Ketamine addiction symptoms
Recognise the signs of ketamine addiction and take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free life with our expert treatment options.
Ketamine is a powerful drug that can create a sense of detachment from reality. While it’s sometimes used for medical reasons, repeated recreational use can lead to serious effects on your mental, physical and social wellbeing.
Common symptoms can be grouped into the following categories:
Ketamine affects the nervous system, leading to a range of physical symptoms:
- Numbness and tingling: a loss of sensation, particularly in the limbs, due to ketamine’s anaesthetic properties
- Slurred speech and poor co-ordination: users may struggle to articulate words and have difficulty walking or moving
- Bladder issues: frequent urination, incontinence, and severe pain (known as ketamine bladder syndrome). Long-term use can lead to permanent bladder damage
- Fatigue and weakness: chronic exhaustion and low energy levels when not using the drug
Ketamine affects the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, leading to changes in perception, mood and cognition:
- Dissociation and detachment from reality: feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings. Some users experience hallucinations
- Memory problems: difficulty recalling events, short-term memory loss and confusion
- Paranoia and anxiety: increased feelings of fear or suspicion, often without clear reason
- Emotional instability: mood swings, sudden emotional outbursts, or feelings of depression and hopelessness, usually starting after the effects of the drug wear off
The physical and psychological effects of addiction cause changes in a person’s behaviour:
- Avoidance of responsibilities: neglecting work, school/university or daily tasks
- Secrecy and lying: hiding drug use, being evasive about activities or making excuses for behaviour changes
- Social withdrawal: isolating from friends and family, avoiding social events and using alone
- Financial instability: spending large amounts of money on ketamine, borrowing money frequently or engaging in risky behaviours to fund drug use
How to identify a problem with ketamine use
1. Ketamine abuse
Using ketamine frequently or in risky settings can indicate misuse, even without dependence. Signs include taking higher doses, using alone, or engaging in unsafe behaviours.
2. Ketamine dependence
When your body adapts to ketamine, it may start to rely on it. Signs of dependence include tolerance (needing more for the same effect), cravings, and difficulty stopping use.
3. Ketamine addiction
Addiction involves compulsive use, even when it leads to negative consequences. It reflects changes in brain chemistry and behaviour, and often requires professional intervention.
How tolerance and dependence lead to addiction
Over time, repeated ketamine use can desensitise the brain’s reward system. Tolerance builds, leading to increased use, which then reinforces compulsive patterns of behaviour and dependence. This cycle contributes to addiction.
It’s important to seek support early to interrupt this cycle and begin recovery.
Is ketamine addictive?
Yes, ketamine can be addictive. Although it may not cause strong physical withdrawal symptoms like some drugs, it can lead to psychological addiction, where a person feels a strong compulsion to use the drug repeatedly.
As tolerance develops, individuals may find themselves using ketamine more frequently or in higher doses, despite knowing the risks. This can significantly affect their health, work, and relationships.
At Priory, our addiction specialists can support you in identifying early signs of addiction and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What to do next if you recognise the signs
Talk to a professional
Priory offers a free, confidential addiction assessment. You’ll have the chance to speak with a qualified therapist who will assess your needs and recommend the next step.
Treatment options
We have a wide range of addiction treatment services at Priory, tailored to your needs and the intensity of the support you require. Treatment for ketamine addiction may include:
- Medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal
- 28-day residential rehab programme
- Evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and group therapy
- Outpatient therapy
- Online support
- 12 months of free aftercare following treatment
You can also speak to your GP, who may refer you to NHS addiction services.
FAQs
Can I quit ketamine on my own?
Quitting suddenly without support can lead to severe psychological distress, including hallucinations or suicidal thoughts. Seeking professional help makes the process safer and more effective.
Will I get withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking ketamine?
Some people experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, mood swings, cravings and loss of appetite. Medical support can help manage these symptoms safely.
How long does ketamine stay in your system?
Ketamine typically stays in your system for 2 to 4 days, but this can vary based on how much and how often you've used it. It may be detectable in urine for up to 14 days in heavy users. If you're unsure how ketamine is affecting you, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional.
Can ketamine cause long-term health problems?
Yes, regular ketamine use can cause serious long-term health issues. These may include bladder damage (ketamine bladder syndrome), liver dysfunction, memory problems, and persistent anxiety or depression. These risks increase with prolonged or high-dose use.
Is ketamine addiction treatable?
Yes, ketamine addiction is treatable with the right support. At Priory, we offer a range of evidence-based programmes for ketamine addiction treatment. Many people go on to live fulfilling, addiction-free lives with the right help.
Can ketamine use affect mental health?
Ketamine can significantly impact mental health, especially when used frequently. It has been linked to depression, anxiety, hallucinations and symptoms similar to psychosis. These effects may worsen over time without intervention, making early support essential.
