Ketamine Addiction

Ketamine is a medication used in both human and veterinary medicine for anesthesia purposes. The drug induces a condition referred to as “dissociative anesthesia,” and is often used for recreational purposes. Ketamine produces a wide variety of side effects in humans which includes elevated blood pressure, hallucinations, anesthesia, analgesia and bronchodilation (dilation of bronchi in the lungs).

Ketamine affects all the senses of the body, which can include the following:

• Impairment of sight
• Impairment of balance
• Impairment of sense of time

Cardiovascular effects:
Partial depression

Gastrointestinal:
Nausea

Musculoskeletal:
Relaxation

Neurological:
Analgesia

Respiratory system:
Partial depression or stimulation

Ketamine has been shown to be successful when used as a part of treatment for alcohol addiction; however, the drug has also shown its own addictive tendencies as well.

Ketamine which is sold illegally comes from diverted legitimate supplies intended for medical use or theft, primarily from veterinary clinics. Most of the ketamine on the black market is brought in by sources from Asia, sometimes the package is relabeled before shipping which makes it harder for customs agents to track and intercept packages. There are also many websites which sell ketamine, making it a drug that is very easy to find and purchase. All of these scenarios combine to facilitate a dramatic rise in ketamine addiction.

Until recently, the drug was not regulated in most countries, customs and law enforcement agencies were powerless to stop shipments of bulk quantities of the drug. However, because ketamine addiction is a recognized and legitimate concern, many counties have been prompted to restrict and regulate the drug.

Ketamine is sold in either a powdered or liquid form and can be injected, snorted or added to a beverage for consumption. The effects of the drug mimic those of PCP and are very short acting. Hallucinations caused by ketamine last approximately sixty minutes and can last for up to two hours if injected.

An addiction to ketamine can produce cognitive impairment and memory problems. The drug can cause permanent chances in the brain and cellular necrosis can result. Because ketamine produces feelings of an out-of-body experience, users find the drug highly appealing and hard to resist.

Though ketamine does not cause a physical dependence which is seen with drugs like morphine, alcohol or heroin, it too is associated with powerful psychological addiction qualities, which are typically witnessed with cocaine use. A prolonged ketamine addiction can cause a person to experience amnesia, impaired motor function, delirium and respiratory depression which can be fatal. Respiratory depression is commonly seen in cases of overdose or because ketamine has been administered too rapidly.

Ketamine addiction can be a very serious issue which is best treated within the safety and structure of a drug rehabilitation facility. A facility which treats an addiction to ketamine should include counseling, therapy, drug awareness education, spiritual guidance and multi-disciplinary treatment methods for dealing with the disease as a whole.

If you or someone you love is facing an addiction to ketamine, there is help. Please contact us today for more information.

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