Ketamine hydrochloride, or ketamine, is a medically approved drug used as pain-management for patients and animals that are suffering from discomforting symptoms of injuries or illnesses.
However, there is a problem among drug users who use ketamine as a recreational drug. Ketamine use and addiction is a concern in many countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and many more.
Read on to find out the physical and psychological symptoms of ketamine addiction, and how to find treatment and support at a ketamine rehab if you’re suffering from dependence.
How does ketamine addiction work?
When someone consumes an addictive psychoactive drug, it can lead to many chemical alterations in the brain. As a substance is consumed, the user’s dopaminergic reward pathways will be stimulated, and as a result of the dopamine production, feel euphoric and happy.
However, when someone consistently and excessively consumes a drug which affects and stimulates our reward pathways, it can lead to drastic changes to our thoughts, behaviours, and physical state in the long-term.
Once these reward pathways have been repeatedly stimulated due to drug use, they become dependent on the chosen substance. The user will then experience a range of negative symptoms, whether it be anxiety or depression, until they consume that drug again. In this case, the user cannot experience similar levels of happiness or pleasure when performing natural tasks such as exercise, personal goals and objectives, sexual intercourse, and so on.
As a result, the user experiences withdrawal symptoms and feels compelled to consume the addictive substance to experience pleasure and happiness once again. However, their tolerance has been building with each act of intoxication, and they require higher levels of the drug to experience the same levels of pleasure as before. This can lead to dangerous quantities of ketamine being consumed.
What are psychological symptoms of ketamine addiction?
There are many short-term and long-term psychological symptoms associated with ketamine addiction. Many people consume ketamine as a recreational drug in order to feel the short-term symptoms such as:
- Happiness: Like any other addictive drug, the user experiences short-term pleasure and happiness when under the influence due to the production of dopamine in the brain.
- Distortion of reality: Users of ketamine often describe hearing and seeing things that aren’t actually there, as if they are hallucinating.
- Disassociation: Ketamine users have described feelings similar to that of an out of body experience. Sometimes, people fall into what is often called a “K Hole” where they feel detached from reality, and this can induce feelings of anxiety. Other users also report feelings of sinking into their environment.
However, there are other long-term and adverse psychological effects associated with consistent and excessive ketamine use. These effects include but aren’t limited to:
- Persistent psychosis: Studies also show that some addicted people who excessively use ketamine experience persisting symptoms of psychosis, even when not under the influence of ketamine. These studies show similar symptoms between those who suffer from ketamine addiction and those who suffer from schizophrenia.
- Emotional issues: Long-term users of ketamine often experience emotional issues, such as irritability, anxiety, depression, erratic behaviour, and more.
- Cognitive decline: In addition to psychosis, there are a range of cognitive issues associated with intense ketamine use. Long-term users of ketamine have reported experiencing memory loss, particularly in the short-term, and concentration issues.
What are physical symptoms of ketamine addiction?
There are many physical symptoms and complications associated with ketamine use. Although it is a psychoactive drug, it can have severe effects on the body if used in large quantities.
Here are some of the physical symptoms associated with long-term ketamine use:
- Bladder issues: One of the most common health complications associated with ketamine addiction are bladder issues and urinary tract problems. These symptoms are so common among long-term ketamine users, that it has been given the name “ket bladder” Ketamine bladder occurs due to chronic inflammation of the bladder, and this can lead to a range of illnesses such as cystitis, and when the condition becomes worse enough, they may need bladder surgery or full bladder removal.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Ketamine addiction can lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues, such as abdominal pain, ulcers, and so on.
- Liver and kidney illnesses: Ketamine addiction is responsible for many multiorgan dysfunctions, with the liver and kidneys suffering from the consequences of toxic substance use. Liver dysfunctions like hepatobiliary dysfunction and acute kidney injury can occur during ketamine addiction.
Assessing ketamine addiction from a holistic perspective
It’s important to approach ketamine addiction from a holistic perspective. While there are a range of physical and psychological symptoms, they’re not mutually exclusive. These symptoms can be catalysts that lead to other issues.
Despite ketamine being a treatment-resistant medication in some cases, developing intense ketamine-related physical health issues such as “ketamine bladder” or hepatobiliary dysfunction can prove debilitating, physically and mentally. As a result of a new and compromised lifestyle of ill health, patients will experience a worse mental health as a result.
Mental health disorders, whether it be anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or other, often go hand in hand with substance addiction. They form a mutually destructive relationship that provides temporary relief in the form of “self-medicating”, but the foundation for a life of physical and mental illnesses. Because of these factors, it’s important to treat ketamine addiction from a holistic perspective that will bring long-term benefits to the patient.
When to seek help for ketamine addiction
If you think that you are suffering from a ketamine addiction or a form of dependence, then it is already time to seek help. However, help can come in all forms, and doesn’t necessarily have to mean admission into a residential ketamine rehab facility. There are a range of treatment methods and support available for those suffering from mild forms of ketamine addiction to those suffering from severe cases.
It is never too early or too late to seek addiction treatment. In fact, even if you don’t display some of the common symptoms of ketamine addiction, you can still seek help. The sooner you reach out to professional support, the more likely and effective your recovery will be.
Treatment options for ketamine addiction
At a drug and alcohol rehab or a ketamine rehab, you’ll benefit from a range of treatment methods. An addiction specialist will place you under a personalised recovery programme that incorporates a range of treatment methods, from detox, communication-based therapy, holistic therapy, and more.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an integral aspect of many forms of treatment, from mental health to substance addiction treatment. CBT helps patients understand the complexities of their unique case of addiction by exploring personal history that may reveal the root cause of their substance use. Patients will then learn specific coping mechanisms to establish long-lasting recovery.
- Group therapy: Group therapy in the form of support sessions can provide a wealth of benefits, from positive social reinforcement to emotional catharsis. It also allows the patient to become a member of a support system. Patients will express their thoughts and provide insight into their recovery, allowing other members to resonate with them.
- Holistic therapy: Therapy isn’t only communication-based. Holistic therapy focuses on the physical and spiritual health of the patient as well as the mental. Examples of holistic therapy include adventure therapy, art & music therapy, equine therapy, and more. Many of these benefits come in the form of nature immersion, behavioural activation, artistic expression, and much more.
- Aftercare: Patients will continue to receive support following addiction treatment in the form of an aftercare programme. In their aftercare programme, patients will still have access to addiction expert level counselling, support sessions at fellowship groups, and a 12-Step Programme.
Recover from ketamine addiction today
Talking about addiction isn’t easy, let alone recovering from addiction. But reading this today, and considering your options is a significant feat. As they say, admitting is the first step towards addiction recovery.
You are never too early or too late to recover from an addiction. With expert-level counselling and guidance, you can return to a life of optimal health and happiness. Overcoming addiction is a daunting task, and it shouldn’t be tackled alone.
Tim Williamson, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.