How Ketamine Addiction Can Lead To Serious Health Problems

How Ketamine Addiction Can Lead To Serious Health Problems


You’ll see ketamine being passed around at parties in much the same way as a Jell-O shot tray. Despite its reputation as the party drug of choice, ketamine is not at all what it seems.

It’s not like candy or soft drinks; it’s a medical anesthetic from the 1960s. You’ll see it around whenever a relative or furry friend is about to go in for surgery.

The effects of ketamine are similar to those produced by LSD, so a ketamine addiction would not be surprising. But the dangers of abusing ketamine are even more pronounced.

Perhaps learning more about this drug will give you a fuller picture of its risks, helping you decide never to take it. Keep reading for more information on ketamine side effects.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is legally available as a prescription anesthetic for humans and animals. You can inject it into your veins, drop it in your nose or ingest it.

Ketamine has several street names too, including:

  • Special K

  • Kit Kat

  • K

  • Super K

Ketamine Can Have Psychotic Effects

It’s common to see ketamine users with psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. In addition to these perceptual disturbances, ketamine can also induce:

  • Disorientation

  • Paranoia

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Uncontrollable mood swings

Some individuals may become suicidal when they are coming down from this drug’s high; others will feel hopeless about life without being able to get more ketamine for their next high. As you can tell, quitting ketamine is no easy feat.

Cognitive Decline

Using ketamine causes a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the brain that results in damage and even death of neurons. This can lead to memory loss and learning disabilities, which may be irreversible if the individual continues using ketamine.

Bladder and Kidney Problems From a Ketamine Addiction

Long-term ketamine use can also cause serious bladder problems. Frequent ketamine users will have trouble holding in any urine. Some will also experience blood in their urine because the bladder is weak and has experienced so much stress.

In addition, long-term ketamine use might increase your risk of developing bladder cancer in later life. The research isn’t clear on how much ketamine will take you down this path. For this reason, it’s best to steer clear of the drug.

There is also a real risk of kidney failure, which can be fatal.

Sometimes, it can result from dehydration caused by ketamine use. In others, it is because ketamine users crush up their pills and mix them with acidic liquids like orange juice. This union will not benefit your kidneys.

Stop Abusing Ketamine With the Right Motivation

If you’re worried about any of these issues arising from your own personal use of ketamine or from knowing someone else who uses it regularly, speak with a doctor immediately!

For someone already experiencing these symptoms, it’s never too late to choose a different path. But we know how tough this can be.

That’s why we want to offer as much support as possible by giving you a gentle reminder of your triumphs. Browse our accomplishment tokens and keep track of every day you beat your ketamine addiction. It deserves to be celebrated.