Ketamine is an anesthetic that’s often used in medical settings to manage pain and, more recently, to treat conditions like depression. However, recreational use has also surged because of the mind-altering effects, which can lead to dependence over time.
While it’s not traditionally viewed as being as physically addictive as opioids, ketamine can still lead to psychological dependence, with users needing increasing amounts to achieve the same effects. This can lead to serious long-term health issues, including cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression.
When someone stops taking ketamine following heavy or prolonged use, they might experience withdrawal symptoms. These can be both physical and mental.
They can include cravings, depression, fatigue and anxiety, making it hard to quit without help.
Understanding the ketamine withdrawal timeline is necessary if you’re seeking recovery from ketamine addiction. It helps you prepare for the challenges ahead and seek appropriate treatment.
Without professional support, the risk of relapse or prolonged mental distress is high, making medically supervised detox and therapeutic care critical for long-term recovery.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that’s been used in medical settings for decades. It’s commonly administered as an anesthetic for surgical procedures because it can put you into a trance-like state and provide pain relief and sedation.
In recent years, ketamine has gotten attention in mental health treatment, especially for its rapid-acting effects on managing treatment-resistant depression.
Outside of its medical uses, ketamine is frequently abused as a recreational drug because it has hallucinogenic and euphoric effects.
Commonly called “Special K,” ketamine is often used in party or club scenes where individuals seek out dissociative and mind-altering experiences.
However, recreational ketamine use has significant risks, and the drug can lead to psychological dependence. As a user increases their doses to get the same desired effects, they might develop a dangerous pattern of use that’s hard to break.
Ketamine impacts the brain by blocking glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in memory regulation, emotions and learning.
In controlled medical settings, this can be helpful, but repeated recreational use disrupts brain function.
Over time, ketamine use can lead to cognitive issues, memory impairment and mood disturbances, creating a cycle of dependence.
Ketamine withdrawal can be challenging because the brain and body have to readjust, leading to symptoms that can make the quitting process difficult without professional support.
Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline
The ketamine withdrawal timeline depends on factors like frequency of use, dosage and a person’s overall individual health. Ketamine doesn’t always lead to the same intense physical withdrawal symptoms as other drugs, but it can lead to significant psychological challenges.
First 24-72 Hours
During the first few days after stopping ketamine, a person might start experiencing initial withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, intense drug cravings and trouble sleeping. Some users also say they feel restless or irritable as their body adjusts to functioning without ketamine.
Days 3-7
This is typically the peak of ketamine withdrawal, with symptoms becoming more intense. Common issues during this period include severe mood swings, depression, low energy and fatigue.
Many people struggle with intense emotional distress. They might feel detached from reality or experience lingering anxiety.
This stage of the ketamine withdrawal timeline can be especially challenging without the right support.
Days 7-14
As the withdrawal process continues, many physical symptoms start subsiding, but psychological symptoms like depression, irritability and mood fluctuations can persist.
While cravings can become less intense during this time, they may still happen, so ongoing treatment and emotional support are important.
Weeks 2-4+
After two weeks, the most intense symptoms have usually faded, but there may be remaining psychological symptoms like cravings for ketamine, depression, and cognitive issues related to memory and concentration.
The brain continues healing and adjusting during this time.
Symptoms of Ketamine Withdrawal
Physical ketamine withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Insomnia, especially in the early stages.
- Elevated heart rate.
- Muscle aches and stiffness.
- Excessive sweating.
Psychological symptoms include:
- Anxiety, restlessness and irritability.
- Depression.
- Cravings.
- Rarely, hallucinations.
- Confusion.
How Long Does Ketamine Withdrawal Last?
The duration of withdrawal symptoms varies widely. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms may persist for a couple of weeks. In more severe cases, psychological symptoms like cravings and depression can last for months.
Specific factors that influence how long ketamine withdrawal lasts include:
- Length of ketamine use: The longer someone’s used ketamine, the more likely it is that they’re physically and mentally dependent. Prolonged use can result in more intense withdrawal symptoms and a longer recovery period because the brain needs more time to readjust to functioning without the drug.
- Frequency and dosage: Frequency of ketamine use and dosage levels play a role in the intensity and length of withdrawal. Someone who uses higher doses more often is more likely to have a longer and more difficult withdrawal process.
- Physical health: Those with good health and no underlying medical conditions might have a shorter withdrawal timeline, while people with chronic health problems could face a longer and more difficult recovery.
- Co-occurring mental health issues: If someone has a co-occurring condition like depression, they might find that withdrawal is harder. These pre-existing conditions can worsen psychological withdrawal symptoms and may require specialized treatment.
- Environment and support systems: A supportive environment plays a crucial role in how long withdrawal lasts and the overall success of the process. If a person has strong support networks, a stable environment and access to professional treatment, they’re more likely to experience a smoother withdrawal process. Conversely, without those resources, a person may struggle more.
Treatment Options for Ketamine Withdrawal
Professional support and medical detox are crucial to safely manage ketamine withdrawal and reduce the risk of relapse.
Common treatment options that can be used throughout the ketamine withdrawal timeline include:
- Medical detox: Supervised detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms and ensures safety as the body clears ketamine. Medical staff monitor and address any complications that arise.
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy, along with individual and group therapy, addresses the psychological components of ketamine dependence.
- Medication: Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to help with particular symptoms like anxiety or insomnia.
- Long-term care: After detox, ongoing support through inpatient or outpatient rehab programs and relapse prevention therapy helps manage triggers that could lead to relapse.
Comprehensive care at facilities like Archstone Behavioral Health provides the needed structure and support for a successful recovery from ketamine dependence and addiction.
Understanding the ketamine withdrawal timeline is crucial if you’re seeking to recover from addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with ketamine dependence, contact Archstone Behavioral Health to take the first step toward a healthier future.
References:
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Ketamine
- Psychiatry Online: A Potential Case of Acute Ketamine Withdrawal: Clinical Implications for the Treatment of Refractory Depression
