Furthermore, it tends to slow people down and make their movements rather exaggerated due to a loss of motor coordination. Ketamine can disrupt Substance abuse the senses, judgment, and motor function for up to 24 hours after use. These effects have seen a growing and worrying use of this drug for date rape. Widely known for its medicinal properties, ketamine’s effects have made it a popular addition to the party scene. It has also joined the ranks of GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) as a date rape drug.
- When used recreationally, ketamine can produce delirium and altered states of consciousness that put users at risk.
- Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone.
- It once was a popular battlefield treatment, and it is currently used legally as an anesthetic for humans and large animals.
- They are usually cognitively impaired at this stage, with speech and memory both affected.
Symptoms of Ketamine Overdose
Chronic and prolonged use of ketamine can damage numerous organs and lead to tolerance and psychological addiction. The risks and adverse effects of ketamine in combination with other drugs, especially alcohol, are slow, shallow breathing, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart attack, seizure and stupor, and coma. The other names of ketamine are K, Vitamin K, Special K, and cat tranquilizer. These street names reflect ketamine’s widespread illicit use, particularly for its hallucinogenic effects, which make users feel detached from reality.
Drug Combination Effects
Psychiatric disorders, including depression, cognitive impairment, and psychosis, are prevalent among chronic users, and irreparable brain damage could result from extreme use. You can prevent ketamine addiction relapse by a combination of proactive strategies and lifestyle changes to maintain sobriety. Developing healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, strengthen physical and mental health.
- That eventually led to alcohol abuse, which affected Perry’s performance on set and led to him being hospitalized with pancreatitis in 2000.
- In other case reports of people addicted to ketamine, inpatient rehab helped individuals quit using the drug.
- Some telehealth companies mail patients large quantities of ketamine for at-home use.
- The quicker you act, the quicker you can address the addiction and start treatment.
- Asking your primary care physician or a mental health professional can help you decide where to begin.
Ketamine Abuse Treatment
- While ketamine is defined as having a low to moderate potential for physical and psychological dependence, addiction is possible.
- All of these therapies seek to help you realize the underlying reasons for your drug-taking behavior.
- AAC treatment centers are located in several states across the country and have multiple levels of care and a variety of amenities.
- Both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management are useful behavioral therapies to consider if you are dually diagnosed with a mental health issue as well as a substance use disorder.
Ketamine addiction can profoundly impact daily life, relationships, and responsibilities. This can require the help of a professional treatment program to tackle the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Ketamine, like all Schedule III controlled substances, has a relatively low potential for addiction. Approximately 1% of the U.S. population has experimented with ketamine, with around 0.1% (about 200,000 individuals) estimated to develop dependence annually. Men are more likely than women to misuse ketamine, with the majority of cases concentrated in urban areas where club drug use is more common. Contact one of AAC’s compassionate admissions navigators, available 24/7, to explore any questions you may have about treatment.
Medical uses
Ketamine is a schedule III controlled substance that is approved for medical use as a general anesthetic in procedures in human medicine. It is also used in veterinary medicine and sometimes used as “off-label” by physicians to help with treatment resistant depression. Although safe to use in medical practices when administered by a licensed health professional, ketamine can be dangerous when it is misused as a recreational drug. Recreational use is illegal and can have serious health consequences.1 If you use ketamine, you should be aware of its potential health effects and dangers.
Alcohol Rehab
Behavioral therapy, group therapy, and 12-step support groups are just some therapies offered at drug rehab centers to help patients overcome ketamine addiction. These therapies can teach patients how to view their ketamine abuse with healthier attitudes and beliefs, rather than the dangerous ones that influenced them to become addicted in the first place. Ketamine, also known ketamine addiction as Special K or a variety of other names, is a dissociative, short-acting anesthetic used in humans and veterinary practices. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of ketamine addiction can help you know when to seek professional treatment to help you reach recovery.
