It may be mixed with something relatively harmless like talcum powder or sugar, or it could be combined with something more dangerous like acetaminophen or drain cleaner. Ketamine also causes long-term damage to the bladder and urinary tract that can result in a condition known as ketamine bladder syndrome. Ketamine bladder syndrome may also cause blood in the urine and ulcers in the bladder.

Rehabilitation centers can help with different treatment options, detox programs, and other necessary assistance for overcoming dependency. Because ketamine is consumed in liquid and powder form, or mixed in these forms with other stimulants—there is a high chance https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/the-6-stages-of-alcoholic-recovery-timeline/ that a person using this drug has little to no idea of how much is being consumed. Ketamine can disrupt the senses, judgment, and motor function for up to 24 hours after use. These effects have seen a growing and worrying use of this drug for date rape.

Why is Ketamine Used Medically?

High abuse potential for this drug requires that we study it well and monitor initial use with individuals who struggle with compulsive substance use in order to make sure there isn’t simply a replacement of use. Six ongoing studies were identified through clinical trials.gov that are evaluating the use of ketamine in the treatment of SUDs (see Table ​Table1).1). Three of these studies are focused on alcohol use disorder, and the other three are focused on cocaine, opioid, and cannabis use disorders. Ketamine addiction is uncommon, but individuals may choose to use the drug regularly. Common types of drug addiction counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, can teach people healthy, drug-free ways to cope with stress or other issues.

There are many factors that may contribute to ketamine tolerance including how much ketamine is used, frequency of use, and other drugs ingested. Other substances ingested with ketamine include psychedelics such Ketamine Addiction as PCP, LSD, and MDMA. Ketamine is particularly dangerous when mixed with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or tranquilizers, as it may lead to slowed breathing, decreased heart function, and coma.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

For those who abuse ketamine via insufflation (“snorting”) adverse reactions may be less serious, but still present. Fast heart rate, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and impaired consciousness upon presentation to the emergency department may be most common effects with “snorting”. Esketamine (Spravato), the S-enantiomer of racemic ketamine, was approved in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression with an oral antidepressant in depressed patients with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. It is also used with an oral antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults. It is used under strict medical supervision and is not used by patients at home. Frequent use also may eventually cause ketamine-induced ulcerative cystitis and contracted bladder, dubbed ketamine bladder syndrome.