The long-term effects of ketamine use can be physically and psychologically devastating, impacting everything from bladder health to cognitive function. For those caught in the cycle of ketamine addiction, these consequences can feel inescapable. However, choosing recovery can stop the progression of damage and offer a path toward healing. With comprehensive treatment and support, it’s possible to reverse course, manage long-term effects, and rebuild a healthier, more stable life.
Understanding Ketamine Addiction
Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. This is true both in the U.S. and around the world. It is also true that millions of people who struggle with addiction, also struggle with co-occurring mental illness.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders… Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses. Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.” The same can be said of people who struggle with co-occurring disorders and the effects of ketamine addiction.
Millions of people struggle with ketamine addiction who don’t even realize that ketamine is addictive. This is true with many substances. The reality is that ketamine is highly addictive. This is because of the intense euphoria that people receive once they use it. However, that euphoria is short-lived and in its place is the reality of long-term negative effects.
The Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction
The signs and symptoms of ketamine addiction will change depending on the individual, but some symptoms are universal and should be watched for. The following are just a few:
- Using ketamine even though one knows there will be consequences
- Not being able to stop once using ketamine
- Having stomach pain
- Extreme headaches
- Losing sleep
- Sleeping too much
- Mood swings
- Aggressive behavior
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Feeling depressed
- Having feelings of anxiety and nervousness
- Experiencing suicidal ideations
Clearly, these are deadly and dangerous side effects. This is why reaching out for professional help is so important. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term issues and the long-term effects of ketamine addiction.
The Long-Term Effects of Ketamine Addiction
Now, the long-term effects of ketamine addiction can be very concerning. According to the British Journal of General Practice, “Long-term ketamine misuse can indeed lead to sterile ulcerative cystitis. Symptoms can resemble a bladder pain syndrome because of ketamine’s direct destructive effect on the urothelium: irritation, urgency, and frequency… Gastrointestinal complaints are also common (‘K-cramps’). This usually presents as colicky upper abdominal pain, although the pain can be vague as well.3 While ulcerative cystitis can be the cause of lower abdominal pain, gastric and hepatic pathology (bile duct dilation) seem to cause the upper abdominal pain.”
It is also very common to relapse with ketamine addiction. Many people don’t realize how prevalent relapse can be. According to Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
How to Recover From the Effects of Ketamine Addiction
While ketamine addiction is serious, the good news is there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from ketamine addiction. The key to such a healthy recovery is utilizing a multi-angled approach.
The multi-angled approach means using multiple modalities in a single recovery plan. It also means that these modalities should come from all avenues of the recovery world. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Working with other people in recovery is also a great deterrent to relapse. This is because relating to others in recovery with the same story helps one to feel less alone. Also, helping others in recovery can give one a critical sense of purpose. Working with others is even discussed in the primary text of 12-Step recovery, which states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking [and using ketamine and other substances] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail.”
Long-Term Success at 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. This includes our effective recovery plans for treating ketamine addiction.
The time for recovery is now. Now it’s time to take action and reach out for help. It’s time for a new and improved way of life. We can help.
Ketamine is still less understood than many other controlled substances. This is especially true when it comes to ketamine’s long-term side effects. It can be highly beneficial to know and understand those long-term effects so one can better recover from ketamine addiction. The good news is there are many effective recovery methods that one can utilize for a full recovery. 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 recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone.To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
