What is Ketamine?
Before diving into ketamine withdrawal, let’s first understand what ketamine actually is. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for anesthesia and pain relief. It’s also sometimes used in mental health treatment to manage depression when other medications aren’t effective. However, ketamine is also widely misused for its hallucinogenic effects. Recreational users often take it for its ability to produce feelings of detachment from reality, altered perceptions, and a sense of euphoria.
But here’s the thing: While it’s effective in controlled environments, its psychoactive properties make it a drug with a high potential for misuse and dependence.
How Harmful is Ketamine Compared to Other Drugs?
When we compare ketamine to other drugs, especially opioids like morphine or fentanyl, it’s important to look at the overall effects on the body and potential for addiction. Ketamine is less likely to cause fatal overdose than opioids. However, long-term misuse can have serious consequences—from cognitive deficits to organ damage.
Ketamine doesn’t just impact the body’s physical health; it has mental health effects as well. Chronic use can lead to problems with memory, mood disorders, and mental confusion. While it’s not as dangerous as fentanyl in terms of fatality, the long-term psychological effects of ketamine can be severe and last long after you’ve stopped using the drug.
What is it Like to be Addicted to Ketamine?
Addiction to ketamine is a complicated mix of physical and psychological dependence. Here’s the truth: it’s not just about using the drug for a good time—it becomes about the need to keep chasing that feeling of dissociation and detachment from reality.
People addicted to ketamine may feel like they can’t function properly without it. It might start with occasional use, but over time, it becomes more frequent, with increased dosages to achieve the same effect. Addiction often leads to intense cravings and a loss of control, meaning you might find yourself using ketamine despite the harm it’s causing.
What Are the Signs of Ketamine Addiction?
The signs of ketamine addiction are both physical and behavioral. Here are some common warning signs:
- Increased Tolerance: Needing more ketamine to feel the same effects.
- Frequent Usage: Taking ketamine more often than intended.
- Mood Swings: Extreme highs and lows as the drug wears off.
- Memory Issues: Forgetfulness or a sense of mental fog.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling irritable, anxious, or unwell when not using ketamine.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Disinterest in work, school, or relationships.
- Physical Harm: Experiencing injuries or health problems from ketamine use, like bladder issues.
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it’s crucial to seek help.
Why Would Anyone Take Ketamine?
You might be wondering, why would anyone take ketamine in the first place? For many, it’s about escaping reality. Ketamine is a powerful dissociative that creates feelings of detachment from the world around you, which can be appealing to someone trying to avoid stress, emotional pain, or mental health struggles like depression.
In a medical setting, it’s used to treat severe depression, especially in people who haven’t responded to other treatments. But outside of that, some people may misuse it for euphoric effects or for its ability to induce hallucinations. While it may seem appealing at first, the potential for addiction and harmful consequences is high.
What Are the Symptoms of a Ketamine Hangover?
Ketamine hangovers are not like traditional hangovers from alcohol, but they can still be rough. After the effects of the drug wear off, you might experience:
- Fatigue: Feeling physically and mentally drained, like you’ve run a marathon.
- Confusion: Mental fog or difficulty thinking clearly.
- Mood Swings: Sudden shifts between depression and irritability.
- Disorientation: Feeling “off” or disconnected from reality, similar to the effects of the drug but less intense.
- Headaches: The residual effects of the drug can cause lingering head pain.
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on how much ketamine you took and how often you use it.
How Does Ketamine Compare to Morphine or Fentanyl?
While ketamine withdrawal is different from the withdrawal you’d experience from opioids like morphine or fentanyl, these substances do have some similarities and key differences:
- Fentanyl and morphine are both opioids, which have a high potential for fatal overdose due to respiratory depression. In contrast, ketamine’s overdose risk is relatively lower, but psychological addiction is a big concern.
- Withdrawal from opioids typically involves severe physical symptoms like sweating, chills, muscle aches, and more. Ketamine withdrawal, on the other hand, leans more heavily on psychological symptoms, like anxiety, cravings, and depression.
- Both drugs alter the way your brain processes signals, but ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, while opioids like fentanyl are narcotics. This means the effects on perception and physical sensations are quite different.
Even though ketamine is less physically dangerous than opioids, long-term misuse can lead to devastating mental health effects, so it’s critical to seek professional help if you’re struggling with withdrawal.
How Ketamine Withdrawal Affects You
If you’re dealing with ketamine withdrawal, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of discomfort and confusion. While the physical symptoms may be milder compared to other substances, the psychological and emotional impacts are real.
Ketamine withdrawal can affect you in different ways:
- Fatigue and brain fog can make it hard to get through the day.
- Mood swings and depression might intensify the struggle.
- Intense cravings can make you want to return to using ketamine for relief.
But don’t worry—there is help. You don’t have to face this alone. Let’s explore how to find the support you need.
How to Find Help During Ketamine Withdrawal
Whether you’re looking for medical help, therapy, or support groups, there are resources to guide you through ketamine withdrawal.
- Seek Professional Medical Help: A doctor can provide you with the necessary tools to manage the symptoms. Sometimes medications can help with the anxiety or depression that can come with withdrawal.
- Therapy: Working with a therapist who specializes in addiction or substance use can help you understand your cravings and address the emotional challenges that come with recovery.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly helpful. Whether online or in-person, support groups give you a sense of community and encouragement during tough times.
FAQs About Ketamine Withdrawal
What are the main symptoms of ketamine withdrawal?
Ketamine withdrawal typically includes fatigue, anxiety, depression, confusion, and cravings.
How long does ketamine withdrawal last?
The acute withdrawal phase lasts around 2-3 days, but emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression can last for weeks.
Can ketamine withdrawal be dangerous?
Ketamine withdrawal is generally not physically dangerous, but the psychological symptoms can be intense and difficult to handle without support.
How can therapy help with ketamine withdrawal?
Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help address the mental and emotional aspects of withdrawal, such as depression and anxiety.
Is it possible to quit ketamine on your own?
While some people may be able to quit without help, seeking professional support increases your chances of successfully managing withdrawal and staying sober.
What’s the best way to prevent a relapse?
Prevent relapse by building a support network, staying active, keeping up with therapy, and practicing good self-care.
Conclusion
Ketamine withdrawal can be tough, but with the right tools and support, you can overcome it. Whether you’re going through withdrawal yourself or supporting a loved one, remember that help is available. Reach out to a healthcare provider, join a support group, and take steps toward recovery. It may not be easy, but it is absolutely possible.
Explore the 12 Traditions of AA or learn about creating a supportive recovery environment in a sober house. If you’re looking for professional insights, check out SAMHSA’s tips for recovery, a trusted resource for anyone navigating this path.
