Ketamine Addiction is a serious issue with possibly life-threatening consequences. This article is for people who think they are suffering from a ketamine abuse problem or family members who suspect their loved one has a substance use disorder.
We will focus on the following topics:
- Treatment options for people who are suffering and need help
- How to tell if someone is addicted to the drug
- The signs and symptoms of a ketamine addiction
- Why is “Special K” so addictive?
- What to do in the event of an overdose
You’ll also find some actionable tips from our medical staff on treating a substance abuse issue. Ketamine may seem like a harmless party drug, but make no mistake, it is highly addictive and very dangerous.
Read on to learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatments for ketamine use disorder.
Key Takeaways
What is Ketamine
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic originally developed for medical and veterinary use. The effects of ketamine typically include powerful sensory distortions and feelings of detachment from reality. While you might not think a drug used for surgical procedures would become a substance of abuse, ketamine’s unique effects on the brain make it particularly prone to misuse and addiction.
On the street, this recreational drug goes by many names, including Special K, Kit Kat, K, Vitamin K, and Cat Valium. Users typically snort, inject, or swallow the drug, with effects beginning within minutes and lasting for up to two hours.
There is a growing problem with addiction to ketamine, partly because it’s incredibly addictive (more on that next), but also because it’s prescribed for treatment-resistant depression. According to Harvard Health Publishing on their page Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe?, “Relief from TRD with ketamine happens rapidly: instead of waiting for an antidepressant medicine to hopefully provide some relief over the course of weeks, people who are suffering under the crushing weight of depression can start to feel the benefits of ketamine within about 40 minutes.”
It’s quite common in the UK. We’ve heard the same story from many patients of ours: They go in for treatment and come out with a ketamine prescription. Once they notice the effects, they begin to combine it with other drugs, whether for partying or other forms of recreation. Before long, they’ve developed a tolerance, then an addiction.
Why is Ketamine Addictive?
Ketamine is so addictive due to its effects on your brain’s reward system. It increases dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (the brain’s pleasure centre), which creates feelings of euphoria.
With repeated use, the brain adapts to ketamine’s presence. Neurons that rely on glutamate signalling become less responsive, while the reward pathway becomes sensitised to the drug. This dual process creates both tolerance (needing more for the same effect) and dependence (experiencing withdrawal when stopping).
The dissociative experience itself – often described as a “K-hole” when taken in high doses – can become psychologically addictive. Users report profound mystical experiences, out-of-body sensations, and temporary escape from emotional pain.
These experiences can make it difficult to enjoy “real life” without the drug. This is the ingenious trap of drug addiction.
Signs of a Ketamine Addiction in Another Person
The signs of ketamine addiction typically include a mix of behavioural changes, physical symptoms, and social withdrawal. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s potential drug abuse, we want to share specific indicators that might help you determine if professional support is needed.
What Are The Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction?
The most common symptoms of ketamine addiction are physical discomfort, psychological dependence, and social dysfunction. These symptoms typically intensify over time and persist even when the individual wants to stop using the drug.
The symptoms of ketamine dependence are as follows:
We want to elaborate more on these symptoms of ketamine addiction to help you better understand the disease and what you can do about it.
Psychological Dependence
Psychological dependence on ketamine develops as the brain adapts to regular exposure to the drug. Users often experience intrusive thoughts about ketamine and feel unable to function normally without it. This dependence can manifest as persistent anxiety when the drug is unavailable or intense anticipation of the next dose. Many users describe feeling emotionally numb or disconnected when not under the influence.
Mental Health Problems
Ketamine use can cause severe mental issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia. Patients that we’ve treated before say they have experienced hallucinations or persistent perceptual changes that continue even when not using the drug.
Another major issue is that ketamine can drastically alter an addict’s cognitive function. This may lead to memory loss, attention issues, and impaired decision-making abilities. If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health disorder, get professional treatment at once.
Inability to Control Usage
A defining characteristic of ketamine addiction is the loss of control over drug use.
This manifests as failed attempts to quit or cut down, using larger amounts than intended, or using for longer periods than planned. Many individuals continue using despite clear awareness of the negative impact on their life and health.
