Across the category of addiction, an ever-evolving topic of discussion is one centered around the drug, Ketamine. Ketamine unfortunately falls into the category of a purposeful medication that is too often misused and abused by individuals beyond its intended and approved purposes. In this article, we will explore a brief background of what Ketamine is, side effects of Ketamine use, and answer the question, is Ketamine addictive?
Ketamine was originally created pharmaceutically as an anesthesia and sedation drug for medical procedures. As a fast-acting injection, with effects only lasting roughly 30min, it was a perfect medication for many suitable procedures such as emergencies or short-duration operations. Furthering it’s positive explored uses, Ketamine, as a dissociative anesthetic that alters perception, mood, and consciousness has also been used as pain management treatment, and recently used as an active ingredient in treatments for depression such as in the drug Spravato®.
Despite all the positive uses of Ketamine, the answer to the question – is Ketamine addictive? – is a resounding, yes. Unfortunately, due to Ketamine’s dissociative sensations and hallucinogenic effects, the recreation abuse of this drug has progressed throughout the years, evolving into the street names such as, Special K and Vitamin K, but also many others like Cat Tranquilizer, Cat Valium, Jet K, Kit Kat, Purple, Special La Coke , Super Acid, and Super K.
Ketamine addiction typically develops over time. The hallucinogenic effects produce an escape from reality for most recreational users, but as Ketamine is used overtime, individuals may develop a tolerance requiring higher doses of ketamine or individuals even seeking combination effects to achieve further highs.
Ketamine is most commonly used recreationally as a liquid or a powder that can be mixed in with drinks, snorted, or even injected. Knowing these common uses, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) calls out that combining Ketamine with alcohol can increase the risk of certain adverse effects, the most notably being the potential for overdose.
The effects from Ketamine can range depending on the specific dosage, tolerance of the individual, and can last anywhere from 15minutes to an hour across a variety, some, or even all of the side effects listed below:
In the most extreme cases, the following side effect may be experienced, typically when Ketamine is used in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol:
Despite there being a potential for overdose relating to Ketamine abuse and addiction, when compared to other mind-altering hallucinogens and psychedelics, Ketamines rates of serious complications are considerably lower. Still, as seen with the side effects above, a Ketamine overdose could lead to death by suffocation, cardiovascular complications, and there have even been reports of accidental deaths due to Ketamine abuse and the mind-altering states individuals can fall under once under the influence of Ketamine.
When an individual is under the influence of Ketamine, its very likely that their motor skills and muscular coordination would be impaired, making seemingly normal functions such as walking, talking, and other daily functions seem off or, unnatural, and increased difficulty for the individual using Ketamine. You may also notice that the individual suspected of a Ketamine addiction having lost weight with significant changes in their appetite, as one of the side effects to Ketamine can be hunger suppression and/or vomiting.
From the behavioral side of Ketamine addiction, individuals may show signs of added signs of seclusion or being secretive in their activities, mostly from a fear of being caught. They may also exhibit altered societal norms; withdrawn from typical habits, hobbies and activities, turning to isolation from family and friends. This may lead to altered behavior as well, a lashing out in anger or built-up anxiety due to their Ketamine abuse. As with many abused and harmful substances, family members should be on the lookout for loved ones who exhibit signs of intoxication, emphatic lying, and avoidance when asked to explain routine questions like where they’ve been, what they are doing, and other areas which might reveal their potential addiction.
These may be the signs of a Ketamine addiction, but helping that individual isn’t as easy outing them on their abuse. It’s important to come from a place of understanding and make it clear that your only intention is to help that addicted individual.
Treatment for Ketamine addiction should be tailored to fit the individual’s needs and would likely involve a combination of detox as well as behavioral therapeutic approaches. While withdrawal symptoms to Ketamine have been reported to be somewhat milder than those associated with alcohol and other harmful drugs, withdrawal associated with Ketamine abuse still exists and is best to be addressed under the supervision of an inpatient addiction rehab facility such as Long Island Center for Recovery.
We hope you learned more about Ketamine and it’s habit forming addiction. If you or a loved one is in need of any addiction treatment services in the future, please reach out to Long Island Center for Recovery at 1-800-344-5427, and we’d be happy to assist you or your loved ones in any way possible.
References:
American Addiction Centers: Ketamine Abuse: Addiction, Effects, and Treatment
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/ketamine-abuse
United States Drug Enforcement Administration: Ketamine
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ketamine
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drugs A to Z
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/drugs-a-to-z#ketamine
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