Are you concerned about a loved one and their relationship with drugs? Perhaps you have noticed behaviour changes which are leading to concerns? In this blog, we’re letting you know more about recognising the signs of ketamine addiction in a loved one.
Drug addiction can have very serious consequences for the individual and the people around them. Whether your loved one is a family member, close friend, partner, or someone else, you’re doing the right thing by exploring ways to help.
It’s really important to remember that you are not alone. Seeing someone you love experiencing a drug problem can be really difficult to deal with, so it’s important to protect your own well-being. It can be useful to speak to someone you trust about your concerns.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a drug which has become more popular in recent years. When the drug was first introduced, it was used as an anaesthetic in human and veterinary medicine.
More and more people are using ketamine. It is well known as a dissociative drug, which means that people often feel disconnected from reality when they take it. They may describe feelings of increased energy and euphoria when taking ketamine. Ketamine is often used by people when they are out in clubs.
The drug is mainly found as a white powder, but can come in other forms. Through some methods of use, the drug can take just 15 minutes to take effect. The effects of ketamine use can last anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour.
Often, when people feel as if the drug is wearing off, they will take more. This is how addiction starts as a result of ketamine abuse, as individuals want to maintain the high they are feeling. Ketamine can cause psychological dependence, meaning that a person may experience psychological ketamine withdrawal symptoms.
How long does ketamine stay in a person’s system?
While the general effects of the drug will have worn off after approximately one hour, the drug remains in the system for longer than this. Some forms of testing can detect the substance for up to 90 days. Drug tests can include saliva, urine, blood and hair follicle tests.
Many factors can affect how long the drug stays in the system, including age, health, body mass, prolonged use and more frequent ketamine use.
Ketamine addiction symptoms
- Struggling to concentrate
- Memory problems
- Psychosis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Altered consciousness
- Hallucinations
- Disconnected from the real world
- Mental health disorders
Some people who take drugs may be more likely to partake in risky behaviour such as driving or operating machinery while under the influence of drugs. This can be extremely dangerous when using dissociative drugs, which can cause a feeling of disconnection from reality.
How to spot the signs of a ketamine addiction
Drug addiction can be hard to spot, as many people hide their addictions. People may do this out of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Many people also believe that they are alone and that there is no way out of their current lifestyle. This is not the case, and by offering your care, you can show them that there is a way out.
It’s important to remember that everyone is different and not all individuals display the same signs of ketamine addiction. Here are some of the most common signs.
- Increased tolerance to the drug
- Experiencing a decline in mental health
- Problems with relationships
- Issues at work
- Lack of interest and enjoyment in activities they used to enjoy
- Neglecting responsibilities
All of these signs can be challenging to see, so it’s really important that you initiate a calm conversation with your loved one as soon as possible. Without the right support, the addiction is likely to continue progressing. Read our blog on how rehab helps rebuild relationships.
How to help someone overcome ketamine addiction
As we mentioned earlier in the blog, it’s really important to look after your own well-being if you are worried about someone’s ketamine addiction.
Do some research into ketamine addiction treatment
Before you start the conversation about ketamine addiction signs, it’s good to have some background knowledge of addiction. If you’re reading this blog, then this is a great place to start. Within our website, you’ll find plenty of information about ketamine and other addictions.
Having this knowledge can help give you some insight into what your loved one might be going through. You might find it useful to look into some of the long-term ketamine side effects, for example, ketamine bladder syndrome. Read our blog on the dangers of ketamine abuse.
As part of your research, it will be useful to look into some helpful treatment options for substance abuse. We can support your loved one with ketamine addiction. We provide personalised treatment plans, giving your loved one the toolkit they need to live a happier and healthier life that is free from addiction. Read our blog on how does ketamine rehab work?
Listen to your loved one talk about ketamine addiction
Once you’re ready to initiate the conversation with your loved one, you must remember to listen. This conversation is likely to be difficult for your loved one as well. Let them talk to you and tell you as much as they are comfortable.
The last thing you want to do is force the conversation and have them not want to tell you anything. Avoid blame during the conversation about chronic ketamine abuse.
Suggest treatment options for ketamine abuse
The most effective treatment for ketamine addiction is rehab. This will enable your loved one to stop taking the drug in a safe environment. At Acquiesce, we provide high-quality rehab services, a calm environment and a supportive community.
All of our clients receive personalised treatment plans and we pride ourselves on our holistic approach to addiction and recovery. We utilise cognitive behavioural therapy approaches alongside our 12-step programme to support clients. We also provide sessions to help individuals get a better understanding of their addiction, including identifying root causes and developing coping strategies.
Acquiesce has helped hundreds of people to overcome their drug use addictions. We have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
If your loved one is ready to begin their treatment, then we’ll be more than happy to assist. Read our blog on finding the right rehab centre.
Continue to support them
Following effective addiction treatment, your loved one will need support to continue with their new lifestyle. Friends and family play a huge role in this. It’s important to let your loved one know that you are available to help them if they need it.
You might find that this experience brings you even closer. In time, your loved one will be extremely grateful for your ongoing support. It’s best to deal with ketamine addiction early to avoid further negative consequences.
It can be challenging to see a loved one going through an addiction. There are many options available. At Acquiesce, we’ll be more than happy to provide you with advice and speak to your loved one. We maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times. Contact our friendly team today.
