Ketamine Side Effects | Addiction Treatment

As interest in ketamine rises for both medical and recreational use, the risk of misuse grows alongside it. Understanding the side effects of ketamine use and the signs of ketamine abuse is an essential first step in protecting your health or helping someone else. You’re not alone—and you’re not without options—if you or someone you love is misusing ketamine.

At The Right Step Houston, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment that’s convenient and accessible across Texas. Whether you’re just starting to explore what recovery could look like or ready to take that next brave step, substance abuse treatment can offer a path forward.

What to know about ketamine

Researchers initially developed ketamine as an anesthetic, and medical professionals still use it today in controlled settings. In recent years, it’s gained attention for its potential in treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—especially in low doses under medical supervision. But outside of these settings, ketamine is also misused recreationally for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. Known on the street as “Special K,” ketamine misuse can escalate quickly into physical, mental, and emotional complications.

While medical ketamine use is carefully regulated, misuse often involves high doses, frequent use, and mixing with other substances, which significantly increases the risk of harm.

What are the signs of ketamine abuse?

Recognizing ketamine abuse early can make a meaningful difference in someone’s ability to heal and recover. At first, the signs might be easy to miss, but they’re hard to ignore over time. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Changes in mood: Feeling more irritable, anxious, or emotionally checked out
Feeling off: Struggling to focus, feeling confused, or forgetting things more often
Changes in behavior: Avoiding responsibilities, pulling away from loved ones, or acting out of character
Physical symptoms: Slurred speech, loss of coordination, or frequent fatigue
Paraphernalia: Syringes, powder, or nasal sprays found among personal belongings

When someone is living with ketamine misuse, it may feel like their world is shrinking. But support is available, and recovery is possible.

What are the troubling side effects of ketamine abuse?

Ketamine may seem harmless to some because of its use in medical settings, but repeated misuse can carry serious consequences. The physical and mental health effects of ketamine abuse can affect nearly every part of daily life:

Bladder and kidney damage: Long-term ketamine use can lead to “ketamine bladder,” a condition that causes painful urination and even permanent damage to the urinary tract.
Memory loss: Ketamine’s dissociative properties can cause short- and long-term memory issues.
Hallucinations and delusions: High doses may trigger visual or auditory hallucinations, which can become disturbing or disorienting.
Depression and anxiety: Ironically, while sometimes used to treat depression, long-term misuse can intensify mental health symptoms in many people.
Physical dependence: Although not traditionally seen as addictive in the same way as opioids, ketamine misuse can still lead to a strong psychological reliance.

Recent research confirms the growing risk of abuse due to the accessibility of the substance. A report from JAMA Psychiatry reveals a sharp rise in ketamine seizures across the United States between 2017 and 2022. Over these five years, the number of seizures surged from 55 in 2017 to 247 in 2022—a staggering 349.1% increase. The total quantity of ketamine confiscated grew even more dramatically, climbing from 57.8 kg in 2017 to 703.3 kg in 2022, an astounding 1,116.4% jump.

Medical-grade ketamine, commonly administered via IV, is typically found in liquid form. However, illicit ketamine on the street is often in powder form, which increases the risk of contamination with other dangerous substances. Experts warn that this includes fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid responsible for the majority of overdose deaths. In 2022, over 80,000 lives were tragically lost to opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of lives lost to synthetic opioids—not including methadone—increased by about 4% between 2021 and 2022.¹

These statistics highlight a concerning trend, but they also underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to address substance misuse and its impacts. By increasing awareness and understanding of these challenges, we can work together to support individuals and communities in need, fostering recovery and long-term well-being.

Can ketamine addiction co-occur with other mental health issues?

Absolutely. Many people misusing ketamine are also dealing with underlying mental health challenges such as trauma, depression, or anxiety. This is a co-occurring condition, and it’s more common than many realize. The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), reveals that approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States are living with co-occurring disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis of addiction and another mental health condition.²

When both conditions are present, they need to be treated together. Focusing on just one may lead to relapse or worsening symptoms down the road. This is why it’s so important to choose a treatment program that offers dual diagnosis care—a type of support that addresses both ketamine misuse and co-occurring mental health conditions.

How substance abuse treatment can help

Healing from ketamine misuse isn’t about willpower—it’s about finding the right kind of support. Substance abuse treatment can give you the tools, structure, and guidance needed to break free from the cycle and build something new.

At The Right Step Houston, we offer multiple levels of care to give clients a solid foundation for recovery. You may benefit from:

Medical detox: Support during the early days of ketamine withdrawal
Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs: Flexible options for balancing life and treatment
Dual diagnosis therapy: Addressing both substance use and mental health concerns together
Individual and group counseling: Building emotional resilience and a sense of community
Aftercare planning: Helping you stay strong and supported even after formal treatment ends

Believing recovery is possible is the bravest step, and you don’t have to take it alone. Every client’s path looks a little different, and we’re here to meet you wherever you are in your journey.

Start your path to healing at The Right Step Houston

Whether you’re struggling with ketamine misuse or supporting someone who is, remember this: hope starts by reaching out. The Right Step Houston offers a Texan’s choice for quality, affordable treatment with compassionate support and expert care. Our team understands the complexities of ketamine abuse and is here to guide you through every step.

Your past is not your future. Contact our team online or call 1.844.768.0169 today and take that first decisive step toward healing.

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