The signs of a ketamine addiction may be difficult to spot, but knowing what to look out for can help those who need it to receive treatment faster.
Addiction is a personal journey, with each individual experiencing it in their own way. However, there are some common signs of ketamine addiction you should be aware of.
So you know how to spot those signs yourself, we’ll discuss the most common ketamine symptoms, as well as the potential treatment methods to explore.
Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction
Ketamine was originally synthesised for use as an anaesthetic. While medical professionals still use it when necessary, some have turned to recreational use of ketamine outside of hospitals.
Repeated use of the drug can have serious side effects, with impacts on physical, psychological, and behavioural wellbeing.
Physical Symptoms
As ketamine impacts the nervous system, it’s common to notice a range of physical changes in the body, such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Chronic exhaustion
One of the most common side effects of long-term ketamine use is known as ketamine bladder. As ketamine can shrink the lining of the bladder over time, many experience a loss of control in the area, leading to pain, incontinence, and frequent urination.
Psychological Symptoms
Ketamine was designed as an anaesthetic to block neurotransmitters in the brain, providing patients with pain relief during medical procedures.
When taken as a drug, ketamine continues to impact the brain, leading to a series of psychological effects:
- Dissociation
- Issues with memory
- Feeling of imminent danger
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
Behavioural Symptoms
Dealing with the physical and psychological symptoms of ketamine addiction often causes a change in the person’s behaviour.
As such, it’s common to notice those dealing with an addiction acting differently within social situations or even just at home.
- Neglecting work or daily tasks
- Avoiding school or university
- Isolating themselves from friends or family
- Spending more time alone and avoiding social plans
- Borrowing money
- Lying, hiding, or keeping secrets
It’s important to remember if you are worried about yourself or a loved one dealing with a ketamine addiction, help is available. Contact our friendly team of experts to see how we can help you with addiction recovery.
Signs of Ketamine Addiction
Around 299,000 people in the UK reported using ketamine by the year ending March 2023, according to the UK Government.
If you’re worried about a loved one potentially dealing with a ketamine addiction, it can be useful to know how the symptoms of addiction appear in real life.
- Dishonesty: People with an addiction may attempt to hide their symptoms, leading to suspicious behaviour such as lying about where they’ve been or what they’ve been doing.
- Different spending habits: You may notice someone who previously had no struggles with money suddenly experiencing financial difficulties with no reason provided.
- Avoiding responsibility: Skipping work or frequently missing deadlines can both be signs of a ketamine addiction.
- Loss of interest in social events: Addiction can often take up a lot of time, meaning someone who previously attended social events suddenly has no interest in them.
- Frequent bathroom trips: As a symptom of ketamine addiction is issues with bladder control, you may notice someone addicted to ketamine excessively using the bathroom.
Treatment Options for Ketamine Addiction
We know recovery from a ketamine addiction can feel impossible, but there are plenty of treatment options out there to explore. People begin their recovery journey every day.
In fact, over 150,000 adults began treatment for ketamine abuse or addiction in the year 2023/24, according to the UK Government. Taking that first step may feel daunting, but you’re not alone. You can explore treatment options, such as:
- Talking therapy: The most common therapy for drug addiction is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Here, a trained professional helps you explore your thoughts, feelings and triggers, before developing healthy coping mechanisms for you to rely on instead.
- Support groups: Going through recovery is difficult, but doing it alone can make it even harder. As such, support groups are a great way to meet others on their own recovery journey, sharing in the process together. Organisations such as Talk to Frank or your GP can help locate a local group near you.
- Rehabilitation: For some, leaving the environment associated with ketamine abuse can help. The best way to do this is to attend a residential treatment centre, where you’ll have access to 24/7 care from experts. Explore our rehab options on our website.
Our Team Is Ready To Help You With Addiction Recovery
Do the signs and symptoms of ketamine addiction sound familiar to you? Whether you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, we want to help.
At Stonebridge Communities, we provide rehabilitation services to see you through the entire recovery journey. Our experts are on hand around the clock at our residential treatment centre, and when you leave, we continue to provide support through our aftercare treatment.
Taking the first step to recovery can feel impossible, but you don’t need to do it alone – we’re here for you. Contact our friendly team on 01934 311 965 or send an email to info@stonebridge.rehab. Recovery begins today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Ketamine Withdrawal Feel Like?
One of the first stages of rehab for a ketamine addiction is detoxing. Here, you’ll remove the drug from your system, but this can come with side effects.
With ketamine withdrawal, it’s common to experience fatigue, nausea, and stomach cramps. Alongside these, you may also feel confused, agitated, or paranoid, while others notice hallucinations and a lack of control over their motor skills (writing, picking up objects, walking).
While symptoms of ketamine addiction withdrawal sound scary, they won’t last forever. Everyone’s timeline is different, but with the right help, recovery is entirely possible.
How Does Ketamine Impact Health?
There are two common ways to take ketamine: through the nose or via injection. Both of these methods can negatively impact your health, especially with prolonged use.
Nasally ingested ketamine can damage the nasal passageways, causing holes in the nasal area or a perforated septum. Some experience damage or loss to their sense of smell. When ketamine is injected, it can lead to vein, skin, and muscle damage.
Long-term side effects of chronic ketamine addiction can have more severe complications, such as kidney or liver damage, seizures, or respiratory (breathing) issues.
What Can I Do If My Loved One Has a Ketamine Addiction?
Seeing a loved one experience a ketamine addiction is extremely tough to watch. However, there are steps you can take to support them.
It’s important to remember drug addiction is an illness, not a sign of weakness, poor judgment, or bad character. While you can’t force someone to get help, you can encourage them to speak to a professional and offer your love, time, and support when they’re ready to do so.
