Ketamine Detox and Withdrawal

The detox process is one of the elements of rehab that can prove to be most intimidating, often preventing people who may need substance abuse treatment from starting the process. Many people fear that withdrawal symptoms during detox will be too much to handle, so they never try to stop abusing the substance in question.

Ketamine is a powerful dissociative and hallucinogenic drug that can become addictive due to its euphoric effect. However, detox from ketamine is not as risky as some people fear, and it is possible to get support for detox that minimizes withdrawal and makes it possible to stop using ketamine and get on the path to addiction recovery.

Ketamine Use and Abuse

Ketamine is a type of anesthetic used both for humans and in veterinary work, which gives it some its street names, such as horse tranquilizer or cat Valium. After its development in the early 20^th century, it was originally used to help in treating battlefield injuries, and it has also been used for burn therapy and radiation treatment, among other uses. Recently, it has even been considered as a treatment for depression. Its dissociative effect, which is not as sedative as other anesthetics, has also given it life and reputation as a recreational drug. For this use, it is illegal.

As a recreational drug, ketamine is used to generate hallucinations, provide a dissociative sensation, and create a sense of euphoria in the user, according to the DEA. For this reason, it has become popular as a so-called club drug, used at parties and raves. It is usually ingested, injected, or snorted. In any of these cases, onset of the effects is fairly quick, potentially within five minutes for all of these methods.

The length of effect varies based on the method:

• About 45 minutes when injected
• Up to an hour when snorted
• Up to two hours when ingested

Ketamine in the Body

According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, Ketamine is thought to act through various areas of the brain’s neurochemical systems, including the opioid receptors and the dopamine system. These areas of brain chemistry are also those that are often associated with substance abuse and addiction, as they control the body’s pleasure and reward response as well as memory and other areas associated with addiction.

The effect of this interaction is basically to make the person feel disconnected from the self as well as a sense of extreme wellbeing.

This, in turn, leads to various side effects described by WebMD, including:

• Fast heartbeat and blood pressure
• Shakiness or trembling
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Mood swings
• Nightmares and insomnia

Sometimes, ketamine abuse can lead to addictive behaviors, such as:

• Loss of ability to control use or lack of ability to stop use
• Struggles in personal relationships based on drug use
• Engaging in dangerous behaviors, including risky sexual behavior, while using the drug
• Continuing to use the drug even when it compromises physical or mental health

When these symptoms occur, the person may be struggling with a substance use disorder that requires intervention through a treatment program. Detox is then the first step in treatment. Knowing what will happen can make it more likely that the individual will be willing to get help.

The Ketamine Detox Process and Withdrawal Timeline

The half-life of ketamine is about 2-4 hours, which means that the drug can generally clear from the body within about a day or so. However, this exact timeline can vary, depending on the individual.

Factors that can change the elimination of ketamine include:

• The person’s physical health, including kidney and liver function
• Whether or not other drugs are being taken at the same time
• How long the person has been using the drug
• The person’s age, weight, and other elements of physical constitution

Some physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal can last longer than the basic detox period. While most symptoms of ketamine withdrawal are mild, severe symptoms can include:

• Vision disturbances, such as blurred, fuzzy, or double vision
• Psychosis or schizophrenia
• Depression

A detox and withdrawal timeline for ketamine, as described by Mental Health Daily, includes:

• 2-4 hours: The effects of the drug begin to wear off.
• 11-20 hours: The drug is fully eliminated from the body. Symptoms of withdrawal, most of which are minor, continue and then begin to taper. It is possible to develop psychosis after dependence on ketamine, according to the Journal of Addiction Nursing.
• 1-2 weeks to 3 months after detox: Cravings to use the drug can continue for weeks to months after stopping use, especially if the individual has developed an addiction to the drug. Double vision or other vision issues can also continue on a long-term basis.

Medical Detox from Ketamine

Although most symptoms of ketamine withdrawal are minor, the incidence of psychosis or schizophrenia is a severe risk of use that requires mental health treatment if it results from ketamine abuse. In addition, depression is a side effect that can have severe consequences for the individual who has struggled with ketamine abuse.

During medically supported detox, professionals can monitor the client and intercede in these situations, helping the individual manage and minimize the effects of these and other withdrawal symptoms. This type of support can also help the person minimize the risk of relapse to abuse of the substance, making it easier to transition into a full treatment program and ongoing recovery.

Getting Help with Detox and Treatment

Professional, research-based treatment programs provide resources and support for ketamine detox, making it easier to get through the process. In addition, these types of programs can support treatment of potentially co-occurring disorders like psychosis, schizophrenia, and depression. They also provide therapy and other treatment elements that can help the person learn to manage cravings and triggers.

These include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to understand and manage thoughts that lead to relapse
• Peer support groups that offer experience, accountability, and support through treatment
• Educational sessions that provide information about addiction and drug abuse
• Nutrition and exercise to counter the detrimental health effects of substance abuse

With this support, an individual who struggles with ketamine abuse or addiction can learn to manage this challenging, chronic mental health disorder and emerge in full recovery, making it possible to maintain abstinence from the substance for the long-term.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are ready to start discussing treatment options, call us today at . There, a compassionate treatment navigator can help you create a plan to attend treatment at one of our rehab facilities across the United States. River Oaks, American Addiction Centers’ Tampa rehab center, may be a good fit for you. Call us today to find out more.