Ketamine Addiction & Abuse

Similarly, depression has been shown to have aberrant glutamate signaling (10–12). Ketamine is a potent, non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist which has been widely used in conjunction with general anesthesia following FDA approval in the U.S. in 1970. More recently, ketamine has been shown in two meta-analyses to induce ultra-rapid remission of severe depression and suicidal ideation using sub-anesthetic dosages (13–15). This anti-depressant effect is hypothesized to result from improved prefrontal cortex glutamate homeostasis (16). These changes ultimately produce synaptic improvements such as structurally increased spine density at synaptic proteins (17). These effects may improve ability to learn new behaviors (18) and may be beneficial in the treatment of SUDs.

What to Expect During Detoxification

The intensity of hallucinations experienced on ketamine will vary based on the amount taken, the health of the person using ketamine, and other variables. To fatally overdose on ketamine alone, it would take approximately 6 to 10 times the amount used to help assist during surgical procedures. Some people mix cocaine and ketamine, often referred to as Calvin Klein or CK Blend. This is a widely used party drug and is often snorted to produce hallucinations and euphoria. Ketamine is particularly dangerous when mixed with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or tranquilizers, as it may lead to slowed https://ecosoberhouse.com/ breathing, decreased heart function, and coma. Falling into a k-hole usually only lasts a short period of time, but some people continue to feel disconnected from the world afterward and may exhibit ongoing signs of psychosis.

Treatments for Ketamine Dependence: A Path to Recovery

Dylan Beynon, the founder of the ketamine telemedicine company Mindbloom, recently wrote on X, “Ketamine is not physically addictive. In the United Kingdom, where health data are more centralized, more than 2,000 people sought treatment for ketamine addiction in 2023. More to the point, ketamine’s most dramatic risks depend on simply how much ketamine a person takes, and for how long. The causes of ketamine addiction involve a mix of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

The Negative Effects of Ketamine Addiction

While ketamine has been used clinically over the past decades, it has only been recently shown to be a promising therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, ketamine and related dissociative agents may also be misused recreationally, creating significant concerns for abuse liability when prescribed for depression. Although the abuse potential of ketamine is widely recognized, there is limited evidence on the differential abuse liability of ketamine enantiomers, (S)-ketamine and (R)-ketamine. The current scoping review aims to summarize the extant literature on the abuse liability of (R,S)-ketamine and the enantiomers.

• Increasing numbers of ketamine users are asking if they may be addicted to ketamine.
• The risk for overdose is high for recreational users, especially as they develop a tolerance and begin increasing their dosage.
• It has also been implicated for the treatment of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia, treatment of depression, and treatment of addiction—although ketamine itself is a commonly misused drug.
• Medical supervision during detox is crucial to manage these symptoms safely and effectively.

You’ll still experience psychological cravings, often for many months after you quit, but the severity of your cravings will diminish, and your physical withdrawal symptoms should disappear altogether. Due to the unpredictable nature of ketamine, it is difficult for the user to gauge how much is too much. Sometimes an overdose can occur after a small dose of ketamine, especially if other drugs or alcohol have also been ingested.

Monitoring includes the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, as ketamine can potentially cause cardiopulmonary compromise, especially when taken in combination with other drugs. If the patient vomits, the patient should be positioned to lean forward or lie on the left side with the head facing down to avoid airway compromise and aspiration. The patient’s vital signs, especially temperature, should also be monitored for other symptoms, especially hyperthermia. If the patient develops severe symptoms or complications, the patient should be placed on a monitor and admitted for observation.

• The more they use, the more intense these symptoms will be with overwhelming cravings and physical symptoms becoming more prevalent over time.
• These factors include genetic predispositions, neurochemical changes, and alterations in brain function that make some individuals more vulnerable to dependency.
• This dependency arises when users rely on ketamine’s dissociative effects to cope with stress or avoid emotional discomfort, reinforcing compulsive use patterns.
• Additional research into how ketamine affects behavior and motivations is required before it can be used regularly for addiction treatment.

Is Ketamine Addictive When Used for Depression?

The hallucinations typically last 30 to 60 minutes when introduced intravenously or intramuscularly, though effects can linger one to two hours or longer. After the peak, users may feel disoriented, with effects gradually diminishing. No medications have been FDA-approved to treat ketamine addiction, but doctors may prescribe other medications to help treat co-occurring mental health conditions. Hospitalization may sometimes be required ketamine dependence to manage serious withdrawal symptoms.

• Low-dose ketamine, often administered in doses ranging from 0.1 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg, is commonly used for conditions like depression and pain management.
• Mortality rates have risen to epidemic proportions in some countries due to increasing prevalence of opioid use.
• Treatment for ketamine addiction often involves some type of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, family therapy, or group therapy.
• All authors discussed the results, reviewed the manuscript, and helped with the final writing.

This lack of group differences may be related to initial opioid antagonist treatment in both groups or to administration of ketamine while the participants were unconscious. The ketamine withdrawal timeline depends on factors like frequency of use, dosage and a person’s overall individual health. Ketamine doesn’t always lead to the same intense physical withdrawal symptoms as other drugs, but it can lead to significant psychological challenges. Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning it has a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.

What is the Cause of Ketamine Withdrawal?

Detoxification, commonly known as detox, refers to the physiological process of eliminating harmful substances from the body. It is the initial step in overcoming addiction and paving the way for a healthier, substance-free life. During detoxification, the body works to metabolize and eliminate the toxins accumulated from prolonged substance abuse. This is typically the peak of ketamine withdrawal, with symptoms becoming more intense. Common issues during this period include severe mood swings, depression, low energy and fatigue.

Ketamine’s Subjective Effects

Ketamine has a unique mood controlling property and a number of studies have demonstrated a significant and rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine. However, the therapeutic value of ketamine to treat psychiatric disorders faces a major challenge that ketamine also owns significant reinforcing and toxic effects. Substance abuse Disrupted learning and memory processing has long been related with ketamine use.

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