Ketamine Addiction: Definition, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

Bias could play a role, since the 5 studies by Liao et al. (2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018) were based on the same sample. For that reason, we compared the results if four of these five studies were left out of the analysis, to the situation in which all five studies were included. Ketamine is a compound with many potential benefits for the treatment of mental disorders as well as many risks, making it a “hot topic” in the field of psychiatry. Ketamine was first used in medical procedures for mixing suboxone with alcohol anesthesia in the 1960s.

As a drug of abuse

While users report feeling complete bliss on ketamine, consuming high amounts of this drug can produce effects similar to a near-death experience. While ketamine isn’t the most fatal of substances when used alone, developing an addiction to this drug can greatly affect quality of life. Millions of Americans are self medicating with alcohol, and others increasingly with marijuana, and so on, all the time. I certainly think clinicians and patients should be talking about these things.

As is often the case, enthusiasm and marketing have gotten ahead of the evidence. If you or someone you love is struggling with ketamine misuse or another substance use disorder, call to speak to a treatment navigator. There are potential short- and long-term negative health effects related to ketamine use. These depend on how much ketamine someone takes, whether it is taken with other drugs, and how often or how long ketamine is used.

1. However, doctors sometimes prescribe it for “off-label” uses, such as depression.
2. Therefore, the different functional connectivity patterns could in part be caused or influenced by the direct, short term effects of ketamine.
3. There’s one other actor in this play that’s important to mention, which is esketamine.
4. When higher doses of ketamine are abused, or during emergence, it is reported to produce vivid dreams and an “out-of-body”, “K-hole” or “near-death” hallucinogenic experience, often reported as terrifying (similar to bad LSD trip).
5. While users report feeling complete bliss on ketamine, consuming high amounts of this drug can produce effects similar to a near-death experience.

Ketamine Slang Terms

Treatment for ketamine addiction often involves some type of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, family therapy, or group good sobriety gifts therapy. Addiction to substances such as ketamine is characterized by an inability to stop despite negative consequences, preoccupation with the substance, and disruptions that interfere with important aspects of life. When people try to stop using ketamine, they may also experience symptoms of withdrawal. Because ketamine is consumed in liquid and powder form, or mixed in these forms with other stimulants—there is a high chance that a person using this drug has little to no idea of how much is being consumed. Coupled with its ability to produce an out-of-body experience, this drug can cause visual and auditory perceptual changes.

Could ketamine be a treatment for addiction?

It has also joined the ranks of GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) as a date rape drug. Ketamine is a drug gaining fast notoriety with America’s young population. In 2020, 1.3% of 12th graders were found to have misused the drug for recreational purposes—this number was at 0.7% only a year prior.

In contrast, no recreational use of the drug is safe, as it can cause addiction and adverse health effects that can lead to death. Some studies suggest the drug may have other medical uses, but more research is necessary to prove its safety and effectiveness in these areas. It is important to note that ketamine is no longer safe when individuals take it inappropriately. The danger increases with regular use since it can harm health and other aspects of life. Keep reading to learn more about the uses, side effects, and risks of ketamine, as well as its interactions with alcohol and other drugs.

It may be mixed with something relatively harmless like talcum powder or sugar, or it could be combined with something more dangerous like acetaminophen or drain cleaner. The emergency and referral resources listed above are available to individuals located in the United States and are not operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA is a biomedical research organization and does not provide personalized medical advice, treatment, counseling, or legal consultation. Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation. There have been reports of veterinary offices being robbed for their ketamine stock. Also, according to the DEA, a major U.S. source of the illicit drug arrives across the border from Mexico.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, when injected, lethal doses of ketamine begin around 11 mg/kg of body weight. Ketamine can be dangerous, particularly when combined with other substances. It is largely non-fatal when used alone—there is little on record of a lethal dose fun substance abuse group activities of this drug in humans. However, this drug can be fatal because it is usually combined with other substances like alcohol (which also has sedative effects) or hallucinogens like LSD and PCP. Because of its addictive nature, this drug is more commonly used in veterinary clinics to sedate animals. Ketamine is available as an injectable liquid but is also abused in powder form.