How Long Does It Take Ketamine to Leave Your System?

Ketamine is a powerful dissociative drug that is commonly used in medical settings for pain relief, as an anaesthetic and even in some mental health treatments. However, despite its uses and effectiveness in controlled settings, its misuse as a recreational drug has raised serious concerns as a result of its addictive nature and serious side effects.

So, how long does it take ketamine to leave your system? Find out what you need to know in this article.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a controlled drug used in medical settings for pain relief and anaesthetic. More recently, however, it has also begun to be used in mental health care, treating cases of depression and PTSD. Outside of these applications, ketamine is unfortunately abused for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.

Known as Special K, it leads to a trance-like state as well as feelings of euphoria, sedation and vivid hallucinations. The effects of ketamine don’t stop there, as the drug can result in serious physical and psychological effects.

How Long Does It Take Ketamine to Leave Your System?

The length of time that ketamine remains in the body depends on several factors, including dosage, frequency of use and individual health. When ingested, ketamine is metabolised by the liver into active metabolites, which are then excreted through urine. In blood tests, ketamine can be detected for up to 24 hours after use. Ketamine urine tests can detect the substance for up to 3-4 days, though it can be longer for chronic users. Hair tests can detect ketamine for weeks to months, depending on the frequency and quantity of use.

Ketamine Half-Life and Ketamine Detox

Half-life refers to the time it takes for ketamine to be eliminated from the body. Studies show that ketamine has a short half-life, around 2.5 hours, which means most of the drug is metabolised and cleared within 48 hours for occasional users. However, for chronic or heavy users, this timeframe can be significantly longer – especially if the liver is impaired, as it will be more difficult to metabolise it. This extended timeframe can complicate the detox process, which is why medical supervision is so important during ketamine withdrawal.

Factors that Affect Ketamine Elimination

As mentioned above, there are various factors that influence how long ketamine stays in the body. Higher doses and frequent use prolong ketamine’s presence. Individuals with a faster metabolism are also more likely to eliminate ketamine more quickly. Research shows that older individuals and those with organ issues, specifically kidney or liver damage, may also experience slower elimination. Proper hydration can help with excretion, while dehydration is known to slow the process.

What Are the Effects of Ketamine Use and How Long Do They Last?

Some of the most immediate effects of ketamine include dissociation, euphoria, relaxation, hallucinations, sedation and reduced pain.

These typically last for up to 60 minutes, but some users report psychological and physical effects for a few hours. Prolonged effects include a state of extreme dissociation, known as a K-Hole, as well as anxiety, memory issues and bladder damage, which can last for several months. These effects are most commonly a result of heavy doses and long-term misuse.

Recognising Ketamine Addiction

Ketamine addiction can develop quickly, especially when an individual is using the substance frequently or in high doses. Some of the most common signs of ketamine addiction include secrecy, neglecting responsibilities and even financial struggles.

There are also various physical symptoms of addiction, including fatigue, cognitive impairment and bladder issues known specifically as ketamine bladder syndrome. Individuals may also experience mood swings, paranoia and anxiety.

If ketamine use is beginning to interfere with your daily life, work, or relationships, it’s important to seek help. Early intervention is essential to prevent long-term damage and support a successful recovery journey. What’s more, professional treatment is often the best option for overcoming addiction safely and effectively.

Ketamine Withdrawal and Detox

Those individuals who are dependent and addicted to ketamine may experience withdrawal symptoms without it. This can be both physical and psychological, and the most common symptoms include intense cravings, depression, anxiety, fatigue, concentration issues, sweating, chills and extreme physical discomfort.

As a result of these intense symptoms, a medically supervised detox is recommended during ketamine recovery. This allows individuals to safely manage their withdrawal symptoms while addressing the underlying addiction.

Treatment Options for Ketamine Addiction

If you or someone you know is suffering from a ketamine addiction, you’ll likely be pleased to know that there are various treatment options. Studies show that recovery from ketamine misuse is more successful when treatment involves a combination of detox, therapy and aftercare – which is exactly where Action Rehab comes in.

As one of the leading rehabilitation centres in the UK, we provide medically supervised detox programmes to ensure a safe withdrawal process and reduce the risk of complications. We also have a choice between inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Inpatient treatment provides a structured approach to recovery with therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), group counselling and holistic treatments.

Outpatient treatment is a more flexible option, allowing individuals to attend therapy sessions while maintaining work and family commitments.

As well as this, we take pride in our aftercare services. Our ongoing support includes relapse prevention strategies, support groups and counselling to help individuals to maintain sobriety long-term.

Not only that, but we specialise in tailored recovery plans specifically designed for those struggling with ketamine misuse. After a comprehensive assessment, we’ll create an action plan that addresses addiction triggers and builds healthy coping mechanisms. Our approach to recovery promotes emotional and mental well-being, and we promise you’ll never have to face recovery on your own, as our compassionate and expert team is here to guide you through the journey.

Take the First Step Towards Recovery Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with ketamine misuse, don’t wait to get help. Contact Action Rehab today for confidential support and advice and discover tailored treatment options that can help you get back on the right track.

Posted on Friday, January 31st, 2025 at 2:25 pm in Addiction.