A significant limitation to interpreting results is the low response rate to the survey. The multidisciplinary professional interest group providing the foundation of our convenience sample included approximately 250 members. While it is not clear how many of this group were prescribers, notably only 45 respondents completed the survey, which limits generalizability of results. However, of the respondents, over 80% had 10 or more years of experience prescribing ketamine, with a large subset having more than 20 years of experience, and an overall average of 5 years. Though the sample was small for the group targeted, it appears that the group of respondents had a valuable level of experience to share. Nevertheless, the experienced population answering this survey brings validity to the responses, as the survey elicits years of ketamine prescribing experience, rather than solely from a collection of new prescribers.
IV ketamine was used by 16 respondents, but the most common parenteral route was IM (28) and one respondent reported SC use (Fig 3). Among the non-parenteral routes, SL administration was most popular (33), followed by IN (14), and PO (8). A total of 20 respondents also used ketamine for non-psychiatric purposes including anesthesia (9), pain control (19), pruritus control (1), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) (1). Members of the ketamine-focused professional interest Google Group were invited to provide feedback on the scope, relevance, and phrasing of a draft survey.
Understanding Ketamine Abuse
Individuals who prescribed ketamine exclusively for non-psychiatric uses such as pain control/anesthesia were excluded, but those who reported ketamine prescription for both mental health and non-mental health indications were included. Notably, the occurrence of microbial dysregulation is a prevalent characteristic observed in both IBD and depression 334, 335. Studies have shown that Estrogen receptor β plays a role in mediating colitis and anxiety-depression-like behaviors by disrupting neural processing within the gut-brain axis 335. Moreover, clinical investigations have demonstrated the association between TRP metabolism and the severity of IBD 336.
- Ketamine withdrawal includes symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and paranoia, stemming from the brain’s adjustment to the absence of the drug.
- Serious adverse events were not reported by prescribers of only non-parenteral ketamine.
- Ketamine use may contribute to memory impairment, further complicating the addiction cycle.
- Recent studies suggest a potential involvement of NHE1 in neuroplasticity deficits and the development of depressive behaviors 237.
How Can You Prevent Ketamine Addiction Relapse?
- Meanwhile, ketamine also facilitates hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, exerting rapid antidepressant effects 37.
- Preclinical rodent studies suggest that acute stress induces glutamate and dopamine release in the mPFC, promoting dendritic arborization and spine formation in mPFC pyramidal neurons through Drd1 activation while reducing stress-induced behavioral deficits 58.
- Once you’ve acknowledged the problem, seeking help for ketamine addiction becomes essential.
- As with all forms of drug abuse, there are physical items which could indicate that your friend, family or loved one uses ketamine.
This could be appealing to those seeking a way to switch off from the outside world, particularly women and young girls who see cocaine as more of a ‘masculine drug’. The dad believes his son deep down knows how bad it is for him but has largely refused to engage with people that can help. He argues his son is being influenced by his friends who also take ketamine and the adult ketamine addiction dealers which supply them. However, it can cause nausea and hallucinations – and chronic use can lead to bladder problems (known as ‘ket bladder’) which is so severe that the organ has to be removed.
Withdrawal Symptoms from Ketamine Addiction
The main features of depression include melancholic mood, anhedonia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, changes in appetite, cognitive function, and self-harm tendencies 4. Regrettably, the intricate molecular mechanisms that underlie the etiopathogenesis of depression remain incompletely elucidated 5. Anxiety and depressive disorders frequently coexist, with up to 85% of individuals diagnosed with depressive disorders concurrently experiencing anxiety disorders 6.
If used with high levels of alcohol or other depressants, it can cause respiratory distress or even death. We address the underlying causes of addiction through a range of evidence-based therapies and counseling. This cycle leads to addiction, meaning ketamine use is no longer a choice but a compulsion.
Serious adverse events were not reported by prescribers of only non-parenteral ketamine. Musk hasn’t publicly acknowledged the risks of ketamine, despite having once claimed that SSRIs, the drugs commonly used to treat depression, “zombify” patients. Dylan Beynon, the founder of the ketamine telemedicine company Mindbloom, recently wrote on X, “Ketamine is not physically addictive.
Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine Abuse
For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, our calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help. The withdrawal symptoms of Ketamine addiction are nightmares, insomnia, delirium, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and increased heart rate. The causes of ketamine addiction are genetics, peer pressure, psychological factors, and environment. Approximately 1% of the U.S. population has experimented with ketamine, with around 0.1% (about 200,000 individuals) estimated to develop dependence annually. Statistics indicate that ketamine misuse is most prevalent among young adults aged 18-25, a demographic that accounts for nearly 70% of recreational use cases according to the study titled “Ketamine Addiction Statistics” written by Jessica Miller.
Recognizing these risk factors and early signs of addiction, such as persistent use despite negative consequences, is essential for timely intervention. To learn more about rehab programs and treatment options, please call American Addiction Centers’ (AAC’s) free helpline at . Ketamine (often called “K,” “Special K,” or “Vitamin K”) is a potent dissociative anesthetic, meaning it provides feelings of detachment from one’s body. Commonly used in veterinary medicine, this drug has become common on the party scene among those seeking the detached high it provides. Ketamine is also a drug that makes users feel more relaxed for a short period and has less of a come down compared to other drugs such as cocaine. These effects also make it easier for children to hide their use of the drug from parents.
“I said to one of the other therapists the other day, I don’t think it’s long before the people being admitted with ketamine problems overtakes those with alcohol problems.” Oasis Recovery Runcorn, a UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT) Group rehab facility, is one example. The site on Bridge Street in the town centre offers people struggling with accommodation, medication and therapy as part of a wider programme to support people in need. One Liverpool dad, who wanted to remain anonymous, contacted us about his 15 year-old’s addiction to the drug.