Ketamine, commonly referred to as ‘special K,’ is a dissociative drug initially developed in the 1960s for its anesthetic properties. While it serves as a valuable tool in hospitals for managing severe pain, it has unfortunately made its way into the illicit market, where it is used recreationally for its hallucinogenic effects.
These hallucinogenic effects of ketamine mean it is swiftly gaining popularity among America’s young population. In 2020, the National Institute of Health in the article ‘Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Various Drugs’ reported a surge in its recreational use. It reported 1.3% of 12th graders reported to have engaged in such behavior, a significant increase from the 0.7% recorded just a year earlier. Disturbingly, ketamine has also assumed a role alongside substances like GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) as a date rape drug.
Though ketamine may not be the most lethal substance on its own, the potential for addiction exists with ketamine. The risk of dependence increases when its use is unsupervised or unauthorized. Prolonged misuse of ketamine may result in issues like difficulty concentrating, depression, or the manifestation of psychotic symptoms.
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What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a chemical compound used in anesthesia and sedation during specific medical procedures. Administered through injection, it acts rapidly and has a short duration of around 30 minutes, making it particularly suitable for emergencies and brief medical interventions. Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means that ketamine is only sold with a prescription due to its potential for physical and psychological dependence.
Apart from its authorized medical applications, ketamine has been occasionally employed off-label for pain management and addressing depression and suicidal thoughts. Esketamine, another variant of the drug, has gained FDA approval as an adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
Known by various street names such as K, vitamin K, special K, cat tranquilizer, and jet, ketamine is sometimes abused illicitly for its intoxicating effects. This misuse can induce distorted perceptions of sight and sound and feelings of disconnection, relaxation, and amnesia. The hallucinogenic and dissociative properties of ketamine contribute to its popularity as a recreational drug. Its odorless and tasteless nature, combined with amnesia-like effects, has unfortunately led to its illicit use in facilitating sexual assaults when added to drinks.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), liquid ketamine is commonly mixed into drinks or injected. In contrast, powdered ketamine is often packaged in capsules, paper, aluminum foil folds, glass vials, or plastic bags. Powdered ketamine is typically consumed through snorting or mixing into tobacco or marijuana cigarettes for smoking.
What is the Definition of Ketamine Addiction?
Ketamine use disorder is the clinical term for ketamine addiction. It is used to describe the condition where individuals exhibit compulsive and uncontrollable usage of ketamine, despite the harm it inflicts. According to the American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Task Force in 2013, this disorder involves an inability to control or stop the consumption of the substance, leading to adverse consequences. The emergence of a ketamine use disorder can be attributed to various factors, including the properties of the drug itself, genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and psychosocial factors. The intricate interplay of these elements contributes to the development and persistence of the disorder.
What are the Symptoms of Ketamine Addiction?
To allow uniformity in diagnosis the American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Task Force in 2013 set up a diagnostic criteria for Ketamine addiction. Ketamine addiction can be identified by the presence of two or more diagnostic criteria within 12 months:
- Consuming the substance in larger doses or for a more extended period than initially intended.
- A persistent desire to use and unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce consumption.
- Devoting excessive time to acquiring, using, or recovering from the effects of ketamine.
- Experiencing cravings for ketamine.
- Repeated use despite failure to meet significant obligations in work or relationships.
- Continued misuse despite interpersonal or social issues arising from ketamine use.
- Sacrificing important social, occupational, or recreational activities for ketamine use.
- Taking the substance in physically hazardous situations, such as while driving.
- Persistent use despite awareness that it has caused or worsened physical or psychological problems.
- Developing tolerance to ketamine, where the desired effects are diminished, and increased consumption is necessary to achieve the same effects.
What Causes Ketamine Addiction?
Drug addiction is impartial and can affect individuals irrespective of their circumstances. However, certain factors may act as triggers for ketamine addiction. Some contributing elements include:
The need to escape trauma
The tranquilizing properties of ketamine and its ability to induce a temporary sense of detachment and calm may appeal to those seeking an escape from distressing thoughts and emotions. Individuals facing challenges such as grief, heartbreak, illness, rejection, unemployment, or other sources of depression might turn to ketamine for temporary relief.
Recreational habit
Illegally consumed as a party drug, ketamine is often associated with social settings and clubs. Regular use in such environments can lead to a habit, making individuals feel like they cannot enjoy socializing without ketamine, potentially paving the way for ketamine addiction.
Social and environmental causes
Ketamine, once avoided, has seen a shift in social acceptance over the last few decades. Its relative affordability and accessibility contribute to its popularity. The Guardian (UK) puts ketamine as the third most prevalent drug (after cocaine and ecstasy) among university students. The sedative qualities of ketamine may lead individuals to use it in social settings or at home, particularly in socially deprived areas with high unemployment rates. These factors increase susceptibility to ketamine abuse.
Genetics
Individuals with a family history of substance use disorder and mental health issues have been known to be susceptible to substance addiction themselves.
What are the Effects of Ketamine Addiction?
Ketamine addiction presents significant dangers that impact both physical health and overall well-being.
- Urinary tract problems: Ketamine is notorious for causing severe urinary tract issues, leading to inflammation, pain, and, in extreme cases, bladder damage requiring surgical intervention.
- Cognitive impairment: Prolonged ketamine use can result in memory loss, reduced attention span, and impaired learning ability, adversely affecting daily functioning and decision-making.
