Ketamine is a prescription drug used as a general anesthetic as well as in treatment-resistant depression.[1] It has hallucinogenic effects, causing dissociative sensations, hallucinations, and distorted perceptions of time, sound, and space. Ketamine is sometimes abused due to its effects as a hallucinogen and dissociative.[2]
Ketamine is used in medical settings in humans as well as animals. It is believed that much of the ketamine that is used recreationally is produced illegally or stolen from veterinary practices. The drug comes in powder or liquid form and can be snorted or ingested orally.
Ketamine abuse is dangerous for a number of reasons, including the potential for developing dependence and addiction. This article will explore ketamine dependence and withdrawal. You will learn:
- How ketamine dependence develops
- The symptoms of ketamine withdrawal
- How long the withdrawal lasts
- How medical detox programs can treat withdrawal
If you or someone you love are struggling with ketamine addiction, contact First Step Behavioral Health today to learn about our treatment programs.
Ketamine Dependence and Withdrawal
Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.[2,3]
Repeated use of ketamine can cause the body to build tolerance, meaning the drug becomes less effective over time. This often leads people to increase their doses to get the same effects, which can fuel an increasingly hazardous cycle of abuse and addiction. Tolerance can develop quickly, especially when ketamine is used in frequent binges, where the drug is taken multiple times in a short span, despite potential negative outcomes.
Dependence often develops alongside tolerance. Dependence develops when the brain adapts to the presence of ketamine, leading to physical and psychological reliance on the drug to function normally. This can result in cravings and the development of withdrawal symptoms if someone stops using ketamine suddenly.
Symptoms of Ketamine Withdrawal
Common withdrawal symptoms include:[4,5]
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Drug cravings
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Rage
- Elevated body temperature
- Heart palpitations
- Poor motor skills
More rare but serious symptoms may include:
- Confusion
- Cognitive impairment
- Double vision
- Hearing loss
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
Ketamine withdrawal can be serious and it often requires medical supervision. Do not attempt to detox from ketamine by yourself.
How Long Does Ketamine Withdrawal Last?
The length and severity of withdrawal can vary. Symptoms can begin as soon as 24-72 hours after the last dose and resolve after about two weeks. However, various factors can affect the withdrawal timeline, including:
- How long the person had been using ketamine
- How much ketamine they have been using
- How frequently ketamine was used
- How high their tolerance level us
- Whether or not other drugs were being used
- Overall health and co-occurring disorders
People who use ketamine in higher doses and more often are more likely to experience potentially severe and longer-lasting symptoms. Additionally, those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders are susceptible to more intense psychological symptoms.
Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect
- 24-72 Hours – Acute withdrawal symptoms begin 1-3 days after stopping ketamine. Physical withdrawal symptoms may include tremors, fatigue, and nausea. People may also experience insomnia, depression, delusions, hallucinations, and intense cravings.[4,5]
- Days 4-14 – Peak symptoms often subside after 3-4 days, but continued depression, anxiety, and drug cravings are common.
- 2 weeks to 28 days – After two weeks, most withdrawal symptoms will subside. However, heavy ketamine users may experience persistent depression and anxiety for several weeks.
Medically-Supervised Detox
Withdrawal can be managed by gradually reducing the amount of ketamine taken over a period of days or weeks. This approach, known as tapering, helps the body adjust to the absence of the drug more smoothly, reducing cravings and making the detox process less challenging.
In cases where long-term ketamine use has caused damage to the body, stopping the drug completely may be necessary to allow for healing. Although ketamine withdrawal typically doesn’t involve severe physical symptoms, abruptly stopping after prolonged use can lead to strong cravings and discomfort.
It’s important for individuals to seek guidance from a medical professional before beginning the detox process. Based on their assessment, the professional may recommend either tapering the dose gradually or stopping use altogether (“cold turkey”). Medications may also be prescribed to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings.
Treatment for Ketamine Addiction
After detoxing, inpatient rehabs can help individuals stay sober. A substance abuse treatment program can help those struggling with ketamine addiction develop coping skills and a plan to achieve long-term recovery.
Treatment for ketamine addiction may include:
- Inpatient residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Group and individual therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Relapse prevention
- Aftercare planning
- Support groups
Get Help Now
1st Step Behavioral Health is a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term addiction treatment facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission. We focus on the physiological rebalancing of the individual through medical, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care.
Our detox programs are tailored to individuals who are dealing with physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, where withdrawal symptoms can be both distressing and, in severe cases, potentially dangerous. We can prescribe medications that alleviate your symptoms and offer 24-hour support and supervision, ensuring your safety and comfort during the detox process. When you’re done detoxing, we’ll help you transition to the next phase of your recovery.
To learn more about our treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
References:
- National Institute of Health: Ketamine
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Ketamine
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Scheduling
- Research Gate: A case of ketamine dependence with discontinuation symptoms
- The American Journal of Psychiatry: A Potential Case of Acute Ketamine Withdrawal: Clinical Implications for the Treatment of Refractory Depression
