Aftercare can help you quit using ketamine long-term by providing recovery resources to help you remain sober. These symptoms can last from a few days to weeks, particularly the psychological symptoms of excitotoxicity. Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as hours after the last dose. The way a person’s body and brain react to withdrawing from ketamine is mainly dependent on the severity of their addiction and how much ketamine they regularly take. The effects of ketamine on drug addiction these parts of the brain lead to the hallucinogenic and euphoric feelings that people seek when taking ketamine. Day 15 onwardsBy this point, there will be a bit more stability, but intensive work still must be done to prolong the recovery phase, and avoid a relapse into drug taking.
How long do ketamine withdrawal symptoms typically last?
Ketamine is highly accessible to medical https://millingpro.it/what-is-dialectical-behavioral-therapy-key/ professionals such as anesthesiologists. However, this only occurs in isolated incidents, as outlined in this case study. When someone in the medical field has a history of substance abuse and proximity to drugs, including ketamine, these variables can trigger use. Most patients reported a reduction or elimination of withdrawal symptoms after each ketamine dose, the effect of which lasted for hours.
- A rehab center can smooth the transition from one program to another.
- The process usually includes a series of infusions spaced over several weeks, accompanied by ongoing psychological assessments and support.
- As the substance takes precedence, responsibilities are often neglected.
- Psychological distress and cravings are also issues during ketamine detox.
Ketamine Addiction Treatment

Researchers say that some people experience unusual ketamine withdrawal symptoms. Those people can experience an extremely agitated state shifting back to calmness. These large movements between relaxation and anger can be hard to see, and they can be hard to control. Ketamine users may develop withdrawal symptoms within the first 24 hours after they stop using it.

Psychological Symptoms of Ketamine Withdrawal

When ketamine becomes a regular part of your routine, your brain gets used to having it around. Your brain chemistry actually adapts to function with ketamine in your system. When you decide to stop or cut back, your body needs time to reset—which causes withdrawals. Not everyone who uses ketamine will develop a drug addiction, but regular use can make you dependent. Spotting the signs of ketamine addiction early can help you recognize when casual use has crossed into problematic territory.
Health & Wellness in Recovery
- Your friends, family, and community can be a great support as you move through this first stage of recovery.
- Detox and withdrawal are the processes that occur during this period of readjustment.
- People who are high on ketamine may slur their speech, lose motor coordination, and move more slowly than usual.
- They might also use antidepressants to address mood-related symptoms and cravings and antinausea medications to help with vomiting and dizziness.
- A supervised medical detox environment provides a safe, supportive setting for monitoring psychological distress and emerging physical symptoms like tremors, sleep disturbances, or cardiovascular fluctuations.
However, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms that stretch for months, including mood swings, ongoing cravings, or cognitive impairment. Ketamine withdrawal occurs when a user has taken excessive amounts of Ketamine, either for a long time or many times over and then tries to quit. The body has adjusted to life with the drug and when the user takes the drug away, a range of side effects arise such as paranoia, depression, emotional imbalance and physical imbalance. People who use ketamine in higher doses ketamine addiction withdrawal and more often are more likely to experience potentially severe and longer-lasting symptoms.
Emdr therapy
- The first few days of quitting ketamine cold turkey can be the most challenging.
- While acute symptoms may subside, some psychological effects and lingering physical discomfort can persist.
- Short-term medication for anxiety can help with extreme anxiety, or treatment for depression is considered if it persists beyond the initial withdrawal phase.
- There is no consensus in the literature that home withdrawal is unsafe, but seeking guidance from a healthcare provider is always advisable to tailor care to individual needs.
When we approach addiction not with disdain but understanding, we break the chains of shame that might bind those struggling. It’s normal for external factors like stressful situations to elicit temporary emotional setbacks, so be mindful of these triggers and have coping strategies in place. Access State-Specific Provider Directories for detailed information on locating licensed service providers and recovery residences in your area. We do not receive any fee or commission dependent upon which treatment or provider a caller chooses.
