What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic approved since 1970 for use in humans and animals, but is used mostly in veterinary settings. Ketamine can be abused! Ketamine became popular in the 1980s as a party drug and was classified under Schedule III in 1999. Ketamine is produced in liquid form or as a white powder that is often snorted or smoked with marijuana or tobacco products. In some cities, New Brunswick, Morristown, Union, Westfield, Mendham, Somerset, Mountainside, Marlboro, Summit, Howell, Bedminster and Clinton, ketamine has been reported to be injected intramuscularly.
Large doses of ketamine cause reactions similar to those associated with the use of phencyclidine, or PCP, such as dream-like states and altered perceptions or hallucinations. Additionally, it can also cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems. Low-dose intoxication from ketamine results in impairment of attention, learning ability and memory. Persons who abuse Ketamine may feel detached from the self as well as his surroundings. The person may not be able to move or perceive sight and sound correctly. He can reach ecstatic states for some time and hence it can become extremely addictive.
Spravato, which is essentially ketamine in a low-dose, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of depression that has shown resistance to other available antidepressants. Not surprisingly, ketamine is commonly abused by individuals who are trying to self-medicate for depression or suicidal tendencies. Ketamine abuse could lead to dangerous health conditions such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, slurred speech, numbness, mental illness, thyroid disease, reduced heartbeat, memory loss, coronary artery disease and many more complications. After a point, it becomes extremely difficult to quit unless the addicted person undergoes ketamine treatment and detox.
When injected, ketamine can provide a high within a minute, but when snorted or smoked, it may take a few minutes. The effects of ketamine can last between 1 and 2 hours.
Outpatient Ketamine Detox in New Jersey
CNT offers outpatient detox for ketamine dependence. Medications to address withdrawal symptoms are coupled with medications to address psychological effects of withdrawal. It could take anywhere between 15 and 28 days for withdrawal symptoms to stabilize, although some psychological issues may continue after that. Medical supervision is strongly recommended for ketamine detox due to the potential severity of psychological symptoms and the risk of relapse. More men than women abuse ketamine – the average male ketamine abuser is around 31 years of age.
A medically supervised detox provides:
- Monitoring and support
- Management of withdrawal symptoms
- Access to therapy and counseling
- Structured environment to reduce relapse risk
Understanding Ketamine Withdrawal
The intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary based on factors such as the amount and duration of ketamine use, individual physiology, and overall health. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 to 72 hours after the last dose and can last from 72 hours to several weeks. It’s important to note that while ketamine withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, the psychological symptoms, particularly depression, can increase the risk of suicide. Therefore, medical supervision and support are crucial during the detox process to ensure safety and provide the necessary care.
Ketamine Withdrawal symptoms: Psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety, cravings, mood swings, confusion, and psychosis (including hallucinations and delusions). Physical symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, nausea, shakes, and loss of motor skills.
MAT for Ketamine Withdrawal
It’s important to note that ketamine detox is primarily focused on managing psychological symptoms rather than physical ones. The use of medications is tailored to each individual’s specific needs and should be supervised by medical professionals in a detox setting. The goal of medication use during ketamine detox is to make the process safer and more manageable, helping individuals transition to further addiction treatment.
However, some medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms during the detox process:
- Antidepressants: To help manage depression and mood swings that can occur during ketamine withdrawal.
- Anti-anxiety medications: To alleviate anxiety symptoms, which are common during ketamine detox.
- Non-Addictive Sleep aids: To address insomnia, a frequent withdrawal symptom.
- Antipsychotics: In some cases, to manage hallucinations or psychosis that may occur during withdrawal.
- Supportive medications: To treat specific symptoms like nausea or headaches.
Men Abuse Ketamine to Self-Medicate
Men may use ketamine to cope with underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety, especially if they feel seeking treatment is “cowardly.” Societal pressure to take risks and appear strong may lead men to use ketamine as a way to prove their masculinity or avoid showing weakness. Work-related stress, financial difficulties, and lack of support systems can drive men to use ketamine as a coping mechanism.
Women Abuse Ketamine when Under Stress
While more men than women abuse ketamine, animal studies have indicated that women are more sensitive to ketamine both in dosage and magnitude of behavioral response. At equivalent doses, negative side effects are more severe in women than men. Women appear to be especially susceptible to thinking difficulties and confusion when using ketamine.
Additionally, hormonal factors may influence ketamine’s effects in women. The stage of the estrous cycle associated with high levels of gonadal hormones supports female’s ketamine intake and subsequent ketamine relapse in animal studies. Chronic stress can increase the risk for ketamine abuse in females more than in males. While men are more likely to abuse ketamine overall, women may be at higher risk for certain negative effects and may be more vulnerable to addiction under certain circumstances.
Secret of Treating Women Addicted to Ketamine
Women crave “connection,” which is the secret sauce and, often, the antidote to ketamine addiction. Hearing from and communicating with other women in the same situation accelerates the recovery process for women. Apart from connecting with treatment providers, and physical self-help groups such as AA, online groups such as Sober Sis, Luckiest Club and Sober Mom Squad offer ways to connect with women in recovery online. Seeing other women – teachers, mothers, doctors, writers – grappling with their dependence helps people realize that they are not alone.
