Ketamine Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine addiction can develop when a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the drug, making it difficult to function without regular use. This type of substance abuse can have serious consequences, impacting mental health, relationships, and overall well-being, and in severe cases, it can even be life-threatening.

Ketamine addiction often coexists with mental health disorders, creating a cycle that is challenging to break without professional help. However, recovery is possible. With the right treatment and support, individuals can overcome ketamine dependence and regain control of their lives.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about ketamine addiction, including common signs, side effects, risk factors, and how to begin the path toward recovery.

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic known for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, which can alter perception, mood, and consciousness. Similar to drugs like PCP, ketamine distorts sensory experiences, particularly sight and sound, creating a feeling of detachment from reality.

These effects stem from how ketamine interacts with the brain. Specifically, it acts as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. NMDA receptors play a key role in regulating glutamate, the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter. By blocking these receptors, ketamine disrupts normal brain signaling, which contributes to its hallucinogenic and sedative effects.

In simpler terms, ketamine changes brain chemistry in a way that can feel like a mental escape. For some, this dissociative state becomes psychologically addictive, especially if they are using the drug to numb emotional pain or avoid difficult life circumstances. Over time, this reliance can develop into a substance use disorder.

Though used in some medical settings, ketamine is labeled a Schedule III controlled substance by the FDA, so illegal use is considered to be ketamine abuse. It is also associated with a high risk of addiction.

Though they are often discussed together, abuse and addiction are separate conditions. Recreational, unprescribed use is typically described as ketamine abuse. On the other hand, ketamine addiction is a condition that occurs when an individual mentally relies on ketamine to function.

It’s important to note that while abuse and addiction are different, abuse can quickly lead to addiction. Medically, ketamine can be used to treat mental health disorders or in place of opioids for pain.

Ketamine comes in two forms: liquid and powder. The powder form of ketamine is typically snorted or smoked in combination with marijuana or tobacco. On the other hand, liquid ketamine can be mixed into drinks or injected into the muscle. Street names for ketamine include Special K, K, Kit Kat, Vitamin K, Ket, Super K, Jet, Cat Valium, and when it’s snorted, Bump.

Additionally, ketamine can be found in other drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, or MDMA. Mixing ketamine with other addictive substances can be very dangerous and increase the risk of adverse effects like overdose.

Yes, ketamine can lead to both psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence involves a mental or emotional reliance on the drug and is a core component of addiction. Individuals may feel they need ketamine to cope with stress, escape reality, or function in daily life.

Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of ketamine and begins to rely on it to maintain normal function. Over time, repeated use can lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects. This can increase the risk of overdose and other serious health consequences.

Once physical dependence has developed, stopping ketamine use can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which may be uncomfortable, distressing, and even dangerous without proper medical support.

Dependence is more likely in individuals who have used ketamine frequently or over a long period, as prolonged exposure gives the body more opportunity to adjust to the drug’s effects.

Like other substance addictions, many people try to hide their ketamine addiction from their loved ones. That being said, it’s important to be familiar with the symptoms of ketamine addiction, even for yourself. Behavioral and physical changes can both be indicators of addiction.

There are many physical signs of ketamine addiction that you may be able to identify in yourself or others. Common physical signs include weight loss, urinary issues, and withdrawal symptoms. Cravings can also be a physical symptom of addiction.

Psychological signs are also important to look out for. Things like memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, disorientation, euphoria, and more can all point to ketamine misuse or addiction. If you’re worried about addiction for yourself, you may be able to identify psychological signs like an inability to stop thinking about ketamine.

Lastly, you may notice behavioral signs of addiction. This can include social isolation, loss of interest in regular activities, inability to quit ketamine use, using higher doses of ketamine for the same effects, or engaging in dangerous behaviors to obtain ketamine.

Other behavioral changes worth noting are interference with one’s job or education, withdrawing from relationships, extreme behavioral shifts, and financial struggles related to obtaining ketamine.

As discussed earlier, individuals who develop a physical dependence on ketamine may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. These symptoms occur because the body has adapted to the presence of ketamine and struggles to function normally once the drug is no longer in the system.

Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological, and they vary widely depending on the individual. Common physical symptoms may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle tremors or shaking
• Hearing disturbances or loss
• Excessive sweating
• Intense drug cravings

In addition to physical symptoms, many people also experience psychological withdrawal effects, such as:

• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Anxiety and mood swings
• Agitation or irritability
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Delusions, hallucinations, or psychosis
• Sudden outbursts of anger or rage

The severity and duration of ketamine withdrawal symptoms can depend on several factors, including the length and intensity of drug use, the amount typically consumed, individual body chemistry, and overall health.

Withdrawal may begin within a few hours to a few days after the last dose, with symptoms typically peaking within the first several days. However, some individuals may experience lingering effects that last for weeks.

Attempting to withdraw from ketamine without medical support can be dangerous, especially if psychological symptoms like psychosis or severe anxiety are present. For this reason, detoxing under the supervision of a medical professional or within a treatment program is strongly recommended to ensure safety and improve the chances of a successful recovery.

