Ketamine is a highly addictive prescription drug. Doctors use ketamine to provide anesthesia during medical procedures. However, people may abuse it for its dissociative, sedating effects. Abusing ketamine can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

It is critical to recognize the symptoms of ketamine abuse and seek treatment right away. Treatment for ketamine addiction typically includes medical detox and inpatient rehab programs. These programs can help people manage withdrawal from ketamine safely.

This article will explore ketamine withdrawal. You will learn:

If you or someone you love struggles with ketamine abuse or addiction, find treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved prescription anesthetic drug. Doctors and veterinarians use ketamine as anesthesia during surgeries and other medical procedures.

Recently, researchers have begun to explore other uses for ketamine, including:

• Relieving chronic pain
• Treating treatment-resistant depression
• Treating anxiety
• Treating bipolar disorder

People sometimes abuse ketamine for its sedative and dissociative effects. Abusing ketamine can cause serious physical and mental health complications. Over time, ketamine abuse can lead to a life-threatening addiction that requires comprehensive treatment and ongoing support.

Understanding Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Long-term ketamine abuse can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, including:

• Chronic abdominal pain
• Severe long-term memory loss
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Kidney damage

Those who use ketamine may develop mental and physical symptoms of addiction after a prolonged period of abuse, including:

• Needing to use more to get the desired effects (tolerance)
• Having withdrawal symptoms after stopping ketamine use
• Cravings for ketamine
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting and using ketamine

People may develop physical dependence on ketamine after a prolonged period of abuse. If someone with ketamine addiction stops taking the drug, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Elevated heart rate
• Heart palpitations
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Cravings
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Elevated body temperature
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Anxiety

These symptoms can make people very uncomfortable. Many people find detoxing from ketamine very challenging. Most people relapse unless they have medical support and supervision.

Ketamine users must seek treatment to help them manage the dangerous physical withdrawal symptoms and remain focused on detox.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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The Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline

Many factors can affect acute withdrawal symptoms during ketamine detox. However, withdrawal symptoms may follow a timeline.

Understanding what happens during each stage of detox may help people stay on track in their recovery. Here is an overview of the ketamine withdrawal timeline.

First 24 hours

Common ketamine withdrawal symptoms may develop within the first 24 hours after someone stops using it. People may experience emotional symptoms, including depression and suicidal ideation. Medical supervision and treatment are essential during the early stages of detox.

First two weeks

Physical and psychological symptoms may worsen during the first two weeks of detox. People may feel very uncomfortable and are at high risk of relapse.

A medically-supported detox program can ensure people’s safety throughout the detox process. Medical treatment and emotional support can help people reduce withdrawal symptoms and remain on track in recovery.

A ketamine detox program may include:

• 24/7 supervision and access to treatment
• Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual and group counseling
• Holistic therapies like nutrition support, exercise, yoga, and mindfulness
• A safe, supportive environment

Treatment and support during detox reduce the risk of complications and increase a person’s likelihood of success. This foundation of support can help people begin working toward lifelong recovery.

30 days

Cravings and physical symptoms may linger for a month or even longer after people stop using ketamine. After completing detox, ongoing treatment and support are critical to help people avoid relapse.

Comprehensive addiction treatment programs help people identify and treat the complex roots of their addictions. Treatment plans may include:

• Medical care and medication management
• Mental health treatment
• Relapse prevention education
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Holistic therapies like exercise, art therapy, mindfulness, and more
• Aftercare planning

Treatment programs are available in inpatient and outpatient levels of care. People must receive the targeted, individualized treatment needed to meet their goals. Getting the right type and level of treatment can help people address the complex roots of addiction and learn to prevent relapse for life.

How Long Does Ketamine Withdrawal Last?

Many factors can affect how long ketamine withdrawal lasts. These include:

• Your general health
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Age
• Weight and body composition
• Gender
• Severity and length of your ketamine abuse
• Other substances you used at the same time

No two people have the same experiences or needs during detox and addiction treatment. Each person must receive comprehensive, individualized treatment.

Before starting treatment, your doctor or addiction specialist will conduct a substance abuse evaluation. This assessment will help your treatment team identify potential risks during detox and provide the most individualized treatment possible.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggle with ketamine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic detox and treatment programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. Psychiatry Online: Ketamine: A Review for Clinicians
2. Harvard Health Publishing: Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe?
3. Science Direct: Ketamine use disorder: preclinical, clinical, and neuroimaging evidence to support proposed mechanisms of actions
4. Sage Publications: Ketamine Dependence