The Signs Of A Ketamine Addiction

If you or a loved one is displaying the signs of ketamine addiction, it’s important to seek help before the problem progresses. However, the signs and symptoms of ketamine addiction are not always clear, especially during the early stages of addiction.

Ketamine abuse can affect all aspects of your life – it can wreak havoc on your relationships and finances, and take its toll on your physical and mental health too.

In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the symptoms of ketamine abuse, how to recognise ketamine addiction, and the risks associated with ketamine abuse. You’re not alone with ketamine addiction, and there is support out there for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine, known on the streets as “Special K” or “K,” can be snorted, swallowed, or injected. Over a period of time, frequent ketamine use can lead to you developing a tolerance, which can quickly lead to you developing an addiction.

Here are some key symptoms of ketamine abuse to be aware of:

• Distorted perception
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Urinary tract problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Detachment from reality/ dissociation
• Increased tolerance
• Social withdrawal
• Financial problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Risk-taking behaviour

Over time, ketamine abuse can have detrimental effects on your mental health, worsening existing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Recognising Ketamine Addiction

Many people begin using ketamine as a recreational drug, wanting to experience the mind-altering effects. However, regular ketamine abuse can lead to addiction.

The more you take ketamine, the more you develop a tolerance to the drug. As your tolerance increases, the more of the drug you’ll need to take. This can lead to psychological dependence, which can be difficult to break without the right support.

Some signs you or a loved one may have a psychological dependence on ketamine may include:

• Ketamine cravings
• Struggling to control ketamine use (how much or how often you use ketamine)
• Continuing to use ketamine despite negative consequences
• Prioritising ketamine use over other responsibilities

Withdrawal symptoms can also indicate addiction. These symptoms, which may include cravings, depression, and anxiety, can occur when you suddenly stop taking ketamine or drastically reduce your ketamine intake.

This can hugely contribute to the cycle of addiction as you may seek to reduce discomfort by using ketamine again. If you resonate with the signs, it’s time to seek support.

The Potential Dangers of Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine abuse is linked to a wide range of side effects and health problems. Long-term ketamine use can result in memory loss and cognitive impairment, affecting your ability to function in daily life.

Chronic abuse may also lead to psychiatric disorders or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions.

Additionally, ketamine abuse can cause long-term damage effects on the body. For example, it can affect the urinary tract, leading to:

• Bladder inflammation
• Urinary frequency
• Pain during urination

Ultimately, ketamine can increase the risk of cystitis – known as ketamine-induced cystitis (KIC). Over time, this can lead to bladder damage, reduced bladder storage and kidney failure. It can hugely affect your quality of life.

As well as the physical dangers, ketamine abuse can strain relationships, affect your performance at work, and lead to financial difficulties. The consequences of addiction can impact every aspect of your life, which is why it’s so important to seek help and support.

What Help is Available for Ketamine Addiction?

The good news is that there is plenty of help out there for those dealing with ketamine addiction. If you have an addiction to ketamine, a tailored approach always works best.

The first step is detoxing from ketamine. A ketamine detox can be tough, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Some ketamine withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Cravings – a strong desire to use ketamine again
• Mood Swings – rapid changes in emotions, including irritability and depression
• Anxiety – feelings of nervousness or unease
• Insomnia – difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Fatigue – persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Nausea – feeling sick to the stomach
• Sweating – excessive sweating, especially at night
• Shakiness – tremors or shaky movements
• Difficulty concentrating – trouble focusing on tasks or thoughts
• Muscle aches – pain or discomfort in muscles and joints

These symptoms don’t last forever – they often peak after a couple of days and gradually subside. After you have detoxed from ketamine, you may proceed to rehab treatment.

Evidence-based treatment options for ketamine addiction typically involve a combination of therapy, support groups, and medical intervention.

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help you to identify and address underlying triggers and thought patterns contributing to your addiction. Likewise, counselling sessions can provide tools and coping strategies for managing cravings and preventing relapse.

Support groups can also be helpful when overcoming substance abuse and addiction. These groups offer peer support and encouragement from others who have experienced similar struggles, providing a sense of community and understanding.

Rehubs Ketamine Addiction Support

At Rehubs, we are here to help you overcome ketamine addiction for good. Our evidence-based approach to ketamine addiction treatment can empower you to remain sober.

We offer a convenient option. With Rehubs, you don’t have to put your life on pause – you can complete rehab from the comfort of your own home. We offer evening therapy sessions too, which is ideal if you work during the daytime. Recovery should be accessible to everyone; and with Rehubs, it can be.

Our compassionate team of professionals provides support every step of the way, guiding clients towards lasting recovery and a healthier, more fulfilling life. We can help you achieve not only lasting sobriety but emotional wellness, personal growth and self-discovery too.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to ketamine, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We have helped thousands of people break free from their addictions with our innovative online treatment programme.

With the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. Contact Rehubs today to learn more about our ketamine addiction support services and take the first step towards a brighter future.