Ketamine is a drug that’s mainly used in medical settings as an anesthetic. However, because of its dissociative effects, it has become popular recreationally. Ketamine can lead to physical dependence when used in high doses or over an extended period, and this dependence can trigger withdrawal symptoms when someone attempts to quit.
What is Ketamine?
Before we talk about the symptoms of withdrawal, let’s take a step back and understand what ketamine is. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that’s often used in emergency rooms and surgical settings to put people under anesthesia. It’s also sometimes used to treat severe depression when other treatments aren’t effective. While ketamine has legitimate medical uses, when it’s misused for recreational purposes, it can lead to serious health problems, including addiction.
When abused, ketamine is typically snorted, injected, or taken in large doses. It can cause intense feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment from the body and surroundings. Over time, regular use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, which makes quitting on your own difficult. That’s where withdrawal comes in.
Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect
So, what happens when someone tries to stop using ketamine after a period of misuse? The body starts to react, and that’s when withdrawal symptoms appear. These can vary depending on how long a person has been using ketamine and how much they’ve been taking. Here are some common withdrawal symptoms you might experience:
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue: When you stop using ketamine, your body must readjust, leaving you extremely tired. This fatigue can last for days or even weeks.
- Nausea and Vomiting: It’s not uncommon to feel sick to your stomach during withdrawal. Some people experience nausea or even vomiting, which can make it hard to keep food down.
- Headaches: A common symptom of ketamine withdrawal is a pounding headache. This can be due to dehydration, tension, or your brain adjusting to the absence of the drug.
- Sweating and Chills: You might experience hot flashes or chills. These can make you feel uncomfortable and restless as your body tries to find balance.
Psychological Symptoms
- Increased Anxiety: Ketamine is sometimes used as a way to manage anxiety, so when you stop using it, those feelings can resurface with a vengeance. Anxiety during withdrawal can be severe and overwhelming.
- Depression: Since ketamine affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, withdrawal can trigger intense feelings of sadness, emptiness, or even despair.
- Mood Swings: You may feel irritable, angry, or frustrated. These mood swings are common and can make it harder to stay focused on your recovery.
- Hallucinations: Because ketamine is a hallucinogen, the withdrawal process can sometimes cause vivid visions or distorted perceptions of reality. This can be disturbing and should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
- Cravings: After stopping ketamine use, many people experience intense cravings for the drug. These cravings can be one of the hardest parts of recovery because they might make it difficult to stay sober without proper support.
As you can see, ketamine withdrawal can be tough both physically and mentally. The symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, with the most intense effects often peaking within the first few days.
The Effects of Ketamine: What You Need to Know
Disruption of Brain Chemistry
Ketamine affects the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, primarily glutamate, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation and sensory perception. By interfering with these systems, ketamine alters how the brain processes information, leading to unique physical and psychological effects.
Dissociative and Hallucinatory Experiences
When used recreationally, ketamine induces a dissociative state, where users feel detached from their body and surroundings. This sensation can lead to euphoria or intense hallucinations. For some, these experiences are enjoyable, but they can also distort the perception of reality, leading to confusion and disorientation.
The “K-Hole” and Extreme Detachment
In higher doses, ketamine can cause a phenomenon known as the “K-hole.” This state is characterized by extreme dissociation, where users may feel utterly disconnected from their sense of self and reality. While it can be perceived as an altered state of consciousness, it is often overwhelming and distressing.
Risks of Long-Term Use
Though ketamine may provide temporary euphoria or relief, long-term use can lead to significant health problems. Chronic use can result in memory loss, cognitive impairments, and difficulty distinguishing between reality and hallucinations. Physical effects can include damage to the bladder, kidneys, and other organs. Additionally, prolonged use can increase the risk of developing psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Detox from Ketamine at 12 South Recovery
Going through withdrawal alone can be overwhelming and even dangerous. That’s why professional detox is crucial to a successful recovery. At 12 South Recovery, we offer a supportive environment where our team is focused on your health and well-being during detox from ketamine.
Safe and Managed Detox
The first step in the detox process is to ensure safety and comfort. At 12 South Recovery, our medical team monitors you closely to manage any withdrawal symptoms that arise. We provide medications as needed to ease the physical discomfort of withdrawal, especially symptoms like nausea, headaches, or anxiety. By managing these symptoms effectively, we help you stay focused on your recovery rather than the discomfort of withdrawal.
Therapeutic Support
Detox is about more than just getting ketamine out of your system. It’s also about addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. That’s why we offer therapy and counseling throughout the detox process. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic modalities are effective tools in helping you understand the underlying causes of your addiction and develop healthier coping strategies.
Holistic Care for Long-Term Recovery
At 12 South Recovery, we believe in a holistic approach to treatment. This means we focus on the whole person—not just the addiction. Nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness practices are all important parts of recovery. We work with you to build a routine that supports both physical and emotional well-being, setting you up for success beyond detox.
Aftercare and Continued Support
Detox is only the beginning of the journey. Once you’ve cleared ketamine from your system, it’s important to continue receiving support to maintain your sobriety. Our aftercare programs help you stay connected and engaged in your recovery. We support you at every step through ongoing therapy, support groups, and regular check-ins.
Contact Our Team
Ketamine withdrawal can be difficult, but it’s possible to overcome it with the right support. At 12 South Recovery, we offer a comprehensive detox program that not only helps you manage withdrawal symptoms but also supports you in building a foundation for lasting recovery. Whether you’re considering detoxing from ketamine or want to learn more about how we can help, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine use, don’t hesitate to contact us. Share this article with others who may need help, and contact 12 South Recovery today to learn more about how we can support you through detox and beyond.