Ketamine: understanding the risks and the road to recovery

THE BASICS

What is ketamine?

 

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic used in human and veterinary medicine. Recreationally it is known as “Special K”, “KitKat” or simply “K”. It causes hallucinations, altered perception and a sense of detachment from reality or from your own body. Some people are drawn to these effects, but repeated or long-term use can quickly lead to dependence and serious health problems.

 

Ketamine is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

 

RECOGNISING A PROBLEM

Signs of ketamine dependence

 

Occasional use can have short-lived effects, but frequent use can lead to dependence, with both psychological and physical reliance on the drug. Signs include:

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• Using more often, alone or socially: relying on ketamine to cope with daily life.

• Cravings: strong urges to use and difficulty stopping, even when you want to.

• Tolerance: needing more to get the same effect.

• Withdrawal: feeling anxious, low or agitated when not using.

• Neglecting responsibilities: missing work, study or family commitments because of ketamine.

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If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it is worth seeking professional advice early.

 

THE RISKS

How ketamine can harm you

 

Ketamine is often seen as less harmful than other drugs, but it carries significant risks to body and mind.

 

1. Memory, thinking and mood

 

Regular use affects memory, concentration and decision-making, and can make your mood harder to manage. Ketamine use has been linked to anxiety, depression and psychotic symptoms.

 

2. Bladder and kidney damage

 

Ketamine can severely damage the bladder and urinary tract, a condition known as ketamine-induced cystitis or ‘ketamine bladder’. It causes painful and frequent urination, incontinence and, in some cases, permanent damage. Severe cases can need major surgery, including removal of the bladder. If you have bladder pain, blood in your urine or need to pass urine urgently, see your GP.

 

3. Dependence

 

Ketamine can cause powerful psychological dependence. Some people become stuck in a cycle of using ketamine to relieve the bladder pain that ketamine itself has caused, because ordinary pain relief often has little effect.

 

4. Dissociation and ‘K-holes’

 

At higher doses ketamine can cause intense dissociation, often called a ‘K-hole’, which can be frightening. Frequent use can lead to unsettling dissociative feelings even when you are not using, and in some cases to lasting paranoia or psychotic symptoms.

 

5. Heart, breathing and accidents

 

Ketamine usually raises heart rate and blood pressure, which puts extra strain on the heart. Mixed with alcohol or other depressants, it can slow breathing dangerously. Because it numbs pain and affects coordination, it also increases the risk of falls and other accidents.

 

6. Overdose

 

Taking a large amount, or mixing ketamine with other substances, can cause extreme confusion, unconsciousness and dangerously slowed breathing. If someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe, call 999.

 

 

HOW WE CAN HELP

Treatment at Cheshire Sobriety Clinic

 

We offer private, one-to-one outpatient treatment in Altrincham, Alderley Edge and online. Our programmes aim to help you stop using ketamine and to work on the reasons behind your use.

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• Talking therapy: one-to-one sessions with John Wilkinson, who has worked across drug, alcohol and mental health services for 27 years, to understand what drives your use and build practical ways to manage cravings and avoid relapse.

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• Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®): sessions with Dr Shyra Raj, a consultant rheumatologist trained in RTT®, which aim to address the beliefs and emotional patterns behind your use. There are not yet any controlled trials of RTT® for ketamine or other drug problems, so we always use it alongside talking therapy.

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• Aftercare: relapse-prevention sessions and check-ins are included in our Full Treatment Programme and Private Client programme, and can be added to our other programmes at extra cost.

 

Cheshire Sobriety Clinic provides private outpatient therapy. We do not provide medically managed detox, crisis care or psychiatric treatment. RTT® and hypnosis may not be suitable if you have a history of psychosis, and we will talk this through at your consultation. Everyone’s experience of treatment is different, and results can’t be guaranteed. In an emergency, call 999.

 

NEXT STEP

Take the first step

 

Ketamine dependence is serious, but recovery is possible with the right support. Book a complimentary, confidential 30-minute consultation to talk through your situation, or send us a message using the form below.