Ketamine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline and Treatment

Ketamine is used as a general anaesthetic; however, it is now being used more as a recreational drug due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. Despite its uses as an anaesthetic, ketamine can be addictive when misused, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

In this blog, we will explore what ketamine is, ketamine withdrawal symptoms, how long it lasts, and the best forms of treatment available.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a prescription drug that is classified as a dissociative anaesthetic. The drug works by blocking any NMDA receptors in the brain, which alters perception, mood, and cognition.

Ketamine can be found as a white powder or a clear liquid. Ketamine is also used in controlled doses for anaesthesia and treatment-resistant depression. However, the liquid form of ketamine is typically stolen from veterinary offices and can be found to be sold as a recreational drug.

Recreational users often take ketamine for its euphoric and dissociative effects, creating a state of intense detachment from reality. Even though the drug is not physically addictive, similar to alcohol or opioids, psychological dependence can encourage frequent use.

Over time, as you use ketamine more frequently, your tolerance increases, prompting you to take larger doses. This can lead to both mental health issues and physical side effects.

Ketamine Dependence and Withdrawal

Ketamine doesn’t always come with the same type of physical addiction that people associate with drugs and alcohol, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to withdraw from. Dependence on ketamine is often psychological and typically builds up over time.

When you stop using ketamine, your mind and body instantly react and notice a change. The withdrawal process from ketamine is often more emotional than physical, and you may start to feel anxious, low, disconnected, or just not like yourself.

The dependence on ketamine often develops alongside tolerance. When the brain becomes familiar with ketamine, then becomes dependent on the substance and requires it on a day-to-day basis to function. This can potentially lead to cravings and the development of withdrawal symptoms if you decide to break free from ketamine.

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms of ketamine withdrawal may include:

• Cravings
• Depression and Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Mood Swings
• Sleep Disturbances
• Shakes
• Sweating
• Heart Palpitations
• High Body Temperature

These symptoms are often enough to push individuals back into addiction, which is why support and a clear detox programme is so important.

Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline

While ketamine withdrawal doesn’t typically produce severe symptoms, its symptoms can still follow a precise timeline. Here is what to expect:

• 0-24 Hours After Last Use: This is the first stage of the withdrawal process. It’s the phase where the body and brain begin adjusting to the absence of ketamine.
• 1-3 Days After Last Use: This stage of the withdrawal timeline is typically the most intense phase of withdrawal and causes quite a lot of psychological distress.
• 4-7 Days After Use: After the initial few days of the process, the intensity of withdrawal symptoms generally starts to reduce. However, some emotional and psychological symptoms can start to persist.
• 1-4 Weeks After Last Use: At this stage of withdrawal, you should start to feel more like yourself again; however, recovery is still ongoing, and you may still face some challenges.

Treatment for Ketamine Addiction

After detoxing from ketamine, exploring various treatment options is key for helping you stay sober. At Home Detox UK, we provide a range of treatment programmes that can be tailored to your needs and addiction.

If you are struggling with ketamine addiction, having a plan in place is key for achieving long-term recovery. Here are some of the treatment options to explore for ketamine addiction:

• Support groups
• Detoxification
• Therapy
• Inpatient rehab
• Outpatient treatment
• Aftercare planning
• Relapse prevention

When to Seek Support

If you or a loved one is struggling with ketamine use or withdrawal, always know that help is available. You don’t have to wait until you feel like your addiction is starting to go out of control, putting your health and well-being at risk.

Intervening, at an early stage can be beneficial, making your recovery smoother and more effective. Here are some common signs it may be time to seek support:

• Using ketamine to manage your emotions
• Feeling anxious or low when not using ketamine
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping
• Impacting relationships due to ketamine use
• Repeated failed attempts to stop using ketamine

Home Detox UK is Here to Help

The psychological effects of ketamine withdrawal can be damaging and long-lasting, especially if you already experience difficulties with your mental health. However, having a better understanding of the symptoms, timeline, and treatment options can help you take those initial steps on your recovery journey.

If you are struggling with ketamine addiction, the team at Home Detox UK is here to help. With our support and services, you can be addiction-free in no time. All of our detox programs are tailored to meet your individual needs, helping you achieve the best results possible.

If you want to know more about our services or ketamine addiction and withdrawal, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.