When ketamine use becomes addiction
Ketamine, also known by street names such as Ket, Special K, Kit Kat, vitamin K or simply K, was originally intended as an anaesthetic and pain reliever. However, due to its hallucinogenic effects, it has become popular as a party drug, leading to issues such as ketamine addiction. Mental addiction poses a high risk. If you feel you are losing control over your ketamine use, please share your story with our team. They can offer you the support you need right now.
Is ketamine addictive?
Ketamine is a psychedelic drug which can lead to ketamine abuse and addiction as regular use quickly builds up tolerance. This means you gradually need more to achieve the same effects. You can reach a point where you might prefer the dream-like rush over reality. The effects, consequences and risks of ketamine use can be intense and harmful to your health. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. They are more than willing to listen to your story.
Ketamine effects:
- your perception of your body and surroundings differs from your actual situation
- you have difficulty explaining what you see and feel
- a higher dose can lead to hallucinating and, in some cases, make it impossible to move or talk
- your orientation and coordination are impaired: you might have trouble walking in a straight line
- you come across as confused and extremely anxious
Symptoms of ketamine addiction:
- you build up tolerance and need increasing amounts of ketamine for the desired effects
- you become obsessive about using Ket and planning your next dose
- you neglect work, school and relationships with friends and family
- you think that you can’t function without ketamine
- you cannot quit, despite multiple attempts
Risks of ketamine addiction:
- severe brain damage
- memory and concentration problems
- bladder problems
- risk of choking – ketamine can induce nausea and vomiting. If you lose consciousness, you can choke on your own vomit
- serious self-injury without realising it – ketamine suppresses pain signals and impairs muscle coordination
- intense anxiety and psychoses
- K-hole (higher dosage)
Am I addicted to ketamine?
Determining whether a loved one is addicted can be challenging, because they often deny having a problem with ketamine. If someone is struggling with underlying issues, it can be very hard to break the vicious cycle of addiction without the right kind of support. If a desire to use has transformed into an urge, you may be facing a ketamine addiction. Connection SGGZ can offer specialist assistance to help you achieve sustainable recovery.
You most likely do not use ketamine, or you have tried it once. You stay in control, set your own limits and know when enough is enough.
Are you worried about someone close to you? You can get in touch with us about that too.
Perhaps you use ketamine now and then, for example in a social setting, and at the moment your use looks limited. Even so, it is worth knowing where you stand, because a ketamine addiction often creeps in slowly, without you noticing straight away.
This self-assessment is meant to give you that awareness. Do you feel that you use more often than you would really like? Or are you worried about someone else? Whatever your question, we are here for you.
Using ketamine may seem harmless: a brief escape from stress, low mood or boredom, or a way to feel nothing for a while. But if you notice that you need it more and more often, or use it in ever-heavier doses, a risky pattern can take shape without you realising. Stopping can then become harder and harder.
Do you recognise this? Do not carry it on your own. We listen to you and can give you the advice you need right now.
Are you using ketamine more and more often? Do you think about it a lot, do you need it to relax, or do you feel low when you are not using? Is it affecting your work, your relationships or your mental health?
Only you know how big the impact really is. But this self-assessment shows there are clear signs of problematic use, and it is important to take those signs seriously.
We understand how hard it is to admit that things cannot go on like this. Asking for help can feel like a big step. But we also know that this first step can be the beginning of a life with more calm, more control and recovery. We can help you with that.
Has ketamine become a fixed part of your life? Do you keep using despite the negative consequences, such as low mood, memory problems or conflict with the people around you? Do you feel you have lost control, but find that you can no longer stop?
A ketamine addiction has nothing to do with weakness or a lack of willpower. It is a condition of the brain that slowly draws you along – mentally, physically and socially. Often this happens in silence, as shame and secrecy take over.
Do you know, deep down, that things cannot go on like this? This may be the moment to seek help and take the first step towards lasting change. We listen to you and can help you further with the advice you need right now.
During treatment, you are our main priority
Drawing on personal experience, we understand that recovering from the disease of addiction requires the right support. For example, you might encounter withdrawal symptoms specific to ketamine use. At your addiction assessment, we will discuss your personal situation and provide a customised treatment plan. Our team, consisting of specialised healthcare workers and recovery mentors, can give you all the care you need, for as long as you need it. This is why we also offer after care and family support.
This is the first step
Taking the first step is also the hardest part: admitting that you cannot fight addiction on your own and need help. Only you can take this first step. It requires courage, which we deeply respect. If you are ready to stop using ketamine, Connection SGGZ is here for you. Don’t wait any longer if you are worried about yourself or a loved one dealing with ketamine addiction.