Addicts typically promise themselves or others that they will quit, only to begin using as soon as possible. They may also plan to only use a moderate amount, but then find themselves using more than they did previously, just to get the same high. If you’ve noticed this in yourself or a loved one, please speak to an addiction specialist immediately.
Physical Health Problems
Ketamine addiction causes serious physical health complications such as severe bladder damage, respiratory issues, or even partial paralysis.
This is due to how the drug is processed in your body. Ketamine affects your central nervous system, urinary tract, and motor systems in your body.
Let’s cover them one at a time.
Strong Cravings for the Drug
Intense, overwhelming cravings are a hallmark of drug addiction. These powerful urges to use the drug can be triggered by stress, environmental cues, or memories associated with previous ketamine use.
The cravings often feel impossible to resist and dominate the user's thoughts and behaviours.
Negative Consequences in Life
Addiction causes the addict to prioritise their drug of choice over everything else in life, which typically leads to negative side effects to their personal, professional, academic, or social life.
They may get fired from work or get failing grades in school. Others may neglect responsibilities to their children, spouse, or other family members.
It’s also common for people to face financial problems, due to problems at work combined with their drug spending habits.
If you or someone you care about is suffering in life due to their ketamine use, please stop this negative cycle immediately. Reach out to a treatment centre and get the help they need to get back on track.
Can You Overdose on Ketamine?
Yes, ketamine overdose is possible and can be life-threatening. You might think that because ketamine is used medically, it's always safe, but taking too much can cause serious harm. If you're experiencing symptoms like extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat after using ketamine, you should seek emergency medical help immediately.
The primary dangers come from respiratory depression and unconsciousness. If you're with someone who has lost consciousness after taking ketamine, don't wait to see if they improve on their own. The risk of overdose increases dramatically if you combine ketamine with other substances, particularly alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.
What to do if You Recognise the Signs of Addiction?
If you notice signs of ketamine addiction in yourself or someone you care about, it's important to seek help immediately. Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and effective treatment options exist regardless of your financial situation. Do not delay getting help due to shame or fear. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.
Start by speaking with a healthcare professional who can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment. This could be your primary doctor, a psychiatrist, or staff at an addiction treatment centre like ours. They can help determine the level of care needed based on the severity of addiction and any co-occurring health issues.
There are plenty of treatment options no matter your location, budget, or condition. There are even free community resources and meetings in most locations.
Treatment Options for Ketamine Addiction
The treatment options for ketamine addiction are as follows:
- Detox: Ketamine detoxification involves managing withdrawal symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and depression under medical supervision as the drug leaves your system.
- Outpatient: Outpatient ketamine treatment allows you to live at home while attending regular therapy sessions, support groups, and check-ins at a treatment facility.
- Inpatient: Inpatient rehabilitation provides intensive, structured care in a residential setting where you receive 24/7 support away from triggers and access to immediate medical attention.
- Therapy: Therapy for ketamine addiction typically includes cognitive-behavioural approaches to identify triggers and develop coping strategies, alongside motivational interviewing to strengthen your commitment to recovery.
How The Cabin Chiang Mai Can Help Heal Substance Use Disorders
When you're struggling with ketamine addiction or dependence in your family - whether it's you or someone else - it can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
We know, because we've helped thousands of people recover from ketamine addiction and return to healthy, fulfilling lives. We want you to know that recovery is possible and life can feel normal again.
At The Cabin Chiang Mai, we understand the complex nature of ketamine addiction. The drug that once seemed to provide escape or relief has now become a serious problem controlling your life. If you find yourself trapped in the cycle of ketamine use or watching a loved one struggle, reach out to us.
We are Asia's longest-running and most respected rehabilitation clinic. We offer world-class treatment for ketamine addiction in a setting unlike anything in the Western World (and at a fraction of the price you'd pay back home). Here, you can heal in a peaceful environment away from triggers and daily stresses. You'll be surrounded by temples, mountains, and tranquil waters that create the perfect backdrop for recovery and reflection.
Contact us now for your free intake call and take the first step toward freedom from ketamine addiction.
About the Author
The Cabin Clinical Team
