Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Ketamine

Ketamine is a synthetic drug that is commonly used in both medical and veterinary treatment. It is used legitimately as an anaesthetic and painkiller but is also increasingly misused as a recreational drug. Recent figures show there was a large increase of people entering treatment for ketamine problems between 2022 and 2023 – from 1,551 to 2,211.

Although this is still a relatively low number when compared to other substances, the number of people in treatment is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the total number of users, and the sharp increase suggests that ketamine use as a whole is becoming more popular. And that’s the key problem – it’s on the rise.

Ketamine abuse is linked to a number of long-term physical and mental effects, and many people are unaware of this. It’s important to understand the risks if you or someone you know is misusing this drug.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine was introduced commercially in 1970 and marketed as a fast-acting, nonbarbiturate general anaesthetic. It also has well-recognised analgesic or pain-killing properties and is widely and effectively used to treat severe, acute pain. Some studies suggest that it may also be useful for treating depression – but only in strictly controlled conditions.

The drug has been widely used for human patients and in veterinary practice for many years, with the first reports of recreational use of the drug emerging from France in the 1990s. It is now widely used as a party drug.

Ketamine works as a dissociative anaesthetic. This causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment, and these are the effects of ketamine that many people seek out. While people may feel pleasantly ‘tripped out’, they can also experience negative short-term effects, including:

• Anxiety and panic
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Nausea
• Visual and auditory hallucinations

Because it affects your coordination and numbs pain, it can make you more likely to have an accident. Strong doses can lead to an extreme sense of dissociation, commonly known as a ‘k-hole’. This can cause very strong feelings of being disconnected from your body or unable to control your own body. It can be very frightening, and while these effects are generally only temporary, they can have a long-lasting psychological impact.

What Are the Long-Term Physical Effects of Ketamine?

The long-term effects of ketamine can affect both your physical and mental health.

Potential ketamine abuse consequences are not just physical but can also have a serious impact on the user’s mental health. The most pronounced effects tend to be psychological, but ketamine can also affect:

• The urinary system

Regular, prolonged use of ketamine has been shown to result in altered bladder function, with some patients complaining of severe urological problems. ‘Ketamine bladder’ can cause incontinence, difficulty peeing, pain and inflammation. It’s suggested that approximately 25% of ketamine users experience this condition.

• Cardiovascular system

Using ketamine causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Other drugs that do this are known to cause long-term damage to the heart and cardiovascular system. While there have been fewer studies to date on the long-term effect of ketamine on the cardiovascular system, there is growing evidence that it can do long-term damage and increase the risk of sudden death.7

Taking ketamine nasally (‘snorting’) can damage the nose, while injecting can damage veins, muscles, skin and internal organs, as well as increasing the risks of infection. Frequent ketamine misuse has also been linked to damage to the kidneys and liver.

What Are the Long-Term Mental Health Effects of Ketamine?

Although more studies are needed to fully assess the long-term mental health effects of ketamine, a comprehensive review of existing studies concluded that prolonged high-dose ketamine use has the potential to alter brain structure and function, as well as links to mental health symptoms, including psychosis.

Some observed long-term psychological and mental health effects of ketamine include:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Memory loss
• Cognitive impairment
• Shortened attention span
• Mood swings

Ketamine is also an addictive substance. Users run the risk of developing both a physical dependency resulting in withdrawal symptoms when the drug is removed and the psychological aspects of addiction. This can make it very difficult to quit, leading to an increased risk of long-term physical and psychological effects.

Who is Most at Risk for Long-Term Effects?

Young people ages 16-24 appear to be the most frequent users of ketamine, and in 2019-2020, 3.2% of this age group reported having used the drug – compared to 0.8% of the population as a whole. They are most likely to exhibit signs of a ketamine problem, but that does not mean older users are any less at risk, just that there are currently fewer users.

Anyone who uses ketamine can be at risk, but heavy and frequent users will be more at risk of developing serious problems than lighter or less frequent users.

Recognising the Signs of Ketamine Addiction

The most obvious sign of ketamine addiction for the users themselves is that they continue to use the drug despite negative consequences. They may feel cravings and experience a range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they do not use the drug.

Some of the long-term mental and physical problems outlined above may also indicate a serious ketamine problem. Others may also notice signs such as:

• Being secretive or defensive about using the drug
• Changing social circles and patterns – increasingly revolving around ketamine
• Becoming withdrawn
• Mood swings
• Failing to fulfil responsibilities/lack of interest in other things

Preventing the Long-Term Effects of Ketamine Abuse

The only way to prevent potential short and long-term risks of ketamine abuse is to stop using the drug, which can be easier said than done if you have developed an addiction. It is always advisable to remove yourself from situations and social groups where the drug is likely to be used. You can also reach out to various support groups and charities for valuable help and advice.

If you are in the grip of a ketamine addiction, though, it is always best to seek professional help. We can help you find the right place and treatment programme to overcome dependency and work through all the psychological aspects of addiction. Associated mental health issues can often be treated at the same time through a process known as dual diagnosis treatment.

Get in touch today and find out how we can help you take your first steps towards a more positive future.

Posted on Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 11:33 am in Addiction, Latest News.