed, or smoked in marijuana or cigarettes. The liquid Ketamine is usually injected or mixed into beverages. The drug is usually combined with other harmful substances, such as methamphetamine and cocaine.

Effects of Ketamine

Ketamine has both physical and psychological effects, such as the following:

• Slow breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of body coordination
• High blood pressure
• Lack of focus
• Loss of memory
• Impaired learning functions
• Dreamlike states
• Hallucinations
• Sedation
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Delayed Effects of Ketamine Use: Long-term Consequences

Long-term use or abuse of ketamine can have a variety of negative impacts on both physical and mental health. Some possible long-term effects of ketamine include:

• Ulcers
• Urinary tract infection
• Bladder pain
• Kidney problems
• Gastrointestinal issues 
• Depression
• Liver damage
• Flashbacks
• Depression
• Poor memory

Is Ketamine Addictive?

Ketamine has a high potential for dependence and abuse, but its addictive properties are generally considered to be lower than those of some other substances, such as opioids or stimulants.

These are the factors that contribute to Ketamine Dependence; 

• Escalating usage beyond intended limits
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down
• Devoting extensive time to acquiring and using the substance
• Intense cravings 
• Neglecting responsibilities 
• Persisting despite social issues
• Sacrificing activities for substance use 
• Using in risky situations like driving or operating machinery
• Continuing use despite health problems 
• Developing tolerance

Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction

Ketamine addiction poses serious health risks that can be fatal. Recognizing the signs early on can significantly impact treatment and recovery.

Here are the behavioral, physical, and psychological indicators of Ketamine abuse:

Behavioral:

• Intense craving to take Ketamine despite the risks.
• Preoccupation of acquiring and using Ketamine.
• Neglecting home, work, or school activities.
• Withdrawal from friends or family.
• Engaging in unsafe activity when under the influence of Ketamine.

Physical:

• Involuntary eye movements
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Increased or irregular heart rate
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urinary tract problems
• Locked jaw
• Involuntary muscle contraction

Psychological:

• Disorientation
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Sedation
• Impaired consciousness
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Lack of motor coordination
• Difficulty speaking

Ketamine Abuse and Addiction

• Addiction To Ketamine: How Dependency Develops

Ketamine dependence usually begins by engaging in polydrug use or using Ketamine along with other harmful substances. The individual continuously uses Ketamine until they need to increase the dose to achieve its desired effects. 

Environmental factors such as peer pressure and underlying mental health difficulties may contribute to dependence, while genetic predisposition increases vulnerability. Recognizing dependency symptoms is critical, indicating the need for professional assistance and support.

• Effects of Ketamine Addiction on the Body and Mind

Ketamine addiction has dangerous effects on the body and mind. The physical impact may start with developing bladder and urinary issues. Sniffing or snorting Ketamine can lead to nose bleeds or nasal problems.

The physical effects range from heart issues to body control.

Long-term Ketamine use can create learning, memory, and attention problems. It may also aggravate existing mental conditions. Anxiety, mood disorders, and depression are widespread consequences of Ketamine abuse.

Ketamine Overdose and Withdrawal

Overdosing on Ketamine can lead to severe and possibly life-threatening consequences. Identifying the signs immediately can potentially save a life. 

Here are the signs and symptoms of a Ketamine overdose:

• Decreased levels of consciousness
• Unresponsiveness
• Respiratory depression
• Cessation of breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Cardiac arrest
• Seizure
• Coma

Ketamine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Duration, and Management

When an individual uses Ketamine repeatedly, they will develop tolerance to the drug. Thus, they would need increasing doses to feel its effects. This would lead to a cycle and a preoccupation with Ketamine use despite the risks. Once the person is deprived of the drug, they will experience unforgettable withdrawal symptoms such as follows:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Delusion
• Hallucination
• Loss of motor skills
• Anger
• Nausea
• Respiratory distress
• Heart problems
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Hearing loss
• Fatigue
• Cognitive impairment

Finding Ketamine Addiction Treatment

Ketamine addiction treatment involves different methods. A healthcare professional can assess the patient and start with the treatment process.

It usually starts with detoxification, and inpatient or outpatient treatments will follow. Therapy and counseling are necessary to help the patient recover and lead a life of sobriety. 

Detoxification – a medically assisted intervention to get rid of the drug in the system. Withdrawal symptoms may arise during this stage.

Inpatient Treatment – Due to uncomfortable or severe complications, the patient can be treated in a medical facility to ensure safety and security.

Outpatient Treatment – The patient can still reside in his home and may visit a healthcare professional for addiction treatment.

Therapy and Counseling – Therapy and counseling are significant tools to aid the person in addiction recovery. It helps in recognizing any underlying issues that may have caused the Ketamine addiction. It’s also a way to instill good habits and process the thoughts and feelings of the person.

Sober Living Homes – A sober living home is a shared space for people who have the same goal of being substance abuse-free. There are structured activities, chores, and group or individual therapy to help the person live a life of sobriety.

Community Support – An individual may join organizations with the same values and goals for combating addiction. This is an avenue for encouragement and support that’s truly needed in this challenging journey.