Ketamine is a pain-relieving medication, most commonly used for its anesthetizing effects. It produces pain-free sedation to individuals who are undergoing significant surgical procedures, and it can also be used in the treatment of severe cases of depression – however, this medical use is far more uncommon. Ketamine is also frequently misused, and considered a potent “club drug,” one that affects sight and sound and commonly leads to hallucinations when taken in high doses. Over the past decade or so, Ketamine has garnered a reputation for being a “date rape drug,” meaning that sexual predators will drug potential victims with the potent painkiller before taking advantage of them. Those who abuse this medication will quickly begin to experience short and long-term symptoms of Ketamine abuse. The substance is highly habit-forming, and addiction is liable to take hold within the first several uses. 
Ketamine Abuse and Addiction
There are several signs and symptoms associated with Ketamine addiction, the most common being the building of tolerance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon ceased use. If you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of a Ketamine abuse disorder of any severity, seeking professional help will be necessary – attempting to detox from this drug in an at-home setting can prove to be extremely dangerous. Symptoms of Ketamine withdrawal should always be closely monitored by an experienced team of medical professionals. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we offer a comprehensive and highly individualized program of medical detox, geared towards physical stabilization and preparation for the next appropriate level of clinical care.
What is a Ketamine Detox?
Those who have been actively abusing Ketamine for an extended period will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop use abruptly. It has been repeatedly found that the physical symptoms of Ketamine withdrawal are relatively minor, and will generally not be life-threatening. However, medical detox is still necessary, seeing as the psychological symptoms of withdrawal can be harshly disruptive – in some cases, too much to bear. Some of the more common psychological symptoms of Ketamine withdrawal include:
- Extreme anxiety, which can lead to panic attacks.
- Depression, which can lead to suicidal ideation and self-harm if left untreated.
- Paranoia, sometimes caused by auditory and visual hallucinations.
- Psychosis.
- Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Mood swings, typically marked by increased agitation and irritability.
- Intense and persistent psychological cravings.
Ketamine detox does include some level of physical withdrawal, but the symptoms of physical withdrawal will be minor. They might include flu-like symptoms, such as minor headaches, a runny nose, a low-grade fever, night sweats, stomach cramping, and nausea.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar – Comprehensive Clinical Care
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we effectively treat the symptoms of Ketamine withdrawal, ensuring client comfort, and eventual physical stabilization. When it comes to Ketamine, we understand that the safest and efficient way to treat symptoms of withdrawal is by slowly tapering the patient off of the drug completely over a one to two week time period. Our team of medical professionals will work closely alongside each patient, initially determining which course of action and which medical drug detox methods will be the most beneficial, and adjusting the treatment plan to continuously ensure safety and comfort. We understand that Ketamine abuse and addiction can be extremely difficult to overcome – often impossible to overcome when professional treatment is not sought. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we have developed a unique program of quality clinical care, designed to set a solid and lasting foundation for long-term addiction recovery. To learn more about our recovery program or to learn more about Ketamine abuse and withdrawal, feel free to reach out at any point in time. We look forward to speaking with you soon, and our admissions counselors are standing by to assist you with the admissions process as soon as you become willing to commit to an entirely new way of life.
