What is ketamine addiction?

Ketamine addiction occurs when you find you find yourself taking increased doses of ketamine in to feel a ‘high’. Ketamine is a substance which can be used by doctors and veterinarians to relieve pain or act as an anaesthetic, but it does have the potential to be very dangerous when used recreationally. It can be used as a hallucinogenic drug that produces a dream-like state with an altered perception of time and sound in those who take it, alongside an increased heart rate and sharp fluctuations in blood pressure.

It is possible to abuse ketamine without developing an addiction. If someone is suffering from a ketamine addiction, their use of the drug is likely to take a toll on their relationships, work, health and finances. If you recognise any of the symptoms on this page, it’s imperative that you seek help as soon as possible. Continued use of ketamine without treatment is likely to worsen over time, and going to rehab for ketamine dependence is the best way to reduce that likelihood of long-term damage to the body and mind. At ketamine rehab, you can access professional guidance and care to help you begin the journey to recovery.

Why rehab for ketamine addiction?

Because it provides a comfortable and safe environment in which to recover from ketamine addiction, rehab is the most popular treatment available for anyone who is focused on long-term success. A good rehab for ketamine addiction will include a range of therapy options such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and group therapy so that you can understand the root causes of addiction and develop tools to deal with any setbacks you might face. Because ketamine addiction rehab takes place at a dedicated facility, medical professionals are always on-hand to ensure you can recover safely and access a medically assisted detox if necessary.

Possible side-effects of ketamine addiction

The recreational use of ketamine can cause many potential side-effects such as nausea, hallucinations, dilated pupils, amnesia and changes in behaviour. If someone is addicted to ketamine, they will likely develop a tolerance which can lead them to consume larger doses of the drug. If a high enough dose of ketamine is consumed, it is possible to experience a ‘K-hole’ which is a traumatic hallucinogenic state often described as feeling like a near-death experience. Because ketamine can increase and decrease the blood pressure and heart rate so sharply, its consumption can sometimes be fatal unless there is immediate medical intervention.

Recognising ketamine addiction

It is possible to recognise if you are struggling with ketamine addiction by observing the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Blackouts
• Reduced focus
• Reduced pain perception
• Muscle stiffness
• Muscle spasms
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Behavioural changes
• Changes in perception of time and sound
• Feelings of invulnerability
• Fainting
• Impaired thinking
• Dilated pupils
• Double vision
• Seizures

If you continue to take ketamine over a long period of time, you might notice the onset of slowed breathing, amnesia and signs of delirium. Quickly taking action is the best way to prevent damage to your long-term mental and physical wellbeing.

Getting help for ketamine addiction

Getting professional treatment for ketamine dependence greatly increases your chances of a safe and long-term recovery, and seeking help as soon as possible strengthens the possibility of reversing the negative effects of taking the drug. Private rehab is the most immediate way to begin your recovery, as you can be admitted within 24 hours of an initial phone call and provided with expert guidance from on-site doctors, counsellors and therapists.

Help is on hand for anyone who is struggling with ketamine dependence, and making the proactive decision to attend rehab is a vital step on the road to recovery. In this setting, you can focus on improving your health and avoid any setbacks or relapses with the tools learnt in therapy. There is also the potential of a medical detox to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, and nutrition management to keep you healthy throughout your stay.

What does rehab for ketamine involve?

Admission to ketamine addiction rehab should be as easy and quick as possible, and you can begin the process with one phone call. Once there, you can discuss your unique requirements and circumstances with a healthcare professional who will explain your treatment options. They will make a determination whether a medically assisted detox is necessary and if so you will be prescribed medication that reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms whilst your body goes through the process of ridding itself of any addictive substances.

After you have completed the detox process, or when you feel ready, you can take part in a range of therapy-based treatments that aim to help you develop tools and strategies to deal with any challenges you might face throughout your recovery. Therapy will take place on an individual basis, as well as with your peers at the rehab centre. One-to-one therapy is an opportunity to discuss anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing within a support network, while group therapy will help you come to terms with the circumstances that have led to ketamine addiction and help you to build connections with like-minded people and strengthen one another through the recovery process. After your treatment, it is imperative that you have access to an aftercare programme, and that you attend support groups to help maintain your long-term freedom from ketamine addiction.

