Can you get addicted to ketamine?

Yes, you can become addicted to ketamine. Statistics and information about ketamine abuse and addiction here.

3
minute read

Yes. Ketamine is addictive.

While ketamine is a controlled substance, it has legitimate medical uses as a dis-associative anesthetic. But what are the effects of ketamine abuse? How does ketamine affect the brain? We explore these questions here and invite your questions about ketamine at the end of the article.

Ketamine chemistry and use

Ketamine is a tranquilizing medication used most often by veterinarians preparing pet animals for surgery. Ketamine is also marketed as an anesthetic for human use, although this medical use is a little less common.

Ketamine is used both as a liquid and a powder. The liquid form can be injected, consumed, or added to other materials and smoked. The powder is usually dissolved and then injected. In addition to abuse by users wanting to get high, one troubling use for illegal ketamine is to facilitate sexual assault at parties and in clubs.

Ketamine and the brain

Ketamine affects glutamate receptors in the brain. Ketamine distorts perceptions of sight and sound. Users feel detached from their environment and their body, which is why it works so well in surgery. Low doses result in intoxication, which can impact learning ability, attention, and memory. Higher doses cause dreamlike states and hallucinations, and sometimes even delirium and amnesia. These high doses put users at risk of high blood pressure and respiratory failure.

How do you get addicted to ketamine?

In normal medical use, you won’t get addicted to ketamine. Mainly because ketamine is not administered in repeated doses. As an illegal street drug, however, habitual users can develop a tolerance and physical dependence on the drug. Regular users can develop cravings for the drug, and there are reports of ketamine binging activity similar to that seen in cocaine and amphetamine addicts.

Who gets addicted to ketamine?

Teenagers and young adults represent the majority of ketamine users, and people who use club drugs like XTC (how long does XTC stay in your system?)are more likely to encounter and become addicted to ketamine than others.

What does it mean to be addicted to ketamine?

A ketamine addict will have strong cravings for the drug. They may compulsively seek out the drug, sometimes binging on ketamine. They may experience withdrawal symptoms when they aren’t able to take ketamine. An addict seek out and continue to take the drug despite negative social or health consequences.

How to avoid ketamine addiction

Ketamine addiction is always a direct result of illegally abusing a prescription medication. While it’s not clear how many ketamine users go on to become addicts, the best way to avoid addiction is to simply avoid the drug. Normal medical use under a doctor’s supervision will not result in a ketamine addiction.

Are you addicted to ketamine?

If you’re addicted to ketamine, you can get help. There’s currently very little scientific information out there about ketamine addiction, but you will be able to find support groups and therapist who have dealt with similar drug addictions. Therapy and the support of friends and family members will be essential in helping you kick your ketamine habit.

Also, you can learn more in detail about the Ketamine Addiction Treatment Process and Programs to be better prepared for what you can expect. And don’t lose hope! Millions of people are walking tall in addiction recovery. Why not YOU?

Questions about getting addicted to ketamine

If we haven’t answered your question(s) about ketamine, please ask them here. We welcome your comments and experience about ketamine use, as well. We try to answer all legitimate queries with a personal and prompt response.

Reference sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse: InfoFacts: Club Drugs (GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol)
Drug Enforcement Administration: Ketamine
National Highway Traffic and Safey Administration Drug Fact Sheet on Ketamine
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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