Ketamine Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

Ketamine is a sedative drug that was first created to help people feel less pain during surgery. It is still sometimes used in hospitals for this purpose but has also found its way onto the streets and into clubs because of the powerful, mind-altering effects it can create.

When you take ketamine, it can make you feel disconnected from everything around you, almost like you’re floating or in a dream. It can also have hallucinogenic effects like vivid, colourful visuals and sometimes an almost out-of-body experience.

Ketamine usually comes as a powder which users snort, but it can also be injected or taken as a pill. No matter how it’s taken, the effects can be very strong and unpredictable, with some people going into what is commonly called a “K-Hole”. This is an intense and often frightening experience where you feel completely detached from reality, unable to move or communicate and sometimes trapped in a terrifying loop of distorted thoughts.

While a K-Hole can be a frightening experience, it is not a permanent one. But another potential consequence of ketamine abuse can be very long-term and very harmful: ketamine addiction.

It is these risks that have made ketamine a Class-B drug in the UK with strong legal penalties for unlawful possession or supply.

Recognising the signs of ketamine addiction early can enable you to seek timely professional help and regain control of your life. Drug addiction can sneak up on you and sometimes it’s hard to see the problem clearly when you’re in the middle of it. Here are some common ketamine addiction symptoms that anyone using ketamine needs to be aware of:

• You are constantly thinking about your ketamine supply and making sure you have enough
• Every time you tell yourself you’re done with ketamine, you end up relapsing
• Your job, school and relationships are all slipping through your fingers because ketamine is your number one priority
• When you try to quit, anxiety, restlessness, and depression kick in, pulling you back into the cycle of ketamine abuse
• Ketamine has sucked the joy out of everything you used to enjoy, so you only feel happy when you are using it
• You have been lying to friends and family about how much ketamine you are using or sneaking around to use it in secret.

If you are nodding along as you read these ketamine addiction symptoms, today may be the day to reach out for help.

On a purely chemical level, what makes ketamine so addictive is the powerful effect it has on your brain. When you take ketamine, it messes with the neurotransmitters that control your mood and perception. After repeated use, your brain stops acting on these neurotransmitters itself, and so it produces cravings to ensure you keep taking ketamine.
It’s not just these effects of physical dependency that make ketamine so addictive, however. Various underlying personal causes play a big role. If you have a family history of addiction, you might be more at risk because your brain could be wired in a way that makes it easier to become hooked on ketamine.
Stress, trauma, and mental health struggles are other big factors. If life feels overwhelming or you are battling anxiety or depression, ketamine might seem like a quick fix, but this temporary crutch can soon pull you deep into ketamine addiction.

At Linwood House, ketamine addiction treatment starts with drug detox, where we help your body flush out ketamine under the careful watch of our medical team. They will be at your side the whole time, making sure any adverse reactions are managed so you are as comfortable as possible.
Next comes drug rehab, where you will work with our therapists to understand what’s really driving your ketamine abuse. Through a mix of one-on-one therapy, group sessions and holistic treatments, you can then start to rebuild your life without ketamine.
Finally, aftercare is all about keeping you strong on your journey. With ongoing group therapy and support, you will have a solid safety net in place as you adjust to life without ketamine.