Ketamine addiction is a very serious problem, both in the U.S. and around the world. However, it does not get as much attention as other substance addictions. Indeed, this is partly because it is not as prevalent, but it is also because many people are under the impression that ketamine is safe as it is being used for therapeutic purposes. Still, this does not account for the vast amount of people who use ketamine recreationally and become addicted. These are also the same people who often end up struggling with ketamine withdrawal symptoms.
Better Understanding Ketamine and Ketamine Addiction
Ketamine addiction affects more individuals than many people may realize. This is because many people who struggle with ketamine addiction hide their affliction away from their loved ones. This is just one of the aspects of the disease of addiction.
Yes, addiction is most certainly a disease. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.”
Regarding being a “chronic, relapsing disorder,” many people don’t realize just how prevalent addiction relapse actually is. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment. For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.”
The Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction
There are many signs and symptoms of ketamine addiction. Of course, these are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are many universal signs and symptoms that individuals struggling share. The following are a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to stop using ketamine once started
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- “Falling” into a k hole
- Experiencing ketamine withdrawal symptoms
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Often, people minimize ketamine addiction or even falsely categorize it. However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Better Understanding Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Now ketamine withdrawal is rarely deadly like those experienced from alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal. However, it can be significantly uncomfortable and lead to a relapse (which, as previously mentioned, is quite common).
The signs of ketamine withdrawal are quite noticeable. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Becoming easily agitated
- Being overly confused
- Experiencing delusions and hallucinations
- Having reduced motor skills
- Being overly rageful
- Becoming nauseous
- Experiencing “shakes”
- Trouble sleeping
- Having cognitive impairment
As one can see, these are certainly troubling ketamine withdrawal side effects. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from ketamine addiction and ketamine withdrawal symptoms.
Recovering From Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
The best way to recover from ketamine withdrawal symptoms is to focus on using multiple methods of treatment. This includes traditional psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
It can also be helpful to use experiential and holistic modalities alongside traditional therapies for treatment. This includes experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy. It also includes using holistic healing methods like yoga therapy, mindfulness meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture, and reiki.
It can also be extremely helpful to work with other people in recovery. Often, these people can be found in group therapy or 12-Step recovery meetings. This can also greatly reduce the chances of experiencing a relapse.
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future.
We also believe in mind-body and family recovery. This is symbolized by our Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Recovery is out there. It’s time to go and get it.
Ketamine addiction can be very damaging. This includes the damage caused by ketamine withdrawal symptoms. The good news is there are many effective ways to recover from ketamine misuse and ketamine addiction. The key is to find the right recovery center with the right treatment plans. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about how best to recover from ketamine addiction, please check out our website, or call us today at (801) 438-3185.
