Though ketamine addiction has not been as fully researched as many of the addiction syndromes created by commonly abused substances, the drug can cause dependence, tolerance, cravings, severe withdrawal symptoms, and intense side effects when abused. Therefore, it is not advised for someone to attempt to overcome ketamine addiction on their own.

Why Can’t I Get Over Ketamine at Home?

In most cases, attending drug addiction treatment is associated with more success than attempting to overcome addiction on one’s own. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning” at a much higher rate than those who otherwise do not attend treatment. For this reason, it is more logical as well as safer to seek professional help for something as complex and dangerous as addiction.

Ketamine abuse can cause depression and flashbacks.

Other reasons why one should attend professional care for ketamine addiction treatment include:

• Ketamine’s addiction syndrome is dangerous in that not much is known about it, and serious issues could possibly arise from it with little to no warning. An individual should be in a treatment program where they can be examined by a doctor and have access to safe and accurate medical care during this potentially dangerous time.
• A person is more likely to avoid relapse if they attend some sort of formal treatment program, and because those who return to drug abuse during withdrawal often overdose because their body is no longer accustomed to the amount they take in, this is a much safer option than going through withdrawal alone. Ketamine has a high potential for causing deadly overdose because of the “severe respiratory depression” it can cause, so attending professional rehab during withdrawal and beyond is especially important (Center for Substance Abuse Research).
• Ketamine abuse causes a number of physical and psychological issues, such as depression, flashbacks, amnesia, delirium, coordination problems, heart problems, and aggression, and any of these may require professional care in addition to a person’s addiction syndrome specifically.

What is the Safest Way to Get Over Ketamine Addiction?

The safest way for a person to get over ketamine addiction is for them to seek treatment through a professional rehab program. While the NIDA states, “There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to ketamine or other dissociative drugs,” there are other options available to those individuals who have become addicted to ketamine, and these treatments can often minimize the chance of relapse and other problems for occurring after long-term ketamine use. In addition, the doctors, nurses, and counselors in a treatment center will focus on treating any other issues associated with your addiction, especially comorbid mental disorders that, if left untreated, would likely lead to relapse.

As a drug, ketamine is too dangerous to warrant at-home drug treatment. An individual should attend at least one professional treatment program, whether outpatient- or inpatient-based, and receive the help they need in order to stop abusing the drug. Call 800-915-1270 (Who Answers?) to find drug treatment centers in your area or to learn more about ketamine and its addiction syndrome.

Commonly Overlooked Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms