Ketamine: Understanding Addiction, Side Effects, and Treatment

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine (Ketalar) is an injected anesthetic that blocks sensory perception. Ketalar has been available as a prescription drug in the U.S. since the 1970s and it is often used for veterinary purposes. Although the drug is more often injected, it can also be swallowed or snorted. Ketalar provides an individual with pain relief and short-term memory loss. During surgery, it is used as an “induction and maintenance agent for sedation”, as well as a general anesthetic. Ketalar is also commonly used to control pain during burn therapy and battlefield injury. Ketalar quickly takes control of depressive feelings or suicidal thoughts.

Street Names

“Ketamine” is the generic name for this drug. Being familiar with street names, though, would help prevent overusing the same medication and reduce the chances of an overdose. Street names include:

• K
• Special K
• K2
• Vitamin K
• Super K
• Super C
• Lady K
• Ket
• Kit Kat
• Ketaset
• Ketajet
• Jet
• Super Acid
• Green
• Purple
• Mauve
• Special LA Coke
• Cat Tranquilizers
• Cat Valium

Ketamine Statistics

Ketalar is a typical “party” drug. The Association for the Advancement of Science reports that approximately 37 percent of electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees test positive for ketamine use when samples of their hair are tested–despite only 14.6 percent disclosing that they have used the drug in the past year.

Is Ketamine Addictive?

As with any drug, addiction results from tolerance, dependence, misuse, and high dosages. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Substance abuse among medical professionals is a cause for concern. Certain psychotropic substances such as Ketalar are at easy dispense to anesthesiologists, increasing the likelihood of misuse and dependence and raising several issues, including patient safety.” A Ketalar addiction would be the result of increased tolerance and misused dosages, amongst other routes.

Is Ketamine Safe?

The purpose of any given drug is to create some alteration level to the body, either blocking pain sensors or decreasing how rapidly the brain communicates pain to the rest of the body. Although this is beneficial in scenarios such as post-surgery or high-risk injury, all drugs have side effects, Ketamine included. The Alcohol and Drug foundation states, “There is no safe level of drug use. The use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.”

Dangerous Drug Interactions

Ketalar in combination with either over-the-counter drugs or prescribed medication can lead to unwanted, unpredictable outcomes. Ketamine combined with either alcohol or opiates results in a lack of awareness of depressant effects. This can lead to over-consumption, vomiting, slowed breathing, coma, and death. Ketalar combined with either amphetamines, ecstasy, or cocaine results in body strain, which can increase an individual’s heart rate uncontrollably.

Drug Class and Schedule

Any drug, substance, or chemicals formulated to create medicines are classified into 5 different drug schedules (categories). Each drug’s schedule is determined by the drug dependency potential or its acceptable medical use.

Ketamine, or Ketalar, is classified as a dissociative anesthetic drug. Ketalar is legal only by prescription as a Schedule III drug. Schedule III refers to substances with a moderate to low chance of potential physical or psychological dependence.

How is it Used?

Ketamine can be injected, swallowed, or snorted. Ketalar can come in the form of either a clear liquid or a light-colored powder.

Ketalar in powder form is usually packaged in glass vials, plastic bags, or paper, glass, or aluminum capsules.

How is it Abused?

Ketamine is a common date rape drug and has become popular amongst teens and young adults at dance clubs. This common hallucinogen-producing drug can come as powder or liquid. The powdered form of Ketalar can also be formed by heating the pharmaceutical Ketalar and evaporating the liquid.

Ketamine for Depression

Ketalar was once strictly used as an anesthetic in battlefields and surgeries, but the drug has now become a major medication for depression. Studies show that Ketalar can quickly reduct suicidal thoughts or tendencies and relieve other symptoms of depression. Ketamine can also be used to treat anxiety symptoms.

Ketamine Nasal Spray

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Spravato, a ketamine nasal spray combined with an oral antidepressant. The ketamine nasal spray is used to treat depression in adults who have not found depression relief in other medications. Due to the potential risk of sedation, dissociation, or drug misuse, Spravato is only available through a restricted distribution system.

Ketamine Infusion

According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, “ketamine infusion therapy involves the administration of a single infusion or a series of infusions for the management of psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, acute suicidality.”

Ketamine Side Effects

Ketamine side effects vary in every individual based on numerous factors, including the individual’s size, weight, overall health, level of tolerance, if other drugs are present in the bloodstream, their dosage, and the dosage’s strength.