All drugs have side effects, including ketamine. While some of the side effects of ketamine use are perceived as pleasant and can encourage repeated use, many of them are hazardous to your health, especially when the ketamine is obtained illegally.

Ketamine has both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects are those that you feel immediately after ketamine abuse, or sometimes in the few days following the abuse. On the other hand, long-term effects occur after repeated use over an extended period.

The effects of ketamine can depend on the form you use. For example, the effects of injecting it are different than snorting it or taking it in a pill. Learn more about the side effects of ketamine abuse below.

Short-term effects are often the ones that make ketamine abuse seem appealing, but not all of the immediate effects are pleasant.

Short-term effects may include:

• Hallucinations
• Distorted sight and sounds
• Agitation
• Depression
• Euphoria
• Memory loss or amnesia
• Cognitive impairment
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Numbness
• Nausea
• Stiff muscles
• Dilated pupils
• Uncontrollable eye movements
• Dizziness
• Slowed breathing
• Sedation
• Inability to move
• Out-of-body experience (called “k-hole”)
• Ketamine overdose
• Death

Ketamine abuse can be dangerous, but extended and repeated use can lead to even more health problems.

Long-term effects can include:

• Kidney damage or issues
• Stomach pain
• Depression
• Memory issues
• Ulcers or pain in the bladder
• Increased risk of HIV
• Increased risk of hepatitis
• Cognitive decline
• Dissociation

While many side effects of ketamine abuse can go away after you stop using ketamine, it’s important to understand that some effects are irreversible and may continue to impact your health for the rest of your life.

While not everyone who uses ketamine will become addicted, certain factors can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. These risk factors don’t guarantee addiction, but they do make it more likely.

One major risk factor is family history. Individuals with close relatives who have struggled with substance use disorders (SUDs) may be more genetically or environmentally predisposed to addiction.

Social influences also play a significant role. Exposure to ketamine use through peer pressure, especially during adolescence, or a lack of supportive family involvement can increase vulnerability. Early exposure to drug use—particularly during developmental years—can interfere with brain development and decision-making, raising the risk of dependency later in life.

Mental health conditions are another important factor. People experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychiatric disorders may misuse ketamine as a form of self-medication. Over time, this can lead to psychological and physical dependence.

A personal history of substance abuse also increases the likelihood of developing a ketamine addiction. Individuals who misuse other drugs or alcohol may be more inclined to experiment with ketamine and fall into patterns of abuse.

Lastly, frequent participation in party or nightlife environments, where ketamine is often used recreationally, can expose individuals to consistent use, heightening the chance of developing an addiction.

Understanding these risk factors is a crucial step toward prevention and early intervention. If you or someone you know is at risk, seeking help early can significantly reduce the chances of long-term addiction.

A formal diagnosis of a substance use disorder (SUD) involving ketamine must be made by a qualified healthcare professional. However, that doesn’t mean the signs of addiction can’t be recognized before an official evaluation.

If you suspect that a loved one is struggling with ketamine misuse, early action is critical. Interventions, open conversations, and encouraging the use of online screening tools or self-assessments can be valuable first steps in addressing the issue.

When you seek professional help, a healthcare provider will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether ketamine addiction is present. This may include questions about:

• Frequency and amount of use
• Tolerance levels (needing more ketamine to feel the same effects)
• Impact on daily life, such as relationships, work, or responsibilities
• Attempts to quit and whether they were successful
• Physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms

This assessment helps the provider determine the severity of the addiction and recommend the appropriate level of treatment. If you or someone you know is showing signs of ketamine dependence, reaching out to a medical or addiction specialist is a vital step toward recovery.

During your evaluation, a healthcare provider will reference the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assess whether you meet the criteria for a hallucinogen use disorder, which includes ketamine addiction. This evaluation helps determine both the presence and severity of the substance use disorder.

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis is made based on the presence of specific behavioral, psychological, and physiological symptoms. The criteria include:

1. Using the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
2. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use.
3. Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
4. Experiencing cravings or strong urges to use the substance.
5. Repeated substance use resulting in failure to meet obligations at work, school, or home.
6. Continuing use despite ongoing social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by the substance.
7. Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
8. Using the substance in physically hazardous situations.
9. Continuing use despite knowing it is causing or worsening a physical or psychological problem.
10. Developing tolerance, defined as a need for significantly increased amounts to achieve the desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.
11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or using a similar substance to relieve or avoid withdrawal.

The number of criteria met will determine whether the addiction is classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking a formal diagnosis is critical for recovery. The earlier you are evaluated and begin treatment, the greater your chances of achieving lasting sobriety and minimizing long-term harm. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward creating a tailored and effective treatment plan.

Ketamine addiction can deeply damage many areas of your life, including your health. The short- and long-term effects can cause a lasting impact that could change your life forever.

However, it is possible to recover from ketamine addiction with the right treatment and support. Treatment can be individualized to fit your needs and make recovery a smoother process.

If you or your loved one has more questions about ketamine addiction and treatment, give our helpline a call today.