What Ketamine Does to the Human Brain

The progression from occasional use to addiction can happen quickly with ketamine. Some individuals develop dependence within weeks of regular use, particularly when using high doses or combining ketamine with other substances. Ketamine is increasingly used as an antidepressant, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression—those who have not responded to traditional therapies. In these cases, ketamine provides rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within hours, by affecting the brain’s glutamate system.

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It’s considered a club drug because people often take it at nightclubs, bars, parties or music festivals. Even if you’ve had positive experiences, a slight increase in dosage can be the difference between a good time and a dangerous situation. If you or a loved one are exhibiting these signs, get medical intervention immediately. The quicker you act, the quicker you can address the addiction and start treatment. Remember to follow all your doctor’s instructions so you can avoid withdrawal.

Slowly infused doses of ketamine help people avoid the euphoric high that may result from recreational use of the drug. If a person becomes psychologically addicted to ketamine, they may eventually develop a tolerance, particularly after prolonged misuse. When misused, ketamine can be addictive and produce serious and life-threatening side effects. While it can be used safely in medical settings, ketamine has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Our treatment services are catered toward discovering and implementing solutions for sustained, long-term recovery. With the love and support of your family, and loved ones, we make sure to treat your addiction by understanding the root reasons behind it.

Cognitive and Psychological Consequences

Trevor J. Bidstrup is a leading specialized mental health counselor (LPC, LMHC) with an MA and deep expertise in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). His experience as a KAP Director, treating over 100 individuals, and leadership roles in ASKP3 and Professional Psychedelic Providers Association establish his significant authority and expertise. No, low-dose ketamine is not considered addictive when used in controlled therapeutic settings, but it still carries some risk of dependency. 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.

• If you’re ready to take the first step or want to learn more about options for yourself or a loved one, contact a treatment provider or explore our rehab directory to get started today.
• These centers offer specialized support to help you navigate withdrawal, develop coping skills, and build a fulfilling life beyond ketamine use—because you deserve the chance to reclaim your health and well-being.
• People who misuse ketamine enjoy this state of detachment and often feel like they’re floating.
• Polydrug use involving ketamine also raises the risk of urinary tract and gastrointestinal problems, memory loss, and impaired motor function.

Q: Do I need medical supervision for ketamine withdrawal and detox?

The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies ketamine as a Schedule III controlled substance because it has medical use and a moderate potential for abuse. Schedule III drugs also have a risk of causing physical or psychological dependence. Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning it has a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Although ketamine addiction is less common compared to other substance use disorders, it can still happen. As a recognized “party drug” or “club drug,” ketamine is often used and mixed with alcohol and other substances.

• Recovery lasts 1 to 2 weeks, with medical supervision minimizing withdrawal risks depending on the severity of the addiction.
• Typically, only supportive care is necessary for patients with ketamine toxicity.
• The drug’s impact on the brain manifests as “brain fog,” memory lapses, difficulty recalling words, and impaired judgment.

The drug’s relatively short duration of action can lead to repeated dosing throughout a single session, increasing the risk of overdose and addiction. Ketamine troches are dissolvable tablets typically prescribed for conditions like chronic pain or depression, allowing for sublingual (under the tongue) administration. This method delivers ketamine more gradually into the bloodstream compared to intravenous or intranasal forms.

Some people find that the mental and emotional aspects of ketamine withdrawal9 hit harder than the physical symptoms. Feeling down and fighting those persistent cravings can be especially challenging. Not everyone who uses ketamine will develop a drug addiction, but regular use can make you dependent. Spotting the signs of ketamine addiction early can help you recognize when casual use has crossed into problematic territory. Researched, fact-checked and transparent articles and guides that offer addiction and mental health insight from experts and treatment professionals. Recognising the signs of ketamine addiction is crucial for seeking help as soon as possible.

Ketamine Abuse

Some symptoms, like cravings or depression, persist for months, depending on the severity of the addiction and individual factors. When choosing a treatment facility, it’s important to consider factors like the availability of medical professionals, evidence-based therapies, and the individual’s specific needs. Consulting with healthcare providers or addiction specialists helps determine the best course of action for recovery.

The Grove Estate is an approved provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna, while also accepting many other major insurance carriers. Joining groups like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery provides ongoing encouragement and accountability when formal treatment ends. One of my best friends was stuck on ketamine and he was about to have a kid and he had to get off of it before he had a kid and he was struggling really hard. Accurate, complete profiles best connect you with the right people for your services.

• However, physical withdrawal symptoms from ketamine are milder compared to those from opioids or alcohol.
• It’s considered a club drug because people often take it at nightclubs, bars, parties or music festivals.
• On another, she had an invasive kidney procedure with no anaesthetic, because doctors were concerned about giving her pain relief due to her ketamine use.
• Drug detox treatments for ketamine can be safely conducted in an inpatient or residential rehab setting where patients can be monitored 24/7 by medical staff who can reduce complications.
• This combination precipitates hazardous drowsiness, loss of coordination, and impaired cognitive function, elevating the risk of accidents or injuries.

Reach out to us today to take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future. Imagine finding yourself lost in a bewildering labyrinth, where the walls are constantly shifting and your sense of reality is distorted. Ketamine addiction can feel like this disorienting maze, ensnaring those who succumb to its deceptive allure. Defined as the compulsive use of ketamine despite the harm it is doing to your life, ketamine addiction can seem like an impossible situation to escape. However, there is professional help available that can aid you in navigating the complexities of ketamine abuse, guiding you towards a path of healing and self-discovery. Treatment programs are available that offer safe and non-judgmental environments to support recovery.

• If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to approach the person with care and concern and seek professional ketamine addiction treatment.
• The shift from abuse to addiction is often gradual as the brain becomes dependent on ketamine.
• This approach is particularly important for individuals with OCD or other mental health conditions who may have started using ketamine as self-medication.
• Psychological factors, such as using ketamine to escape stress or emotional pain, also play a significant role in increasing the risk of dependency.
• Socially, ketamine addiction disrupts relationships and causes financial problems due to the need for increasing doses.

Young adults aged 18–25 remain the highest-risk demographic, with 1.8% reporting past-year usage, according to national surveys. These figures suggest ketamine is gaining traction among younger generations. For example, someone might use ketamine monthly at parties but easily quit during busy work periods. These administration methods all carry significant medical risks that escalate with frequent use. Street ketamine is risky due to its unknown purity, often cut with fentanyl, caffeine, or opioids that raise overdose danger. Dependence often requires professional help, as the brain begins relying on ketamine to regulate mood and stress.

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We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Injecting ketamine involves using a liquid form of ketamine and injecting Twelve-step program the drug into a vein or muscle (intramuscular) using a syringe and needle. Plugging ketamine is accomplished by inserting the drug into the anus using a syringe or other object.