Is Ketamine Addictive? 11 Clinicians and Doctors Weigh In

Kendall Miller, CRNA, BLS, ACLS, is a skilled nurse anesthetist at Healing Ketamine in Orem, Utah. He’s been practicing anesthesia in various settings for more than 20 years. A joint initiative by NSW Health and St Vincent’s Alcohol and Drug Information Service.

Ajona Olsen, MSN, APRN, ANP-C – Daytryp Health

Tolerance increases and ketamine addiction the user needs higher doses to achieve the same effects, which further desensitises the brain’s reward system. While abuse is thought to be less severe than addiction, in reality, long-term use of controlled drugs can be equally harmful to your health. The high felt initially becomes much less intense and you may need to take more of the drug to try and achieve the same feeling. When in such a situation, it is highly recommended to undergo Ketamine detox treatment/medically assisted withdrawal protocols which may also include medications that support and enhance bladder and kidney function. More research on how ketamine affects addiction is needed, but it may change how your brain deals with cravings, motivation to quit a drug, and controlling behavioral reactions.

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• In the meantime, no one yet knows what the long-term effects will be for children who start taking ketamine at 12, 13 or 14.
• Hospitalization may sometimes be required to manage serious withdrawal symptoms.

Adi Jaffe, Ph.D., is an expert in mental health, addiction, and personal transformation and the author of The Abstinence Myth and Unhooked. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Ketamine, as an intravenous (IV) anesthetic, has been used medically for sedation since 1970. It is also known as a veterinary medicine and animal tranquilizer and has gained popularity as a party drug because of the sense of the euphoria and sense of disconnection it creates in the user. Having a family member, friend or colleague who is in denial about a ketamine addiction can be a very isolating experience.

• Ketamine also causes long-term damage to the bladder and urinary tract that can result in a condition known as ketamine bladder syndrome.
• This procedure will not completely reverse the damage inflicted by Ryan’s previous addiction to the Class B drug, but it will help him manage the symptoms.
• From mood swings and anxiety to teary comedowns, ketamine can cause immediate changes to our mental health.
• While ketamine overdoses are not strongly linked to death, consuming large amounts of this drug can be fatal.

Because it’s an anesthetic, it can reduce physical sensations and induce temporary paralysis, so the user is awake but unable to move his or her limbs or even talk. Addiction can negatively impact quality of life, physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. If you think you may have a ketamine addiction, reaching out for help is not a weakness. Getting support from friends, family, and professional facilities can assist you in overcoming your addiction and living your life free of substances. There are different ways to identify a person the signs of a potential ketamine addiction. We’ll be examining the symptoms to look out for, and factors that can increase the risk of developing a dependence or addiction to ketamine.

Dr. Christopher Romig – ARK Integrative Medicine

A total of 45 respondents completed the survey, including 16 respondents from Canada and 29 respondents from the United States. Prescribers noted a variable number of years in clinical practice with the largest category of ketamine prescribers having over 30 years in clinical practice. First used during surgery and then popular in the party scene, it is now showing promise for helping to treat alcohol addiction and mental health conditions. But while its addictive properties aren’t identical to other party drugs like cocaine and MDMA, ketamine can still be psychologically addictive, especially when it comes to frequent and long-term use. Here, we asked psychiatrist Dr Catherine Carney, who treats patients for ketamine addiction at Delamere, to explain everything you need to know about the Class B drug and its risks. These include Prof Ralphs, who observes that the 2014 shift from Class C to Class B has not prevented the recent rise in usage among young people.

Ketamine Medical Uses

Addiction to substances such as ketamine is characterized by an inability to stop despite negative consequences, preoccupation with the substance, and disruptions that interfere with important aspects of life. When people try to stop using ketamine, they may also experience symptoms of withdrawal. While ketamine overdoses are not strongly linked to death, consuming large amounts of this drug can be fatal. Ketamine addiction also makes it difficult for people to function as they normally do in their daily life and activities. If substance misuse disrupts work, school, and personal relationships, it can indicate a ketamine addiction. A significant limitation to interpreting results is the low response rate to the survey.

Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

One market report estimated that the ketamine industry was worth nearly $3.5 billion in 2023. Outside the clinic, the drug is reportedly popular among Silicon Valley’s tech elite, and a feature at some wellness retreats, including those for leadership development, corporate team building, or couples counseling. Ketamine users need more ketamine to obtain the same effect, and they also report “K cramps,” severe abdominal pain in classic withdrawal symptoms of addiction.

• Sings of dependence include needing more ketamine to achieve the same effect (tolerance) and experiencing cravings and discomfort without it.
• Dr. Christopher Romig M.D., is the owner, founder and medical director of Ark Integrative Medicine and Therapeutics.
• These include Prof Ralphs, who observes that the 2014 shift from Class C to Class B has not prevented the recent rise in usage among young people.
• His unique approach is influenced by over 20 years of intensive study and meditation within the Buddhist community.
• Among the non-parenteral routes, SL administration was most popular (33), followed by IN (14), and PO (8).
• Ketamine (often called “K,” “Special K,” or “Vitamin K”) is a potent dissociative anesthetic, meaning it provides feelings of detachment from one’s body.

Make sure you are as informed as possible before starting any new therapy. If you are worried about the possibility of getting addicted to ketamine following treatment, you can ease your concerns by getting as many professional opinions as you can. You should find a ketamine clinic where you can have an in-depth consultation before signing up for any treatment plan. The psychiatrist you meet should be willing to discuss risks like addiction in a comprehensive manner, as well as highlight how they work to minimize these risks.

UKAT aspires to deliver the highest quality care across all our centres and clinics. Our commitment to quality includes the information we publish on our website. Whether you have been abusing ketamine for a short time or are battling a long-withstanding addiction, it is never too late to seek help for your dependence.