Ketamine is a controlled substance that can be used as an anaesthetic. In this blog, we’re letting you know more about the dangers of ketamine abuse, short and long-term side effects.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which means it often makes people feel detached from their bodies or environments. This means that the drug can cause changes to a person’s thoughts and feelings.
The drug usually comes in white powder form. However, it can also be found as pills or dissolved in a liquid. Due to the range of forms it can be found in, it can also be taken in a variety of ways, including swallowing, snorting or injecting.
The amount of time it takes for the drug to take effect depends on the form and method in which it is taken. The effects of ketamine can last for around one to two hours, although this can vary. Additionally, while the main side effects may have worn off, the individual is likely to experience side effects relating to their coordination or senses for up to 24 hours after the first use.
Can you become addicted to ketamine?
Similar to many other drugs, you can become addicted to ketamine. However, when we talk about ketamine addiction, we refer to the psychological dependence on the drug, rather than a physical dependence.
Some substances, such as alcohol, can cause a physical dependence, which means that the individual will likely require a medical detox. There is no medical detox available for ketamine, as there is no medical substitute. Individuals with an alcohol addiction are advised to detox with the help of a medical professional. Withdrawing from alcohol completely when you are addicted could lead to serious side effects and even death.
Common effects of ketamine use
It’s worth noting that everyone is different and has different reactions to taking drugs. While ketamine does not cause a physical dependence, it can still be extremely dangerous. Many people underestimate drugs, and there is often no way to know the exact ingredients used in one batch of drugs, limiting their safety.
Some people may be fine taking drugs one time and then have a severe reaction the next time. You should ensure that you know the signs of a drug overdose and let others around you know. Read our blog on recognising the signs of ketamine addiction in a loved one.
What affects a person’s ketamine tolerance?
A person’s tolerance to drugs can vary based on many factors, some of which include the following.
- Weight and height
- General health
- If the person takes the drug frequently
- How much of the drug has been taken
- Whether or not other drugs have been taken
- The strength of the drug
Short-term effects of ketamine use
Some people who take ketamine may experience the following short-term effects.
- Feeling disoriented
- Feeling confused
- Loss of motor coordination
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Increased body temperature
- Dizziness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Hallucinations
- Feeling detached from your own body or surroundings
It’s also important to remember that these effects may be worse or more intense if you have mixed ketamine with another substance, for example, another drug or alcohol. Mixing any drugs can be extremely dangerous and may require hospital treatment. Read our blog on the dangers of mixing ketamine and alcohol.
What effects might you experience when coming down off the drug?
A come down is known as the time after you take the drug. It usually occurs the next day and can be made worse by the presence of other substances.
- Memory loss
- Impaired judgement
- Feeling irritated
- Being clumsy
- Feeling achy
- Experiencing feelings of anxiety
While these effects are generally considered common during a come down, it’s important to monitor them closely. If you feel worse or the effects last for a long period of time, you should seek professional guidance on chronic ketamine use. You should always be honest with medical professionals about the drugs you have taken and how much you have had. Read more about what ketamine does to your brain and body.
Long-term effects of ketamine use
People who continue to take ketamine over a prolonged period are likely to experience long-term side effects. Some of these long-term effects can include the following.
- Mood and personality changes
- Limited sense of smell, if the drug is snorted
- Poor memory and concentration
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression or other mental health conditions – read our blog on ketamine as a medically-led treatment for depression.
- Abnormal liver or kidney function
- Chronic pain in the abdomen
- Dependence on the drug (psychological)
- Problems in other areas of life, including work, social and relationships, etc.
- Ketamine bladder syndrome
Ketamine bladder syndrome occurs when the walls of the bladder and urinary tract become irritated and inflamed and is often caused by the breakdown products of the drug.
More cases of ketamine bladder are being uncovered, and it can be extremely serious if it is not treated early. Those who have scarring of the bladder may require surgery. Read about ketamine bladder treatment.
What are the signs of a ketamine bladder?
- Pain when passing urine
- Noticing blood in the urine
- Feeling a sense of urgency to pass urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis
- Urinary incontinence
It’s really important to seek professional advice if you are worried that you might have ketamine bladder syndrome.
Dealing with ketamine addiction
A ketamine addiction should be treated promptly; otherwise, it can become dangerous. Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, but their friends, family and other people around them too.
Acquiesce creates bespoke treatment programmes for all clients, enabling you to identify your triggers and determine the best ways of dealing with them. We always ensure a professional approach to ketamine addiction. Following your rehabilitation programme, we will remain by your side for any support or guidance you require. Read our blog on how does ketamine rehab work?
We hope this blog has been helpful regarding the short and long-term ketamine effects. Contact us today to see how we can help with ketamine addiction. This is the first step to getting your life back on track.
