Ketamine is a dissociative drug often misused for its hallucinogenic properties. It is popular in nightclubs and bars due to its sedative effects, and can lead to ketamine addiction. It is usually mixed with other drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, amphetamine, or methamphetamine. Once addicted, ketamine withdrawal can feel daunting.
Repeatedly using and taking ketamine results in the body growing tolerant of the drug. To continue feeling the effects of ketamine, the user will now need to take more and more of the substance. Once the body is dependent on ketamine, stopping the drug can cause uncomfortable ketamine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal must be treated correctly to prevent relapse. Cycling through many phases of withdrawal and dependence without lasting ketamine recovery can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. Avenues Recovery details what ketamine withdrawal involves and how to detox from ketamine safely.
Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Once the body has become psychologically dependent on ketamine, a range of symptoms will ensue when experiencing addiction withdrawal. Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can be physical or psychological and will vary in their intensity. They are often the opposite of the effects experienced while using ketamine.
Although ketamine comedown doesn’t affect the body physically to the same extent as withdrawal from many other drugs, the psychological effects can be as difficult to overcome as the physical. Additionally, co-addictions are commonly present which can complicate the withdrawal process as well. There is also a lot of uncertainty regarding ketamine addiction withdrawal since the symptoms and effects may differ depending on many factors. Common ketamine withdrawal symptoms are explained below.
Physical Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical withdrawal symptoms of ketamine are generally easier to identify. Below are some physical symptoms that one may experience when withdrawing from ketamine:
- Confusion
- Coordination loss
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Inability to focus
- Irregular heart rate or blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Sleep disturbances
- Speech impairments
Behavioral Withdrawal Symptoms of Ketamine
Behavioral symptoms can range in intensity but are nonetheless detrimental. Behavioral ketamine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Aggressive or violent tendencies
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenic-like behaviors
- Suicidal ideations
Emotional Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
In addition to the physical and behavioral symptoms that can occur as a result of withdrawal from ketamine, there can also be emotional withdrawal symptoms of ketamine, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
How Long Does Ketamine Withdrawal Last For?
Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can last from 72 hours to several weeks. It generally takes between 2-4 days for ketamine to fully leave the body. Once it does, withdrawal symptoms will set in. After ketamine has left the body, the symptoms will worsen for a day or two. Physical symptoms are no longer expected after the first two days, but psychological cravings can be experienced for many months after quitting.
How Long Does Ketamine-Induced Psychosis Last?
Ketamine-induced psychosis can last from several hours to a few days, depending on the dose, individual vulnerability, and presence of underlying mental health conditions. In rare cases, symptoms may persist longer, especially in individuals with a history of psychotic disorders or repeated high-dose use.
Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline
The ketamine withdrawal timeline provides a more in-depth explanation of what to expect when withdrawing from ketamine. Illustrated below is what generally happens over a few months.
- Days One to Three: Symptoms will begin approximately 24 hours after the last dose. This may include shakes, fatigue, insomnia, rage, depression, hallucinations, delusions, tremors, double vision, nausea, rapid breathing, and hearing loss.
- Days Four to Fourteen: Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can persist for the next two weeks before tapering off.
- Days Fifteen and Up: Physical withdrawal symptoms should be stable but psychological symptoms of ketamine withdrawal can persist. Nerve cell damage may be present in the brain which can cause permanent psychological issues.
Intensity Levels of Ketamine Withdrawal
The level of intensity will depend on how the ketamine withdrawal symptoms are managed, the extent of dependence originally, as well as individual factors. If the withdrawal is overseen by a professional and medically managed, there is less likelihood of severe ketamine withdrawal symptoms.
- Minor Withdrawal: A person experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms of ketamine will have sleep disturbances, rapid breathing, inability to focus, and minor anxiety. Minor withdrawal describes a person who is only symptomatic for two weeks.
- Mid-Level Withdrawal: This will include symptoms of confusion, coordination loss, speech impairments, and depression. People who do not have a history of prior drug abuse and are not chronic ketamine users will generally experience this level of withdrawal.
- Severe Withdrawal: Serious symptoms can occur if someone has been a chronic ketamine user. These include symptoms of paranoia, delirium, irregular heart rate or blood pressure, aggressive or violent tendencies, psychosis, schizophrenic-like behaviors, and suicidal ideations. In this situation, ketamine withdrawal treatment requires 24/7 oversight in an inpatient drug detox and rehab, and medication to manage symptoms.
Other Factors That Affect Ketamine Addiction Withdrawal
The severity of ketamine withdrawal is also determined by several factors such as:
- Age
- Dosage
- Frequency of use
- Weight
- Liver function
- Prior psychological conditions
Specific groups of people can be more susceptible to experiencing difficult ketamine withdrawal symptoms. Users who suffered from depression prior seem to have serious complications with the withdrawal symptoms of ketamine. Furthermore, research has found women to be at a higher risk for cognitive decline and urinary problems than men, caused by ketamine use.
Is Ketamine Withdrawal Fatal?
It is unlikely to suffer a fatal physical episode while detoxing from ketamine. However, there is a risk of suicide due to the severe depression that some users experience while undergoing ketamine detox. Another potential risk is that ketamine acts as a sedative, changing the heart rate. Stopping ketamine intake can therefore cause the heart rate to fluctuate, which can be highly dangerous.
Ketamine Withdrawal Treatment
Although it is possible to detox from ketamine on your own, having outside support is highly beneficial and can help prevent future relapse. For ketamine, a “social” detox is possible. A “social” ketamine detox is built upon support and a safe environment without addiction triggers.
However, even when there are no major physical side effects present, detoxing from ketamine by yourself can be risky. The psychological effects and cravings of ketamine withdrawal can be very challenging and cause a relapse if not properly treated. Withdrawal can also cause a person to lash out, which can be dangerous if they are around others.
The chances of remaining sober are greatly increased when withdrawal is combined with professional treatment. Common ketamine withdrawal treatment includes counseling for addiction recovery, support, and medical management. Medication is used as part of the ketamine withdrawal treatment in some cases to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. However, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for ketamine withdrawal.
How to Detox From Ketamine
Medical ketamine detox options include:
- Hospitals
- Detox facilities
- Inpatient rehab programs
- Outpatient programs
Treatment for Ketamine Withdrawal and Addiction at Avenues Recovery
There are many resources available to help a user overcome their drug addiction or withdrawal symptoms, and change the course of their life. At Avenues Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment programs and resources to help you manage your ketamine withdrawal and get back to your best self. If you are experiencing ketamine addiction or any other drug addiction, reach out to us today to start your new and better addiction-free life.