Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug used primarily on animals. It was approved as an anesthetic for humans in the 1970s and is used during surgical and other medical procedures. It is also approved as a treatment for depression, under the brand name Ketalar. While this treatment has been FDA-approved, it is relatively new, as of 2024. Small doses are administered under the care of a trained professional.

Although the drug is known to be a safe and effective drug for anesthetic use and possibly treatment-resistant depression, long-term use can have dangerous consequences. Due to its psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects, “Special K” is commonly abused in dance clubs and raves by teens and young adults.

As with many addictive drugs, individuals use many common slang terms. Popular names include:

• Cat Valium
• Jet K
• K
• Kit-Kat
• Purple
• Special K
• Super acid
• Special La Coke
• Super K
• Vitamin K

This hallucinogen is manufactured as a clear liquid. It is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in the form of a nasal spray. When sold illegally, it can also be found as a white powder or in pill form. It has no taste or smell in all its forms.

It can be snorted, swallowed, or injected. People who regularly use ketamine may smoke it with tobacco or marijuana. The drug produces a hallucinogenic high that can be felt in as little as one minute. Although the high effects usually do not last for more than 30 minutes to an hour, an individual’s coordination and senses may continue to be impacted for many hours.

It is also common to find the substance in combination with other drugs, such as MDMA, amphetamines, or cocaine.

The drug can produce powerful effects within minutes. Individuals looking for relaxation, self-treatment for depression, or pain relief may turn to “K” to sedate themselves. In addition, users may pursue escapism, as ketamine causes individuals to dissociate from their surroundings. Compared to LSD, these hallucinogenic effects wear off after a shorter period of time, but individuals should still be wary of the health risks the drug can pose. Some of the short-term side effects include:

• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Visual and sensory distortions
• Detached feeling from the body
• Temporary and unusual thoughts and beliefs
• Diminished or delayed reflexes

“Special K” causes undesirable short-term effects such as nausea and high heart rate and blood pressure. Many users of the drug turn to more potent drugs like heroin. Ketamine makes users unresponsive to the world around them, impairing their ability to react quickly to dangerous situations. Because it causes temporary memory loss for those under its influence, the drug is particularly notorious for facilitating sexual assault.

In addition to the addictive properties of ketamine, prolonged use and higher doses can also have dangerous health consequences. Individuals who misuse it may experience high blood pressure, kidney problems, bladder problems, difficulty breathing, memory loss, and even seizures.

Frequent misuse of “Special K” can lead to addiction and serious health problems. Because it is an anesthetic, some users of the drug may ignore or be oblivious to any injuries they sustain.

dependence on the substance. Individuals who abuse ketamine often build up a tolerance to the drug and will progressively require higher doses to get high. Consequently, addiction impacts the mind and body in several ways, many of them psychologically. People who regularly misuse ketamine may experience irritability, depression, and impaired judgment. They may also experience physical side effects, such impaired motor function, redness of the skin, and slurred speech.

An overdose occurs when an individual takes a high dose of ketamine, to the point where the body is not able to safely break down the toxins. Individuals who overdose may breathe at an alarmingly slow rate and lose consciousness. Because “K” has a more immediate impact than other drugs, accidental overdoses are common. Signs of an overdose include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Impaired vision
• Muscle twitching
• Shortness of breath
• Dissociation
• Unconsciousness
• Auditory hallucinations
• Irregular heart rate and blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Paralysis

Detox

The most common way to treat ketamine addiction is with detoxification, known as detox. This typically involves a three-to-seven day stay at an addiction treatment center under medical supervision, so you can completely purge the drug from your system.

Removing toxins from the body is a necessary first step in recovering from addiction. While medically-monitored detox is not necessary for ketamine addiction, individuals often experience intense cravings once they have stopped regular use.

As a safety precaution, it is recommended that individuals go through the detoxification process under the supervision of a healthcare professional, who can help manage the discomfort often experienced during this period. Withdrawal symptoms may include conditions such as loss of motor skills and coordination, blurred vision and impaired hearing, and breathing problems. An individual is safe and more comfortable under the supervision of an addiction center and medical professionals.

Addiction Treatment

Like all hallucinogens, ketamine deeply impacts mental wellbeing. Because of this, addressing the psychological effects caused by addiction are particularly important. Individuals with a history of drug abuse should seek addiction counseling and psychiatric services through either inpatient (residential) or outpatient treatment. Clinical practices not only help individuals to uncover the root of their addiction, but also provide them with the knowledge to make smart and healthy choices in recovery. During this time, individuals are educated about addiction as a disease and how it has impacted their lives while they also gain invaluable relapse prevention skills.

To complement the progress made during drug counseling, individuals can take part in holistic therapies. These wellness therapies provide individuals with the tools needed to maintain their sobriety after treatment is completed. For example, those who used ketamine to escape their surroundings may benefit from art therapy, which encourages the exploration of thoughts and emotions in a creative, visual way.

Also, individuals who sought out-of-body experiences through substance abuse can find a higher purpose through spiritual enhancement. Finally, users who experienced stomach pains as a result of  drug dependency may find value in nutrition education, which teaches new, healthy eating habits that can repair bodily damage.

To learn about a range of other therapeutic activities that can help those afflicted by addiction, visit our Wellness page.

If you or a loved one is struggling with ketamine addiction, know that you are not alone. Mountainside’s team of medical, clinical, and wellness experts are here to help you break free from addiction to achieve the happy and healthy life you deserve.