Does Ketamine Abuse Cause Withdrawal (And How is It Treated)?
Ketamine abusers do experience a number of withdrawal symptoms, as the drug has been known to cause addictive side effects in those who take it recreationally. These effects are problematic and will require professional treatment. Call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to learn more about ketamine addiction and to find rehab centers that will allow you to detox safely.
Ketamine’s Withdrawal Syndrome
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is “little evidence of a physiological withdrawal syndrome [associated with the drug] unless abrupt discontinuation in chronic users.” Unfortunately, though, with the high rise of ketamine abuse, the instances of addiction and patient experiences of a withdrawal syndrome are rising. The common withdrawal symptoms of ketamine dependence include:
Agitation and confusion are common ketamine withdrawal symptoms.
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Shaking of the hands or another body part
- Hearing loss
- Problems breathing
- Slowed heart rate
- Confusion
- Loss of motor skills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Issues with cognitive functioning
- Aggression or rage
- Psychosis
The psychotic effects can include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, and it can be especially problematic, even endangering the individual and others around them. For these reasons, as well as the other problematic symptoms of ketamine withdrawal, you will require professional treatment.
Treatment for Ketamine Withdrawal
As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to ketamine or other dissociative drugs.” However, medications may still be used in the treatment of ketamine’s withdrawal symptoms.
Usually, the patient is taken off the drug itself because of the severe side effects it can cause, and then, they are treated for their different symptoms as they surface.
- Psychosis may be treated with neuroleptics.
- The severe withdrawal symptoms may be minimized using sedatives.
- Your doctor will monitor your heart and breathing rate constantly to ensure that you are not struggling in either of these areas.
Medication can be helpful in ketamine withdrawal treatment, as can behavioral therapy. Patients can find out early that their attitudes toward substance abuse can change and that they can also learn how to
- Avoid triggers
- Cope with stress
- Cope with cravings
- Uncover the real reasons for why they began abusing drugs in the first place
This kind of treatment blends detox with addiction treatment in order for patients to transition seamlessly from one program to the other as safely as possible. The symptoms associated with ketamine withdrawal, while dangerous, can be managed in professional detox with the help of doctors, nurses, and therapists, and you can begin your journey of recovery quickly.
Seek Ketamine Withdrawal Treatment Now
If you have been abusing ketamine in high doses or for a long period of time, there is a good chance you may experience withdrawal. This can be a dangerous syndrome without the right treatment program, so call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to find out more about the possible detox centers that would be beneficial to your needs. We can help you start your recovery off right and avoid the issues associated with ketamine withdrawal. Call now.
