Ketamine Addiction & Treatment

Break Free from Ketamine Addiction

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Page Clinically Reviewed on 22 August 202416 April 2025 by Kerry Canning, MBChB | Medical Editor

Key Takeaways

• Ketamine is used in clinical practice as an anaesthetic in humans and animals but is sometimes obtained illegally and misused¹ 
• As a dissociative drug, ketamine can alter consciousness and lead to feelings of detachment² 
• Using large amounts of ketamine can cause a ‘k-hole’ experience, in which the mind and body feel separated 
• A major risk associated with ketamine use is injury, as ketamine can mask pain sensations⁴ 
• Ketamine is a Class B drug. Possession of this drug can result in a five-year prison sentence, an unlimited fine or both⁸
• The DSM-5 criteria is a useful tool in diagnosing substance use disorders, such as ketamine addiction^10,11 
• Prolonged ketamine use is associated with several serious health complications, including abnormal kidney and liver function, gastrointestinal problems and psychosis^2,12
• Regular use of ketamine enhances the risk of developing ketamine bladder syndrome, which can require ongoing treatment¹³
• Treatment for ketamine addiction typically involves a combination of a mix of detox and psychotherapy¹⁵
• Recovery from ketamine addiction is possible with access to appropriate treatment and support^17,18

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a chemical compound used as an anaesthetic in humans and animals. It is a popular choice in medical settings as it is affordable and effective.¹

Ketamine is a dissociative drug, meaning after taking it people can feel detached from their body or surrounding space. Like psychedelics, dissociative drugs can also cause changes to emotions, thoughts, perceptions and consciousness.² 

These dissociative effects, along with its fast-acting properties, mean ketamine is also misused and taken illegally. In 2023, the Office of National Statistics recorded the prevalence of ketamine misuse at 3.8% among 16–24-year-olds in England and Wales.^1,3

When sold illegally, ketamine may come as a white or off-white powder, pill or liquid so it can be snorted, swallowed or injected. When obtained illegally, it might be called K, Special K, ket, or horse trank.²

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How Ketamine Affects the Body

Ketamine is misused for its dissociative effects; it can make you feel relaxed and happy, as well as confused or nauseous. 

It may also change your understanding of time and space, resulting in hearing or seeing things that aren’t there. Taking large doses of ketamine can produce effects similar to that of a near-death experience.

Too much ketamine may affect your ability to move and some people experience entering a ‘k-hole’, which feels as if your body and mind have separated. 

Ketamine can also stop you from experiencing pain, which can put you at risk of injuring yourself without realising it. The risk of death from accidents with ketamine is associated with the highest mortality rate.

Because of its ability to alter a person’s senses, judgement and motor function for up 24 hours after taking it, ketamine is sometimes used as a date rape drug.^5,7

UK Government Classification of Ketamine

Ketamine is a Class B drug in the UK, meaning that possession of ketamine can result in a five-year prison sentence, an unlimited fine or both. Producing and/or supplying ketamine can lead to a prison sentence of up to fourteen years, an unlimited fine or both.⁸

Ketamine Addiction

Is Ketamine Addictive?

Ketamine is an addictive drug with a high potential for misuse. Research has found that ketamine misuse can cause changes to the brain and, with regular use, lead to symptoms associated with addiction^.9

The global prevalence of non-medical ketamine use is growing. Recognising and diagnosing ketamine addiction, also known as ketamine use disorder (KUD), is therefore of high importance.¹⁰ 

What Makes Ketamine Addictive?

Specific mechanisms underlying the addictive potential of ketamine are unclear, however, its rapid uptake and onset of effects are believed to contribute to its misuse^.9 

Developing a ketamine addiction can happen quickly as a result of tolerance build-up, in which you need to take more ketamine to get the desired effects.⁵

Diagnosing Ketamine Addiction 

Not everyone who misuses ketamine has an addiction. A clear method for distinguishing between ketamine use and addiction is the application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorders. These criteria can be used to diagnose ketamine use disorder (KUD) and other substance use disorders.¹⁰

The DSM-5 criteria comprises 11 items which can be used to assess for KUD:

• Using  larger amounts of ketamine or taking it for longer than intended
• Desire to cut down or stop ketamine use but inability to do so
• Spending lots of time obtaining, using or recovering from ketamine use 
• Being unable to manage other responsibilities as a result of ketamine use 
• Continuing to use ketamine despite relationship issues
• Neglecting important activities due to ketamine use 
• Continuing ketamine use  despite dangerous consequences
• Continuing ketamine use  despite exacerbation of  physical or psychological problems 
• Experiencing cravings
• Developing tolerance (needing more ketamine to get the same effect)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms 

According to DSM-5, the presence of two or more symptoms indicates that a person is experiencing ketamine use disorder. The severity of KUD can also be graded using DSM-5. If a person has two–to three symptoms, they have mild KUD, four to five symptoms indicate a moderate disorder and six or more symptoms mean they have severe KUD.¹¹

Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine Misuse 

If someone is misusing ketamine, they may experience the following symptoms:

• Feeling ‘off’ or strange
• Confusion 
• Delusions 
• Restlessness 
• Paranoia
• Nightmares
• Tiredness 
• Headaches 
• Reduced appetite
• Chills 
• Seizures

Other signs of ketamine misuse include^5,12:

