Ketamine is a fast-acting drug that’s used medically as an anaesthetic due to its painkilling properties. It’s also used illegally as a recreational drug, with street names like K, Vitamin K or Ket.
Ketamine is particularly popular with younger people, often due to it being cheaper than other ‘party drugs’ like cocaine or MDMA (ecstasy). Ketamine use has risen steadily, with UK government statistics showing that the number of adults entering treatment in 2022 to 2023 with ketamine abuse problems was five times higher than it was in 2014 to 2015.
Ketamine users may not realise they’ve developed an addiction. Frequent ketamine use often leads to cravings and increased tolerance, meaning that the person needs larger doses to produce the same effects. The long-term effects of ketamine on the brain and body can be severe. However, ketamine addiction is treatable with the right support.
There are several key signs that suggest you might need support for your ketamine use. Ketamine addiction symptoms can be physical, psychological and behavioural/social.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking for ongoing support, Priory offers a diverse range of specialist programmes to meet your needs whether:
Getting the right support for ketamine addiction can make a real difference to your recovery. Professional treatment can help you manage withdrawal safely and explore the underlying reasons behind your drug use.
With guidance from experienced addiction specialists, you can take steps towards lasting change. Below, we outline some of the key stages that may be involved in the treatment process:
A medically assisted detox is a crucial stage in the ketamine addiction treatment process, as it helps you to safely withdraw from the drug in a controlled and medically supervised way, with round-the-clock support.
The drug detoxification process removes all traces of ketamine from your body, while helping you to manage your withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms you experience as part of the detox process can vary depending on how much ketamine you’ve been taking and for how long.
Once you’re physically stable, you’ll be in a stronger position to continue your recovery – whether that involves ongoing therapy, further treatment, or other forms of support.
Once detox is complete, many people continue their recovery with therapy. Therapeutic support can help you manage cravings, explore any underlying issues that may be linked to your drug use, and begin to rebuild a more stable and fulfilling life.
Some of the therapies commonly used in ketamine addiction treatment include:
Treatment for ketamine addiction is available in a range of settings, depending on your individual needs and circumstances. At Priory, we offer different levels of treatment intensity, and your free addiction assessment will help us determine the most appropriate starting point for your recovery.
At Priory, every treatment journey is tailored to the individual, ensuring you receive the level of care that best suits your needs and recovery goals.
Find out more about our ketamine addiction treatment options - including programme formats, settings and pricing - on our dedicated addiction services page.
At Priory, we offer a range of treatment options for ketamine addiction, depending on your needs, preferences and the level of support required. During your free addiction assessment, we’ll help you explore the most appropriate path for your recovery.
Inpatient treatment involves staying at one of our specialist sites, where you’ll receive round-the-clock support in a comfortable, therapeutic setting. This level of care can be particularly helpful for people needing structured support and a break from everyday triggers. For those who don’t need 24-hour care, we also offer flexible therapy options that fit around your daily life.
Many of our programmes include 12 months of free aftercare following treatment, and we can also provide ongoing outpatient and digital support, where needed, to help you stay on track.
Choosing private treatment at Priory offers several benefits, including:
You can self-fund your treatment with us, or fund it through private medical insurance (PMI). Many PMI providers do cover our addiction treatment services, but what's included can vary depending on your policy. The best thing to do is check with your insurer, or simply give us a call – our team will be happy to help you understand your options.
Our free initial assessment is an opportunity to discuss your concerns with a specialist and explore the most appropriate treatment options for you or your loved one.
Free addiction treatment can be accessed through public and charitable organisations. These options include:
Whether you opt for private or free treatment for you or your loved one, seeking professional help is a vital step toward recovery. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can begin building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The length of your ketamine addiction treatment will depend on your personal situation. At Priory, we provide a range of options – from short-term detox programmes to longer inpatient stays and flexible outpatient therapy. During your free addiction assessment, we’ll work with you to understand your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to support your recovery.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms during rehab. At Priory, we offer a medically assisted detoxification process that will minimise any withdrawal symptoms and make the process as comfortable as possible.
During more intensive forms of treatment, such as inpatient rehab, it won't be possible to continue with work or study. However, less intensive options – like outpatient therapy or other flexible treatment formats – can allow you to access support while continuing with certain responsibilities.
Many of our programmes include 12 months of free aftercare, often delivered through regular group sessions, to help you stay connected and focused as you move forward. If your programme doesn’t include aftercare, there are still options available. You can continue your recovery journey through outpatient therapy or digital support, depending on what works best for you.
The first step is a free addiction assessment with a member of our addiction treatment team – you don’t need a GP referral for this. During this, we’ll be able to assess your needs and advise on next steps.
