Ketamine Detox and Withdrawal

When someone excessively abuses Ketamine, this can quickly lead to ketamine addiction. As your tolerance to the drug increases, you will need to start consuming it more often and in higher doses, until you no longer have control over your substance abuse.

When you stop using the drug, this is where you will start to experience some very negative ketamine withdrawal symptoms.

These withdrawal symptoms occur due to the Ketamine altering the opioid receptors within your brain. The psychological withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous, one of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms being intense depression. This can lead to a much higher risk of suicide.

If you are struggling with ketamine addiction or if you know someone who may have a drug addiction, get in touch with us today. We are here to help you and will happily answer any questions you may have and give you the advice you need to start your recovery journey. Below, we will provide some in-depth information about ketamine addictions, withdrawals, and ketamine detox programmes.

 

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Signs of Ketamine Addiction

Everyone is different, so the signs and symptoms of a ketamine addiction will vary depending on the person. Other factors that can affect the signs and symptoms are the amount of ketamine consumed and the environment in which it is consumed. When ketamine starts to leave your system, you will experience intense cravings for the drug. This is when the signs and symptoms of ketamine addiction become much clearer.

In addition to consuming ketamine regularly, there are some other signs and symptoms that you or someone you know may be suffering from an addiction to ketamine. These are listed below:

Psychological Symptoms

  • Increased mental health problems such as depression and anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Paranoia and fear
  • Visual or auditory hallucinations
  • Memory loss
  • A distorted perception of space, time and reality
  • Taking more risks
  • Euphoria
  • Going into a trance-like state

Behavioural and Social Symptoms

  • Using ketamine regularly
  • Mixing ketamine with other drugs
  • Feeling like you can’t stop taking ketamine
  • Prioritising ketamine over everything else
  • Consuming ketamine to try to relieve stress
  • Relationships breaking down
  • Money problems or poor performance at work
  • Being secretive, defensive, or secretive about your ketamine use
  • Neglecting work or other responsibilities due to being high on the drug
  • Loved ones notice a huge change in your behaviour
  • Stealing things or selling valuables to pay for the addiction

Physical Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction

  • Tiredness
  • An inability to feel pain
  • Increased heart rate
  • Finding that you have built a tolerance to the drug
  • Experiencing negative withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking ketamine
  • Difficulty with breathing
  • Loss of motor control or paralysis
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Overdosing (which could be fatal)

What is Ketamine Withdrawal?

Ketamine withdrawal is the process of removing ketamine (also known as ket, K or special K) from the body. Withdrawal symptoms become present during this phase as the body’s tolerance readjusts without the drug.

Attending a ketamine rehab centre is highly beneficial for ket withdrawal, as you are surrounded by medical professionals who understand addiction and know how to help throughout the withdrawal phase. For any questions about ketamine detox and withdrawal, please call today on 0800 470 0382.

What is the Ketamine Detox Process?

You should never try to detox from ketamine or any other drugs on your own at home. This is because the withdrawal symptoms can be very intense and sometimes fatal, so home detox can be dangerous to do alone. With this in mind, you should always have medical assistance when detoxing from ketamine.

When you go through medical detox, you will be monitored on a 24/7 basis. This is the safest way to detox from ketamine. The medical professionals will be on hand constantly to make you feel as comfortable as possible. They will also ensure that you remain as safe as possible throughout the process.

It could be very dangerous if you don’t have this type of medical help during the detox. When you detox in a residential rehab setting, the medical professional may provide prescription medications to help you get through your withdrawal symptoms safely and in the most comfortable way possible.

Ketamine detox typically lasts between 5-10 days, but depends on your personal addiction, tolerance, age, weight, addiction history and whether you have any other drug or alcohol addictions.

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms

There are several withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced during ketamine withdrawal. These will usually range from person to person.

Below is a list of the psychological and physical symptoms of ketamine withdrawal:

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Acute anxiety and depression
  • Feeling suicidal
  • Irritability
  • Self-harming
  • Aggressive behaviours
  • Insomnia
  • Panic attacks
  • Aggressive behaviours
  • Psychotic episodes
  • Paranoia

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Bladder pain
  • Impaired vision
  • Stomach cramps
  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Intense cravings for ketamine
  • Lack of coordination or motor skills

As you can see, ketamine withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable. However, when you break through to the other side, you will be much happier and healthier without all the negatives of addiction. Consider attending a private rehab for detox treatment.

 Start Detox Treatment for Ketamine Addiction

Do you feel like you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction to ketamine? If so, it’s important to reach out for the help you need as soon as possible. The longer you leave an addiction without treatment, the worse the addiction is going to become. This is why you should seek help as soon as you realise addiction is present.

If you want to find out more about rehab treatments or if you have any questions about the treatments or rehab, get in touch with us today. Our friendly, happy team is on hand to provide you with all the advice you need to start your recovery journey today.

If you’re ready to make changes in your life and are committed to recovery, rehab is definitely for you. Why not pick up the phone and take that first step towards recovery? This may be the most important phone call you ever make. Contact us on 0800 470 0382.

Dr Alexander Lapa - Psychiatrist & Clinical Reviewer for Rehab Clinics Group

Dr Alexander Lapa - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: June 14, 2023

MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified

Dr Lapa graduated in Medicine in 2000 and since this time has accrued much experience working in the widest range of psychiatric settings with differing illness presentations and backgrounds in inpatient, community and secure settings. This has been aligned to continuation of professional development at postgraduate level in clinical research which has been very closely related to the everyday clinical practice conducted by this practitioner as a NHS and Private Psychiatrist.
He is fully indemnified by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) and MIAB Expert Insurance for Psychiatric and Private Medical practice. He is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK with a licence to practice.

Dr Lapa is approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act (1983)

Member of Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), British Association for Psychopharmacology (BMA) and The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)

Dr Lapa’s extensive experience has also concentrated on the following areas of clinical practice:
– Assessment, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment for Adults with ADHD.
– Drug and Alcohol Dependency and maintaining abstinence and continued recovery
– Intravenous and Intramuscular Vitamin and Mineral Infusion Therapy
– Dietary and Weight Management and thorough care from assessment to treatment to end goals and maintenance
– Aesthetic Practice and Procedures