How long does rehab for ketamine last?

The length of stay varies for each person, depending on your circumstance. However, we recommend ketamine dependence treatment at a residential rehab clinic should take at least 28 days. Staying in rehab for longer allows you more time to get used to the detox process and settle into therapy. It is widely acknowledged that a longer stay at rehab improves each resident’s chances of life-long recovery from ketamine addiction.

If you choose outpatient treatment through the NHS then you will need to allow for a longer treatment period, as sessions are staggered throughout the week.

Rehab options for ketamine addiction

Ketamine addiction can be treated through both free public drug services and private programmes. Free services are mostly outpatient only and are offered by both the NHS and various charities, whereas private rehabs can offer outpatient and inpatient programmes that cater to the needs of each individual. There are benefits to each type of treatment, and you should decide on the best option based on your level of addiction, finances and schedule.

Inpatient vs outpatient

Inpatient rehab (or residential rehab) involves staying at a dedicated facility throughout your treatment for ketamine addiction. Because you live on-site, you will be provided with a comfortable and safe environment, living alongside those in a similar position and access to medical and emotional attention throughout your stay.

Outpatient treatment is a more suitable option for anyone who requires flexibility in their recovery, as this programme allows you to remain living at home and only visit the clinic for scheduled sessions. This is preferable for anyone who has family or work commitments and can’t dedicate themselves to a residential stay.

Private vs NHS

The NHS provides some free drugs services that can be accessed through a GP referral, but it can take a long time to receive any treatment for addiction. There is extremely limited funding for free addiction treatments and there is a long waiting list, during which time you will be expected to look into other options.

Residential rehab at a private facility may seem expensive, but the cost can sometimes be reduced through private insurance. In contrast to NHS services, admission to a private rehab is immediate, and you can have access to a range of recovery approaches and additional services like aftercare, conjoins and family support programmes. Because ketamine addiction can be dangerous to your mental and physical health, getting fast treatment at a private clinic can significantly reduce the risks associated with waiting for free services.

What does Recovery.org.uk offer for ketamine rehab?

We have helped more people into recovery from drug addiction than any other treatment provider in the UK, and each clinic offers both ketamine dependence treatment and residential care. An inclusive atmosphere which works in accordance with each resident’s personal and religious beliefs is at the heart of our holistic approach to treat each client physically, spiritually and emotionally. Because of this, every resident is provided with access to family support programmes and one-year free aftercare so that they can continue to receive quality treatment and support after their stay at the rehab centre has concluded.

Additionally, completing a treatment programme at any one of our facilities will grant you free access to the UKAT Alumni programme – a network of peers in recovery that come together through event days and regular communication to encourage one another through difficult times. You will also receive online materials to improve your chances of maintaining recovery at home. A strong support network is an important component in maintaining a life free from ketamine addiction, and UKAT alumni can continue to stay in touch through this community.

All our clinics are CQC registered and have received a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating based on how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led each clinic is, so you can be assured that you will receive exemplary service throughout your treatment.

Ketamine rehab aftercare

A high-grade aftercare programme is an important part of any ketamine addiction treatment, and all our residents are provided with a personalised care plan before they leave one of our facilities. This plan can be made up of continued therapy, follow-up phone calls, email consultations and participation in support groups, but it is dependent on the individual needs of each client. Some free addiction services, including aftercare programmes, can be provided by the NHS through self-referral, and charities like Turning Point can also assist with accessing aftercare services.

How to help someone with a ketamine addiction

The decision to access ketamine dependence treatment has to come from within, and you can’t force anyone to get help before they are ready. It’s completely natural to want to help a loved one suffering from addiction as much as possible, and so it’s best to sit down with them and offer support and understanding. Avoid pushing them away, by listening to everything they have to say, and guide them towards accessing professional help when they are ready. At that point, a residential stay at a quality ketamine rehab centre is the fastest and most proactive way to tackle their addiction and begin a life free from addictive substances.