Understanding Ketamine: Risks and Treatment Options

Introduction

Ketamine addiction treatment is possible but it needs specialist input in a rehab centre due to the significant implications of misusing an anesthetic.

It isn’t just a case of stopping use and getting some counselling sessions.

Stopping is essential, but can only be done with expert medical input as well as therapy, relapse prevention skills and aftercare.

Ketamine addiction is a very serious problem. Not only can it ruin your physical health: permanently, it can also destroy your psychological health. It’s misuse can also be fatal.

Our experienced addictions clinicians have decades of experience assessing, diagnosing and prescribing for patients addicted to Ketamine.

Let us share our knowledge with you so you can make an informed choice on where to go for help.

History of Ketamine

A dissociative anaesthetic, it has been in use, medically, since 1970.

Used by medical doctors and vetinarians, it was widely used in the Vietnam war by American military medical services.

Latterly, it has been used for treating long standing pain conditions.

More recently, in very small doses, it is being used to enhance the effects of psychotherapy for those having treatment for depression.

Sadly, as with other medicinal products it has become a drug of abuse.

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What is a dissociative anaesthetic?

Such medications have a psychedelic effect.

They will make the person using it feel detached from the environment, and from their body.

It can also make people hallucinate as well as change thoughts, levels of consciousness and emotions.  

Like many commercial drugs, licenced for use in the medical and animal care sectors, they become abused and are sold to be used illicitly.

More worryingly, it is often used as a date rape drug by slipping it into someone’s drink.

Ketamine is both odourless and tasteless and comes in a clear liquid form.

It is big on the nightclub and party circuit because it gives the user the feeling that they are moulding into the surroundings while experiencing out of body feelings.  

Legal issues with Ketamine

In the USA, as early as 1999 the item was restricted and possession for non-prescribed use became illegal because it was becoming clear that there was a serious problem: People were becoming addicted.

It is, usually, cheaper than other drugs to source on the street. 

Sometimes known as Jet fuel, it is also called K, special K, vitamin K and even cat tranquilizer (which can be used for by a vet).

Sadly, criminals target vet surgeries, especially, to steal Ketamine to be sold illegally.

It is sometimes manufactured as a white powder made for re-constitution or in liquid form. As a powder it can be snorted or smoked by mixing it with tobacco or cannabis.  

What does Ketamine do? 

As with any drug, while there are similarities, everyone reacts differently.

Generally, a low dose will produce pain relief and sedation.

Higher doses will make someone feel detached from themselves and their surroundings.  

While it’s effects can be as short as 15 minutes, it can also last up to several hours in others.

This usually depends on how much was taken and the route of administration: injected, smoked, snorted, swallowed as a liquid.  

What are the physical effects of Ketamine?

• Unconsciousness 

• Slow breathing (acute medical emergency)  

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

• Muscle stiffness 

• Chronic bladder infections and lower urinary tract infections 

• Slurred speech 

• Acute cardiovascular event (high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, palpitations. 

• Memory loss 

• Poor attention span  

• Extreme anxiety 

• Acute paranoia 

• Vivid hallucinations 

• Death from hypothermia 

• Kidney disease 

• Chronic stomach pain  

• Depression  

• Long term memory loss 

• Ulcers 

When used with other drugs, especially alcohol, these issues are intensified.  

Why does it affect the bladder?

While medical science has not, yet, concluded it is clear the lining of the bladder becomes inflamed probably due to the breakdown of the drug.

Any drug in the body is broken down into metabolites which leave the body via the bladder.

It is these metabolites that, when encountering the bladder wall, cause irritation.  

Ketamine bladder is a very serious, incredibly painful chronic condition for which there is no treatment or cure.

It can lead to permanent urinary catherization.

Commonly it can cause blood clots in urine.  

If are struggling with Ketamine addiction call and speak to one of our experienced addictions clinicians. We can provide 24 hour addiction help as well as help you find a rehab with our free rehab referral service.

Treatment for Ketamine addiction

There is no detox for Ketamine rather someone in rehab would be closely monitored by medical professionals and, usually, prescribed medication to ensure the person safely transitions from dependency to abstinence.  

Very close medical monitoring is needed by trained and experienced clinicians, nurses and specially trained support staff.

Due to the very significant medical issues that Ketamine can produce and the extreme craving and psychological distress associated with dependency on Ketamine this can never be done at home.

Ketamine withdrawal symptoms

As with any drug, if you keep taking it the brain adapts to it’s presence of receptors. The brain will, literally, rewire itself.

If you stop taking Ketamine, the brain simply can not cope with the fact that there is no more Ketamine sitting on brain receptors. This is because it has changed the way it works and can not simply change back to the way it was before you took Ketamine. It takes time.

While the brain readjusts, incorrect chemical messaging occurs. This is what causes symptoms known as withdrawal.

These symptoms can include:

+ No appetite

+ Heavy sweating and bone chills

+ Dangerously high blood pressure

+ Increased heart rate

+ memory loss

+ Exhaustion

+ Inability to sleep

+ Severe/rapid onset low mood

+ Uncontrollable anxiety

+ Extreme anger

+ Pre-occupation with using

+ 24/7 cravings

Never try home treatment for Ketamine addiction

Home treatment for Ketamine addiction should never be attempted.

While there is no detox for Ketamine addiction, the adjunctive medication which is often needed can only be prescribed by clinicians and administered by qualified staff.

Medication is often needed to reduce dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate.

Risk of accidental overdose with home treatment

The biggest risk for those who try and treat themselves at home is accidential overdose.

This occurs because the cravings will become intolerable. The only way to relieve this, at home, is to use.

When you stop taking Ketamine your physiological tolerance drops: Fast.

Thus when you use, because you are likely to take an amount you think you will need to settle yourself, you are at an extreme risk of accidental overdose.

Why do I need rehab for Ketamine addiction?

Aside from the medical complications associated with stopping Ketamine use, if you don’t tackle the reasons you were using, relapse is almost inevitable.

Rehab offers you the best chance of recovery.

In rehab you have the medical staff necessary for a safe transition from dependency to abstinence.

You also have the therapy team to help you address the reasons you were using.

Often, it is unresolved trauma and/or an undiagnosed mental health condition.

Through relapse prevention skills workshops and one to one therapy sessions, in addition to group work, you will gain the skills necessary to stay abstinent when you go home.

All rehab centres offer a minimum of a years aftercare. This is usually in the form of a weekly support group, telephone check in and a dedicated number to call when in crisis.

How can Find Me a Rehab help?

Ketamine addiction treatment needs specialist input.

Our experienced clinicians have decades of experience, each, in assessing, diagnosing and treating patients addicted to Ketamine.

We never charge for advice or treatment referrals and only signpost to legally registered centres.

Our advice is free, independent and confidential.

Getting help

Call, email or live chat with an experienced addictions clinician on any aspect of addiction, detox , therapy, home treatment, relapse prevention and aftercare.

Our clinicians can discuss treatment plans, treatment options, locations, costings and logistics.

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