It is frequently abused in combination with other substances, such as cocaine, MDMA or amphetamines. Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, and it blocks HCN1 receptors. However, at higher doses it may also bind to the opioid mu and sigma receptors. It can exhibit sympathomimetic activity which can lead to rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. In the last couple of decades, there has been an explosion of research on ketamine, an anesthetic that can induce a hallucinogenic trance-like state, to treat various mental health problems. There is a growing body of evidence telling us that ketamine could be a powerful tool for people struggling with addiction.
- Outside veterinary medicine, this drug is being used less in clinical settings.
- The effects of abuse typically last 1 to 2 hours, but the users judgement, senses and coordination may be affected for up to 24 hours or longer.
- Higher doses and frequent use increase the likelihood of dependence as ketamine’s dissociative effects become more enticing to users seeking to recreate the same experiences.
- However, its powerful dissociative effects make it prone to misuse, leading to dependency.
What Is Ketamine and Should It Be Used for Addiction?
Recognise the signs of ketamine addiction and take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free life with our expert treatment options. Environmental factors increase the risk of ketamine addiction by shaping individuals’ behaviors and choices through external influences. Social settings, peer pressure, availability of the drug, and family dynamics all contribute to the development of addiction. According to Sassano-Higgins et al. (2016), in “A Review of Ketamine Abuse and Diversion,” the rising availability of ketamine, especially among young adults, has contributed to its increasing abuse.
Ketamine Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Future research in controlled studies is imperative to corroborate its effect. First used during surgery and then popular in the party scene, it is now showing promise for helping to treat alcohol addiction ketamine addiction and mental health conditions. Abuse of large doses can also lead to powerful visual hallucinations that are intensified by environmental stimuli.
Have A Support System In Place
This drug has been abused for decades, so several studies have been done to determine the most commonly affected demographic and the effects it has on the population. While the majority of the studies were not able to demonstrate complications from chronic abuse, the few that did showed psychological effects. One case had a patient who had impairment in the recall of information and worsened attention.
Can Ketamine Be Used to Treat Addictions?
Ketamine addiction also makes it difficult for people to function as they normally do in their daily life and activities. If substance misuse disrupts work, school, and personal relationships, it can indicate a ketamine addiction. While users report feeling complete bliss on ketamine, consuming high amounts of this drug can produce effects similar to a near-death experience. Coupled with its ability to produce an out-of-body experience, this drug can cause visual and auditory perceptual changes.
We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders. Then you will need to choose outpatient or inpatient addiction treatment programs. For individuals who suddenly lose access to the drug and are no longer able to use it, either voluntarily or drug addiction involuntarily, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, more frequently psychological. Tolerance can build to the effects over time, requiring greater doses of the drug to reach the same level of effect. The dissociative effect alters the users perception of light and sound and produces feelings of detachment from self and surroundings. Esketamine (Spravato), the S-enantiomer of racemic ketamine, was approved in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression with an oral antidepressant in depressed patients with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
