Last Updated:

August 21st, 2024

Ketamine Addiction

Ketamine is one of the most abused but also misunderstood drugs in the UK, with users often unaware of its potential dangers. Ketamine’s powerful effects have made it a popular party drug, including among the most successful in society. However, the journey from recreational use to ketamine addiction can be swift and perilous, leading to severe health, personal and legal consequences. UKAT London Clinic offers tailored treatment plans to help our clients overcome ketamine addiction and achieve lasting recovery in an exclusive, confidential environment.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a commonly abused sedative and hallucinogenic drug, initially developed in the 1960s for medical use as a surgical anaesthetic. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, leading to a dissociative state where users feel detached from their bodies and surroundings. Medically, these effects help in managing pain and inducing anaesthesia, but they also encourage ketamine abuse, with users chasing the “high” and hallucinogenic experiences ketamine can produce.

Ketamine comes in various forms, but ketamine abuse most commonly involves snorting it as a white or off-white powder. This delivers ketamine straight to the bloodstream, creating rapid, intense effects.

Ketamine addiction explained

Ketamine addiction is when control over ketamine use has been lost, and the person cannot stop taking it regardless of the consequences. Like all forms of drug addiction, it can sneak up on even the most successful individuals, masking itself behind the initially pleasurable effects, with the path to ketamine addiction often being swift and insidious.

 

The journey to ketamine addiction often begins innocently enough with someone experimenting at a party or with friends. This initial curiosity can then lead to regular use if the person enjoys the ketamine effects. Eventually, ketamine ceases to deliver the desired effects due to increased tolerance, leading to increased usage and higher doses.

This cycle can quickly spiral out of control, and the user can soon find themselves needing ketamine to function or to get through the day. The dissociation and euphoria can become a crutch, masking deeper issues and creating a psychological dependence.

This develops alongside physical dependence, which means the person experiences unpleasant ketamine withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop or even cut down. Together, these dual dependencies lock in a destructive and seemingly inescapable ketamine addiction.

How to spot ketamine addiction symptoms

Ketamine addiction is less frequently discussed than drugs like cocaine or heroin, so many people may not even realise they have become addicted. This can stop them from noticing the critical ketamine addiction signs, which can point to the need for professional help. These signs include:

Ketamine cravings and withdrawal symptoms: Constantly thinking about using ketamine, planning the next use and feeling anxious, irritable or unable to sleep when it isn’t available.

Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, social engagements or family obligations because of ketamine use or the after-effects.

Isolation: Avoiding friends and family, preferring to spend time alone or only with those who also use ketamine

Failed attempts to quit: Trying to stop using ketamine but finding it difficult or impossible to do so, often relapsing shortly after quitting.

Mood swings and mental health issues: Experiencing severe mood swings, depression, anxiety or even psychosis as a result of long-term ketamine abuse.

Denial and continued use: The definition of ketamine addiction is continuing to use the drug despite recognising the above issues. This often leads to denial, arguments with family and growing isolation.

Ketamine addiction in the UK

Ketamine abuse and addiction have become growing concerns in the UK. Recent statistics indicate that around 3.8% of people aged 16 to 24 reported using ketamine in 2023, with ketamine addiction and serious health issues both increasing in recent years.

While ketamine-related deaths are less common compared to other drugs, they are still on the rise. Anyone using ketamine must understand the very real dangers they are putting themselves in and seeks professional treatment if they have become addicted.

Why is ketamine addictive?

Ketamine abuse and addiction can be particularly likely among successful professionals and other individuals due to several unique factors:

High stress and pressure

The demands of maintaining a busy lifestyle and a successful career can lead to significant stress and pressure. Ketamine’s dissociative effects can offer a temporary escape, making it a dangerous method of stress relief.

Access to resources

Successful individuals often have the financial means to access and purchase drugs like ketamine regularly, increasing the risk of habitual use and addiction.

Social environments

Exclusive parties and social gatherings in certain circles may include the presence and use of recreational drugs. Ketamine’s popularity in these settings can lead to initial experimentation and subsequent abuse.