- Psychological distress: Chronic use may trigger or worsen mental health issues such as depression, and anxiety, and, in severe cases, induce psychotic episodes.
- Gastrointestinal distress: Regular ketamine use can lead to abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal problems, colloquially referred to as “ketamine belly.”
- Physical dependence: While less common than psychological dependence, physical dependence on ketamine can develop, manifesting withdrawal symptoms when ketamine use is reduced or stopped.
- Respiratory issues: High doses of ketamine can lead to respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening in cases of overdose.
- Increased accident risk: Impaired motor function and disorientation from ketamine use elevate the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Social and relationship problems: Addiction can strain relationships with family, friends, and co-workers, potentially leading to social isolation and personal conflicts.
- Occupational and academic decline: Ketamine’s effects may result in decreased performance at work or school, potentially leading to job loss or academic failure.
- Legal and financial issues: Illicit ketamine use can result in legal problems, including arrest and conviction, as well as financial difficulties due to the cost of obtaining the drug.
What are the Treatment Options for Ketamine Addiction?
Effective treatment for ketamine addiction involves evidence-based approaches to address problematic patterns of special K consumption. Here’s a typical treatment plan:
- Assessment and evaluation: Treatment begins with a thorough assessment by medical and mental health professionals to determine the severity of the addiction and identify any co-occurring mental health disorders. A personalized treatment plan is then developed based on this evaluation.
- Outpatient treatment: Many individuals addicted to ketamine find outpatient treatment programs beneficial, as they offer structured support without requiring residential stays. Ketamine addiction does not typically lead to physical dependence or severe withdrawal symptoms, making outpatient therapy sessions effective for addressing the psychological aspects of addiction.
- Inpatient rehab for co-occurring disorders: Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders or unstable home environments may benefit from inpatient rehabilitation (residential rehab). This involves staying at a treatment center for an extended period, typically 30 to 90 days or more, and engaging in intensive dual-diagnosis treatment.
- Behavioral and motivational therapies: Since there are no FDA-approved medications for ketamine addiction, behavioral interventions, and motivational therapies play a crucial role in treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify addiction triggers and implement positive behavioral changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) promotes distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness, while Motivational Interviewing (MI) addresses resistance to change.
- Holistic therapies: Many treatment programs incorporate holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy alongside evidence-based treatments. These holistic approaches support a comprehensive, whole-body approach to ketamine addiction recovery.
- Support groups: Participation in peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can provide valuable support and accountability during recovery from ketamine addiction.
- Aftercare planning: Comprehensive aftercare planning is essential due to the relapsing nature of addiction. Successful treatment plans include strategies for ongoing support and maintenance of sobriety beyond the initial treatment phase.
How to Prevent Ketamine Addiction?
While there is no foolproof method to guarantee the prevention of substance abuse, individuals can adopt proactive strategies to steer clear of the pitfalls of ketamine addiction. Here are five key ways to prevent ketamine abuse:
Understanding the development of ketamine addiction
Like any other substance abuse ketamine addiction often starts with the recreational use of the drug, whether illicit or prescribed. Seeking intoxication with every use or abusing prescription medications can pave the way for a problematic relationship with substances. Awareness of these patterns is crucial for preventing the onset of ketamine abuse.
Avoiding temptation and peer pressure
Cultivating healthy friendships and relationships is paramount in preventing ketamine abuse. Steering clear of friends or family members who exert pressure to use substances is essential. Recognizing the influence of one’s social circle, the saying “we become most like those we surround ourselves with” underscores the importance of choosing positive influences. Developing effective strategies to resist peer pressure and having a plan to say no in advance are vital components of a drug-free lifestyle.
Seeking help for mental illness
Mental illness and substance abuse often coexist. Seeking professional assistance from licensed therapists or counselors is crucial for individuals dealing with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Professional support equips individuals with healthy coping mechanisms, reducing reliance on drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medication.
Examining risk factors
Delving into one’s family history of mental illness and addiction is an important step in prevention. While studies suggest a genetic predisposition, awareness of biological, environmental, and physical risk factors empowers individuals to overcome potential challenges. By understanding and addressing these factors, one can mitigate the likelihood of succumbing to ketamine addiction.
Maintaining a well-balanced life
People often turn to drugs and alcohol when faced with life’s challenges. Practicing stress management skills is pivotal in overcoming stressors without resorting to use of substance like tobacco, ritalin, ketamine etc. Cultivating a well-balanced life involves setting goals and dreams for the future. Focusing on aspirations not only redirects attention from drugs and alcohol but also serves as a powerful motivator to abstain, recognizing that substance abuse hinders the achievement of personal goals.
Can ketamine be used in addiction treatment?
According to WebMD, two clinical studies concluded that ketamine lowered the chances of restarting or relapsing into addiction. Current investigations primarily focus on its impact on disorders like alcohol use disorder (AUD) and cocaine addiction. However, it’s important to note that the use of ketamine in addiction treatment is still an evolving area, and its safety and effectiveness require further exploration.
Why is ketamine addictive?
Ketamine’s addictive nature is attributed to its influence on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly glutamate and dopamine. The drug produces hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, altering mood and perception. These psychoactive properties can lead to the development of psychological dependence, where individuals may experience tolerance, cravings, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior with regular use.