Short-term Side Effects

Short-term side effects include:

• feeling happy and relaxed
• feeling detached from your body (‘falling into a k-hole’)
• hallucinations
• confusion and clumsiness
• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• slurred speech and blurred vision
• anxiety, panic, and violence
• vomiting
• lowered sensitivity to pain

Long-term Side Effects

Long-term side effects (for regular use) include:

• headaches
• flashbacks
• poor sense of smell (from snorting)
• mood and personality changes, depression
• poor memory, thinking, and concentration
• ketamine bladder syndrome (see below)
• abdominal pain
• needing to use more to get the same effect
• dependence on Ketalar
• financial, work, and social problems

Ketamine Bladder Syndrome

Frequently repeated doses of Ketalar can also develop Ketamine Bladder Syndrome, which is a painful condition resulting in difficulty holding urine and incontinence which may lead to ulceration.

What does Ketamine do?

According to Harvard Medical School, Ketamine exerts an antidepressant effect on the brain likely through the NMDA receptors in the brain. Ketalar increases the neurotransmitter, or glutamate, in spaces between neurons, which activates connections in the AMPA receptor. By blocking the NMDA receptors and activating AMPA receptors, the brain’s mood, thought patterns, and cognition is affected. The effects of a Ketamine “high” can last up to an hour. The results are felt within minutes of use.

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms

As with any drug, once dependence increases and tolerance builds, the individual will likely experience withdrawal symptoms when drug use ceases. The symptoms of Ketamine withdrawal vary and can include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Chills or sweats
• Anger

How long does Ketamine stay in your system?

The amount of time Ketamine remains in an individual’s system depends on several factors, such as their body mass, their metabolism, and their water intake. Ketalar has around a 3-hour half-life meaning the drug can remain in one’s system for 14 to 18 hours.

Understanding the Risks of Recreational Use

While this dissociative anesthetic has legitimate medical applications, recreational use carries significant risks that extend beyond the immediate effects. The unpredictable nature of street drugs means users cannot be certain of purity or dosage, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions. Many individuals underestimate the potential for developing dependence, particularly when using the substance regularly in party or club settings.

The dissociative effects that some users seek can be dangerous, leading to accidents, risky behaviors, and vulnerability to harm. Combining this substance with alcohol or other drugs dramatically increases health risks and the potential for life-threatening outcomes. Understanding these dangers is essential for anyone considering use or concerned about someone who may be using.

The Path from Recreational Use to Dependence

What often begins as occasional recreational use can progress to regular use and eventually dependence. Tolerance develops relatively quickly, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects. This escalation pattern significantly increases health risks and the likelihood of experiencing serious adverse effects. The psychological pull of the dissociative experience can be particularly strong, making it difficult to reduce or stop use without support.

Many individuals who develop dependence on dissociative anesthetics also struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. In some cases, people may begin using to self-medicate these underlying conditions, creating a cycle where substance use temporarily masks symptoms but ultimately worsens mental health over time.

Ketamine Treatment for Addiction

Ketamine treatment requires a medically supervised detox in conjunction with rehabilitation. Although no medication exists to treat the addiction, cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effective outcomes. CBT is a beneficial Ketamine treatment due to the methods of targeting the behaviors the result from intoxicating substances.

Comprehensive Approaches to Recovery

Successful treatment for substance dependence requires addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of use. Following medical supervision during the initial phase, comprehensive therapeutic interventions help individuals understand the underlying causes of their substance use and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Individual therapy provides space to explore triggers, thought patterns, and behaviors associated with use.

Group therapy offers peer support and reduces the isolation that often accompanies substance use disorders. Many individuals benefit from dual diagnosis treatment that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance dependence. This integrated approach recognizes that lasting recovery requires healing on multiple levels and provides the tools necessary for maintaining sobriety long-term.

Treatment at Compass Recovery

At Compass Recovery in Orange County, we provide comprehensive treatment for substance dependence including dissociative anesthetics. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges associated with this type of substance use and offers individualized treatment planning that addresses your specific needs and circumstances. We combine evidence-based therapies with holistic healing methods and purpose discovery work.

Our residential treatment program provides a safe, supportive environment where clients can focus entirely on recovery. We treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders, recognizing that complete healing requires addressing all aspects of wellness. Located in beautiful Southern California, our facility offers a peaceful setting conducive to transformation and growth.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance dependence, professional help is available and recovery is possible. Don’t wait for serious health consequences or devastating life impacts to seek treatment. Early intervention provides the best opportunity for successful outcomes and prevents the progression to more severe dependence.

Our admissions team at Compass Recovery is available 24/7 at (949) 444-9047 to answer questions, verify insurance coverage, and help you begin your recovery journey. We provide compassionate, expert care in a supportive environment where healing can occur. Contact Compass Recovery today and discover that life beyond substance dependence is filled with possibility, purpose, and wellness.

Resources

1. 1. https://www.drugs.com/illicit/

1. 1. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/

1. 1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog

1. 1. https://www.dea.gov/sites/

1. 1. https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling

1. 1. https://www.verywellmind.com/

1. 1. https://www.apna.org/m/pages.cfm?pageid=6603

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, please visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.