Ketamine, while not having a reputation for being addictive in nature, certainly has the potential to be abused.
In this article
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug with hallucinogenic effects that distort the perception of sight and sound, making users feel detached from pain and their surroundings. Historically used under medical supervision for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, particularly in veterinarian settings for animals, ketamine has also emerged as a treatment for major depression and pain management.
Ketamine’s sedative properties can induce feelings of calmness, relaxation, and amnesia. While approved as an injectable anesthetic for both humans and animals and in the form of esketamine (Spravato®) as a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, ketamine is also misused recreationally for its dissociative sensations and hallucinogenic effects. Additionally, it has been exploited in instances of facilitated sexual assault. While ketamine usage outside medical settings is not nearly as common as other drugs, it’s essential to understand its effects, especially if considering ketamine treatment for depression.
Intended Medical and Veterinary Applications of Ketamine
Ketamine was introduced in the 1960s as a replacement for phencyclidine (PCP) for anesthetic purposes. Its ability to induce a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss made it valuable in human medicine, especially for surgeries. In veterinary medicine, it’s commonly used for animal anesthesia, such as in equine applications.
Ketamine Abuse Symptoms
While ketamine has medical applications, misuse can result in severe health risks. This includes cognitive impairment, urinary tract problems, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, its disassociative properties can lead to accidents or make individuals more vulnerable to harm. It’s essential to distinguish between receiving ketamine as part of a medically supervised substance abuse treatment program as opposed to experimenting with it recreationally.
Ketamine Usage Scope
Ketamine is recognized and used globally, both for medical and non-medical purposes. Its popularity in certain party or club scenes, especially in Europe and Asia, has led to its nickname as the “party drug.” The social pressures that adolescents may encounter can result in them indulging in the drug without fully understanding its potency and effects. That beckons the call to keep the youth informed about the potential undesirable consequences of experimenting with drugs like ketamine. While the nature of what makes ketamine addictive might be different from other drugs like cocaine and alcohol, it should not be taken lightly. It’s essential to understand that ketamine is intended to be administered strictly under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.
Ketamine Abuse in the U.S.
In recent years, the recreational use of ketamine has increased in the U.S., according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH). Its popularity has grown, especially among the younger generation, primarily due to its hallucinogenic effects. However, in the U.S., less than 1% of the total population uses ketamine recreationally.
Referencing a 2022 study posted by the National Library of Medicine, while the misuse of ketamine can lead to overdoses and even fatalities, especially when combined with other substances, its use in controlled medical settings appears to be safe. The study analyzed various articles and found 312 overdose cases and 138 deaths related to ketamine or its derivatives. Notably, there were no reported cases of overdose or death when ketamine was used therapeutically as an antidepressant. The study highlights that in a medical context, ketamine is considered safe and is even recognized as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization.
Medical Ketamine Use For Treating Depression
Beyond anesthesia, ketamine has been researched for its potential anti-depressive effects. After successful studies suggesting it may offer rapid relief for severe depression and suicidal thoughts, in 2019, the FDA approved ketamine to be administered to treat depression.
How is Ketamine Abused?
Ketamine can be found in either liquid or powder forms. When in powder form, it’s often snorted, combined with substances like 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy), or pressed into tablets. People also mix it with beverages or incorporate it into smokable materials like marijuana or tobacco. In its liquid form, ketamine is typically injected, commonly intramuscularly.
The misuse of any drug, including ketamine, carries risks. While ketamine abuse affects less than 1% of the population, that still represents roughly 3 million people potentially being exposed to the drug through recreational experimentation.
Rehab Treatment for Ketamine Addiction
For those struggling with misuse, there are several steps to recovery:
- Ketamine Detox: This is the initial phase where individuals undergo a medically monitored process to metabolize and eliminate ketamine from their system. Ketamine detox is conducted under the supervision of a medically qualified detox professional.
- Ketamine Rehab: Here, individuals undergo structured treatments in facilities to address the root causes of their misuse. Different rehab options exist, such as outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization. The proper treatment option depends on your unique circumstances, which is why it’s essential to consult with a professional and assess your current situation.
- Ketamine Support Groups: Community-based groups can provide continuous support to prevent relapse. Please note that support groups are often best used to supplement additional rehab programs. Joining a support group can be an essential catalyst to a multi-faceted ketamine rehab treatment plan.
FAQ: Is Ketamine Addictive?
What is a K-hole?
The term “K-hole” describes a specific state induced by high doses of ketamine. This intense and often frightening experience is described as an out-of-body or near-death experience.
Who abuses ketamine?
Roughly 3.0 million persons (~1%) aged 12 or older have used ketamine at least once in their lifetime, with average age of first usage being 19 years old.
Is ketamine addictive when used for treating other types of addiction?
Similar to other drugs that can induce a calm-like or hallucinogenic state, ketamine has the potential to be abused. The medical professional administering ketamine infusions and ketamine treatment for depression follows approved dosage plans unique to each patient. This ensures the program’s success and reduces the likelihood of adverse side effects.
What is ketamine, and how does it work?
Ketamine has traditionally served as an anesthetic, but recent studies over the past two decades reveal its efficacy in addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and persistent pain. By binding to specific brain receptors, ketamine facilitates the regrowth and interconnection of brain cells that manage mood.
How many people die from ketamine use?
According to a ketamine study published by the National Library of Medicine, deaths from ketamine usage occurred at a rate of five deaths per year between 1997-2005.
Ketamine Recap
In summary, while ketamine has proven medical benefits and continues to emerge as an effective treatment for depression, like any substance, it carries risks when misused. The key is understanding its effects and potential for misuse and ensuring it’s administered responsibly and under appropriate professional medical supervision.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine abuse know that there are resources out there. Mental Health Providers’ free rehab directory let’s you search by zip code to find substance abuse treatment near you. Don’t try to take on detoxing by yourself. It’s a sign of strength to reach out for help. Start your journey to the best version of yourself, today.