Health Issues From Ketamine Misuse 

When people regularly misuse ketamine over an extended period of time, they may experience further health complications. Long-term complications associated with ketamine misuse include:

• Memory problems 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Flashbacks
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Psychosis (i.e., loss of contact with reality) 
• Persistent delusions 
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach pains which are also known as k-cramps 
• Abnormal kidney and/or liver function
• Ketamine bladder syndrome 

The risk of developing these health consequences can vary from person to person depending on several factors. These include personal factors, such as general health, and factors relating to ketamine misuse, including the amount used, frequency and duration of use and whether additional substances were misused alongside ketamine.^2,12 

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Ketamine Bladder Syndrome

One of the most serious long-term health implications of repeated ketamine misuse is ketamine bladder syndrome. It is estimated that 26–30% of users experience at least one bladder symptom. Using ketamine three times a week or more, across two years, has been shown to result in a change to bladder function, with some users suffering severe urological problems.

Symptoms can include frequent urination, an overwhelming need to urinate, incontinence, blood in the urine and bladder ulceration. This painful condition can require ongoing treatment and even surgery in severe cases. If you suspect you have developed ketamine bladder syndrome, it is important to seek medical help immediately.^2,13

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping ketamine after taking it over a long period can be challenging, ketamine withdrawal symptoms include:^2,5

Treatment for Ketamine Addiction

Stopping ketamine use may seem impossible, but with appropriate treatment and support, the process can be manageable and effective. Treatment will vary between individuals but often consists of a detox from ketamine alongside some form of evidence-based psychotherapy. There are currently no FDA-approved medical treatments for ketamine addiction. Medications can be prescribed in co-occurring disorders, to help manage mental health disorders.⁵ 

Various approaches can be used in ketamine addiction treatment, some of which are explored in more detail below. 

Intervention

If a person suffering from ketamine addiction is reluctant to seek help, an intervention can be a helpful first step. This involves family members, friends, colleagues and the person struggling with addiction meeting to calmly and openly discuss the person’s substance use disorder. A professional interventionist can guide these conversations and help to ensure that the ultimate goal of accepting treatment is met.¹⁴

Psychotherapy

Individual therapy is designed to explore and focus on addressing personal challenges and circumstances that may be contributing to ketamine addiction. This approach can also help manage co-occurring mental health conditions.

Psychotherapy approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are used to examine behaviours and provide skills for developing healthier habits and sustained recovery.¹⁵

Support Groups

For many struggling with ketamine addiction, support groups can provide a safe space for sharing experiences and gaining encouragement and support. Peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous¹⁶ feature 12-step programmes which can give structure to recovery and enhance long-term abstinence.^15,17

Outpatient Rehab

For people who would like to engage with a structured ketamine addiction treatment plan, but remain based at home, outpatient rehab is a great option. This treatment approach involves attending a treatment facility regularly, for example for several hours per day, whilst living at home. 

Residential Rehab

Residential rehabilitation involves living at a specialist treatment facility whilst receiving treatment. This can involve being away from home for weeks to months. These programmes remove the person from their everyday lives and potential triggers and give them the time and space to help them recover from ketamine addiction.¹⁵ 

Once the effects have worn off, users may experience depression, memory loss, anxiety and cognitive issues for more than 24 hours afterwards. 

Residential Rehabilitation at Castle Craig

Medically Supervised Detox 

At Castle Craig, we have helped many people overcome ketamine addiction and find recovery. Our rehabilitation programmes aim to stop drug use and facilitate a fulfilling life in sobriety. 

Our drug rehab programmes last for 4–6 weeks and include psychiatric assessments, detoxification, medical care and our evidence-based therapy programme.

Treatment begins with a series of thorough assessments by our multidisciplinary team of specialist doctors, nurses and therapists. The results of these assessments help to shape your personalised ketamine addiction treatment plan and drug detox.

Throughout the detox period, you are monitored by our team of doctors and nurses. Unlike many other rehabs, we have a doctor onsite 24/7 in case any emergencies arise. You may be prescribed medication to manage withdrawal symptoms depending on your physical and psychological well-being.

The duration of detox will depend on the severity of your drug addiction. Once you have completed detox,  you can fully engage with the therapy programme.

Being at a residential rehab clinic has many advantages. Patients are distanced from potential triggers and peer pressure from friends using substances. This can make it easier for them to stay away from ketamine, and any other misused substances, and focus on therapy.

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Castle Craig has a dedicated detoxification centre and 24/7 supervision by doctors and nurses to ensure the utmost patient safety.

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Therapies

Our residential rehab programme helps patients to achieve long-lasting sobriety from ketamine and other drugs. Our intensive programme uses specialised addiction therapies including:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Trauma therapy
• Family therapy
• Grief therapy

Therapy and rehab treatment are tailored to meet your individual needs according to your history of ketamine abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions.

We take a holistic approach to care by considering spiritual and psychological approaches to treatment. Our complementary therapies help to emotionally rebalance you and include:

• Equine therapy
• Drumming therapy
• Mindfulness meditation
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Creative writing
• Fitness and gym

Evidence shows that the longer you stay in residential rehab, receiving intensive therapy, the greater the chances of successful recovery.¹⁸ Should we diagnose you with dual-diagnosis i.e., an accompanying mental health disorder or more than one addiction, we recommend your stay is longer so you can fully recover and avoid relapse.

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