Outpatient programs might be suitable for those who have milder symptoms or prefer continuing everyday tasks during recovery. Several life-threatening complications can emerge during ketamine detox, transforming what begins as acute withdrawal into medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention. You’re at heightened risk for cardiovascular crises, including severe arrhythmias and hypertensive emergencies that can precipitate heart attack or stroke. Respiratory depression becomes particularly dangerous when ketamine withdrawal overlaps with polydrug use, potentially causing coma or death.
Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Regular ketamine use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and upon stopping the drug, users may experience symptoms of withdrawal. If you are a polydrug user, you must complete the withdrawal process in a supervised, controlled environment. Your safety is of the utmost importance, and when there are several drugs involved in the withdrawal process, symptoms can become much more complicated and severe. With the help of a professional facility, you will be able to manage withdrawal symptoms in a way that makes your experience as safe and comfortable as possible. While ketamine withdrawal isn’t typically life-threatening like alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, some people do experience more severe reactions.
Medications and Therapies That Support Safe Withdrawal
The main goal of detoxing from ketamine is to keep you safe, stabilize you, and encourage you to take the next step, which would be addictions treatment. Medical professionals are still working to understand these more intense withdrawal experiences, and there’s no clear definition of what “typical” ketamine withdrawal looks like. For those who use heavily and frequently, symptoms can become acute enough to seriously disrupt daily life. This is why it’s safest to quit ketamine with professional guidance, especially if you’ve been using ketamine regularly for a long time. You’ll likely need more to feel the same effects (tolerance), which can cause you to develop physical and psychological dependence, leaving you with withdrawal symptoms when you stop.
While direct withdrawal fatalities aren’t documented, co-occurring substance use or underlying health conditions can complicate your safety profile considerably. Breaking free from ketamine can be extra challenging if you’re juggling multiple substances or have mental health conditions at the same time. Different levels of care, like inpatient programs, can provide enough structure and medical oversight to stabilize you over 28 days or possibly longer.
In most cases, PAWS can be managed with a clinical treatment program and peer support groups. Medication may be necessary for some situations to stabilize patients with psychological issues. Even though ketamine is used in some medical settings, it can also be abused illegally. People who abuse ketamine may inject, snort, swallow, or smoke the drug.
- But with thorough monitoring by an experienced staff, you stand a better chance of making it through safely.
- Advanced cases require surgical intervention regardless of the tapering method.
- When ketamine becomes a regular part of your routine, your brain gets used to having it around.
Answering these questions honestly is vital, as they are trying to keep you safe through the withdrawal process. These are the symptoms you experience when your body does not have ketamine in it after you have become addicted to it. Ketamine is a Schedule III drug, which means that it’s a type of controlled substance. We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and recovery. That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion.
Levels of Care
- This is worse because the main users of ketamine are youth between the ages of 12-24.
- This method of abuse is less common among people who use ketamine recreationally.
- Your recovery duration depends on your use pattern, dose, and duration.
- Track your progress honestly, remain vigilant for relapse warning signs, and keep a detailed prevention plan accessible.
When used clinically, it is ideal because it creates a trance-like state in patients, producing pain relief that doesn’t slow breathing, which is common among other anesthetics. On the street, ketamine is referred to as Special K and has effects similar to PCP. Cravings are worst in the 2-4 days after you quit using ketamine.Ketamine detox is primarily psychological in nature, producing intense anxiety and depression. Some addicts also experience delusions or hallucinations, and a few become aggressive. Don’t Wait Hear from others on their journey through addiction and recovery. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid the physical side effects of detoxing, detoxing from ketamine on your own can be risky.
Addressing these long-term psychological impacts often requires a combination of therapeutic interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and, in some cases, medications. Building a support network and embracing strategies for mental well-being can be instrumental in navigating this extended phase. In addition to CBT, two other therapies that are often used to help those in ketamine treatment programs include dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The former uses mindful awareness as well as stress management techniques. The latter combines acceptance therapies with mindfulness, as well as including strategies that emphasize commitment and behavioral change. The ketamine withdrawal timeline varies from one person to the next based on their tolerance level, length of use, and whether or not they are also detoxing from other drugs.
Kickstart your ketamine recovery
Medical supervision during detox provides essential safeguards that significantly reduce risk and improve your chances of successful recovery. Begin your journey to recovery with personalized drug & alcohol rehab—verify your insurance coverage in under a minute. We offer individualized, extended-term treatment in an intimate setting. You deserve the best possible shot at sobriety, and that means choosing a detox center that works for your needs.
Still, physical dependence on this drug can be difficult to overcome, so it’s best to seek professional medical support during the process. For this reason, it is recommended that you complete the ketamine withdrawal process in a professional, supportive environment — especially if other substances are involved. Once you have eliminated all substances from your system, you can focus on holistic healing. During the withdrawal process, you may become emotionally unstable, and depending on your current mental health, this can complicate the detoxification period.
While some medical professionals think that depression can reduce the number of synaptic connections, research has shown that ketamine can encourage these to grow. While the severity and duration of ketamine withdrawal can vary from one person to the next, most people’s symptoms follow a similar timeline. If you are currently stuck in a cycle of ketamine abuse or are experimenting with several drugs, ketamine detox symptoms and timeline now is the time to take action. For some, this could be days, whereas others may struggle for weeks or months. As discussed, this is an individualized process — no two people are identical.
These can include antidepressants, anti-anxiety, sleep aids, or stronger medications when OTC medications are not strong enough. The support you choose for your recovery journey can make all the difference in your long-term success. If you’re looking for treatment, please browse the site to reach out to treatment centers directly.
Ketamine is a popular club drug, that provides mild euphoria, hallucinations, and relaxation. Although it is available as a prescription medication, it is sold on the streets and in clubs illegally. Being a psychoactive substance, it has addictive and mind-altering properties that can be dangerous. This is worse because the main users of ketamine are youth between the ages of 12-24. Withdrawals can test your resolve, both physically and mentally—they’re actually one of the main reasons people return to using.