At the beginning of the year, the Government announced that they were seeking expert advice on reclassifying ketamine to a Class A drug. The use of the drug has been growing in recent years, and in the year ending March 2023, it was reported that around 299,000 people had used ketamine at some point in the last twelve months.

So why are more people than ever using ketamine?

Why It’s Important to Understand Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine is a medical drug that is used in a clinical setting. Recently, there have been rising calls for ketamine to be utilised in treating patients with treatment-resistant depression. Experts believe it will have its uses in severe cases, despite how dangerous the drug could be.

It is also a recreational drug, used primarily by younger people in club settings, though it is spreading beyond the dancefloor.

Like with many other forms of drug addiction, ketamine chronic misuse can develop quickly without you being wholly aware it is happening. Being aware of drug abuse patterns and how they develop into full-blown addiction is vital to early intervention.

Addiction is not inevitable or the end. Being more aware of how it happens and what you can do to help make a situation better can go a long way to achieving a positive outcome for everyone.

What is Ketamine, and Why is it Misused?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic, commonly used legally in medical and veterinary situations. It is used in surgery as a general anaesthetic and to induce sedation in some emergency settings. It is also used in pain management, including dealing with fractures and back pain.

Ketamine is used recreationally because of the effects it brings. These include:

  • Hallucinogenic effects
  • Feeling chilled out and happy
  • Put you in a dream-like and detached state

For people seeking it, ketamine offers a great chance of escapism.

It appears that in clinical settings and when used sparingly, ketamine could prove a useful drug for mental health treatment. The issues come when occasional use turns into harmful abuse. This is when the regularity of use increases, and the main goal is just to stave off withdrawal symptoms.

The Physical Signs of Ketamine Abuse

Sometimes it can be hard to decide if you or a person you know is struggling with ketamine. This is because the signs can develop gradually, so you need to be extra aware of your own health. Noticeable signs of ketamine abuse to be on the lookout for include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Poor coordination
  • Nausea
  • Bladder issues
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Long-Term Effects

Chronic use can lead to irreversible effects. A major problem is the bladder issues, which can lead to ketamine-associated cystitis. This can cause more frequent urination, pelvic pain, pain when urinating, incontinence and bleeding. These problems could eventually mean you need a full bladder removal.

This bladder issue will extend to your kidney damage, as well as your liver. Ketamine abuse can also lead to cognitive decline, including memory loss.

The Behavioural Signs of Ketamine Abuse

People suffering from ketamine addiction will start to act differently as well. Changes in behaviour include:

  • Becoming more secretive
  • Withdrawing from social life
  • Neglecting responsibilities

They will also engage in more risk-taking behaviours, such as driving while under the influence, unsafe sex, and putting themselves in dangerous situations. They will also become more erratic with their moods and may display signs of confusion.

These changes in behaviour can impact all aspects of life. Relationships with friends and family will suffer, and work performance will worsen. This could lead to legal and financial issues, too.

The Psychological Signs of Ketamine Abuse

Though there has been success with ketamine in treating mental health issues, abusing it can only worsen the problems. Psychological signs of ketamine abuse include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Dissociation and detachment from reality
  • Paranoia

Dependence on ketamine is also a considerable risk. Not only can you become physically dependent, but you can also come to believe you need the drug to function. This can evolve into a full addiction, worsening mental health conditions that you thought ketamine was treating.

Long-term ketamine abuse will affect your brain, especially your thought process and memory. This will impact your decision-making and ability to overcome your addiction.

The Risks and Dangers of Ketamine Dependence

We’ve touched on the long-term dangers of ketamine addiction, which include bladder and kidney damage, increased risk of accidents and cognitive decline.

Other dangers include:

  • Chronic stomach pain
  • Ulcers
  • Breathing problems
  • Overdose

Overdosing is a major concern, especially if you take ketamine with other substances like alcohol. Ketamine overdose symptoms include:

  • Slow and shallow breathing
  • Slow heart rate
  • Passing out
  • Seizure
  • Coma

To avoid an overdose or any other potential dangers, treatment for ketamine addiction is the best route forward.

When to Seek Help for Ketamine Abuse

If you, or someone you know, is showing some of the signs of misuse above, then it may be time to seek professional help. You, as the person suffering from addiction, have to acknowledge that you need help and are ready for it.

As a concerned friend or relative, you may be at a loss on how to broach the subject of rehabilitation.

It’s a hard conversation to have, but one you are strong enough to have. You should:

  • Research signs of addiction
  • Look at treatment options, providing solutions for your loved one
  • Contact a professional if you feel an intervention is needed
  • Approach the subject with compassion and no judgement
  • Be patient
  • Listen as well

Most of all, everyone involved in the situation needs to see rehab as a positive step forward and not a failure on anyone’s part.

Treatment Options for Ketamine Abuse at Asana Lodge

At Asana Lodge, we provide a comprehensive addiction treatment programme that helps you overcome both the physical and psychological sides of addiction.

We have many treatment options available, including:

  • Detox: You will undergo a detox programme, purging the toxins from your body, to end your physical dependence on ketamine. This will be done in an environment that allows you to detox in comfort, overseen by medical professionals. Your detox may be medically assisted to help curb the worst of withdrawal symptoms.
  • Therapy: You will engage in one-to-one and group therapy sessions to better understand your addiction, learn healthier coping mechanisms and help connect with others.
  • Holistic Approaches: We believe in a holistic approach to recovery. You will have the opportunity of group activities to avoid isolation and take part in meditation, yoga and other holistic therapies to improve your overall well-being.

Our approach at Asana Lodge revolves around providing personalised care where everyone feels supported. Everything you can do at Asana Lodge is also backed by science, proven to be effective in giving you the best chance at achieving long-term recovery.

All the care we provide is confidential, tailored to you and, above all, compassionate and understanding of what you are going through.

Support and Recovery Are Possible

Whilst ketamine is used in medical settings to great success, when used recreationally and abused, there are clear dangers.

Even if you are struggling with ketamine abuse, there is hope and help out there. At Asana Lodge, we can provide the support you need to achieve long-term recovery.

For more information about our private drug and alcohol rehab and treatment options, get in touch today. Call now at 01908 489 421.

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