Mental health struggles

The pressures of a high-powered lifestyle can exacerbate underlying mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Ketamine has rapid-acting antidepressant effects, making self-medication a risk and ultimately leading to addiction.

Privacy and secrecy

Reputable individuals may be more likely to use drugs like ketamine discreetly, making it harder for friends, family or colleagues to notice ketamine addiction symptoms, allowing the addiction to progress unchecked.

Understanding these factors can help in recognising the risk and taking proactive steps to address ketamine abuse and addiction.

The dangerous side effects of ketamine addiction

Ketamine addiction carries a host of dangerous side effects that can impact every aspect of your life, from health to personal and professional spheres and even legal ramifications.

Health risks

  • Prolonged ketamine use can lead to serious health issues, including painful urinary problems and, in severe cases, permanent bladder dysfunction. 
  • Cognitive impairments are also common, with users experiencing memory loss and difficulty concentrating. These effects can become more pronounced over time, severely affecting your work and home life.
  • Mental health deterioration can also occur, exacerbating issues like depression and anxiety and even leading to psychosis.

Personal impact

  • Isolation becomes a common pattern as ketamine addiction takes hold, causing you to withdraw from friends and family.
  • The strain on personal relationships can lead to broken trust, arguments, divorce and other family issues.
  • The constant preoccupation with using ketamine can cause you to abandon hobbies and other interests.

Professional consequences

  • Decreased performance at work is a frequent outcome of addiction, as ketamine makes it difficult to maintain the high standards required in demanding careers.
  • This decline can lead to missed opportunities, damaged reputations and even job loss.

Legal ramifications

  • Ketamine is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, leading to potential arrests and legal charges for possession or distribution. These legal issues can further complicate your personal and professional life.

Ketamine addiction treatment at UKAT London Clinic

At UKAT London Clinic, we recognise the unique challenges posed by ketamine and offer bespoke ketamine addiction treatment plans that cater specifically to your needs.

Our approach begins with a personalised detox programme, ensuring ketamine is safely removed from your body under the vigilant care of our expert medical staff.

You will then choose from a suite of tailored therapies, including one-on-one counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and proven holistic methods like yoga, mindfulness and art therapy. Each of these rehab treatment approaches is designed to tackle the root causes of addiction for complete recovery.

Our exclusive aftercare and relapse prevention services then provide all the ongoing support you need following drug addiction treatment. It includes therapy and lifestyle assistance to help you stay ketamine-free after you return to your busy life.

Get help for ketamine addiction today

If you need help with ketamine addiction, UKAT London Clinic can help you with health and restoration. Our bespoke programmes offer cutting-edge treatment in an exclusive, supportive environment right in the heart of Central London. Contact us today and make ketamine addiction a footnote in your story of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you overdose on ketamine?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on ketamine, and this can lead to severe health complications, including unconsciousness, dangerously slow breathing and, in extreme cases, death. Ketamine overdose symptoms often include high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, agitation and hallucinations, with immediate medical attention required if an overdose is suspected. The risk of ketamine overdose increases when ketamine is mixed with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids.
Are there other names for ketamine?
Ketamine is known by several street names and slang terms, including “K,” “Special K,” “Kit Kat,” “Vitamin K”, “Horse”, “Neigh Neigh”, and “Super Acid.”
Is ketamine a horse tranquiliser?
Yes, ketamine is used as a tranquiliser for animals, including horses. In veterinary medicine, it is employed as an anaesthetic and analgesic to sedate animals during surgeries or other procedures. Its association with animals, particularly horses, has contributed to its reputation as a tranquiliser and street names like “Horse” and “Neigh Neigh”.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • BBC. “Ketamine bladder: Special clinics as youth addiction ‘explodes.’” BBC, 18 April 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-68826392. Accessed 5 August 2024.
  • Office for National Statistics. “Drug misuse in England and Wales: year ending March 2023.” Office for National Statistics, 14 December 2023, https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2023. Accessed 5 August 2024.
  • PubMed. “Ketamine abuse potential and use disorder.” PubMed, 31 May 2016, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261367/. Accessed 5 August 2024.
  • UK Rehab. “Ketamine Addiction | Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/drug-addiction/ketamine/. Accessed 5 August 2024.