Ketamine Withdrawal Explained: What to Expect in Detox and Recovery

Ketamine Withdrawal Explained

When ketamine becomes a regular part of your routine, your brain gets used to having it around. Your brain chemistry actually adapts to function with ketamine in your system. When you decide to stop or cut back, your body needs time to reset—which causes withdrawals.

Why Withdrawal Happens

Your brain has a delicate chemical balance. Ketamine affects special receptors⁸ that control how you think, feel, and how your body works. With ongoing use, these receptors become less responsive, and your brain produces different levels of natural chemicals to maintain equilibrium. When you suddenly remove ketamine from this equation, things get out of balance until your brain can rebuild its natural systems. This adjustment period is what we call withdrawal.

Can ketamine become addictive?

Ketamine, a sedative generally used for the sedation of animals, has been used widely over the years by humans for recreational purposes. Many people use drugs like ketamine to self-medicate for mental health issues, trauma, grief, abandonment, and other human experiences. As with any substance that a person takes consistently over time, it can become a source of addiction. If someone is struggling with ceasing ketamine use on their own, self-help groups, individual therapy, intensive outpatient treatment, and residential treatment can be considered.

Tanya Kraege LCSW, CSAC, CCAR RC, WI CPS | Ventus Rex

Common Symptoms

While ketamine withdrawal symptoms aren’t typically dangerous,¹ it can certainly be uncomfortable. You might experience:

• Strong urges to use ketamine again
• Feeling anxious, restless, or easily irritated
• Waves of depression or mood swings that come and go
• Trouble sleeping or unusual dreams
• Feeling drained of energy
• Foggy thinking and memory blips
• Increased heart rate or higher blood pressure
• Unexpected sweating or chills
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion or feeling disconnected from reality

Some people find that the mental and emotional aspects of ketamine withdrawal⁹ hit harder than the physical symptoms. Feeling down and fighting those persistent cravings can be especially challenging.

Acute Cases

While ketamine withdrawal isn’t typically life-threatening like alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, some people do experience more severe reactions. Research in the American Journal of Psychiatry highlights cases where people felt extreme agitation and intense mood swings when they stopped taking ketamine¹⁰ cold turkey. In one case, a person who had been taking large amounts of ketamine regularly became highly distressed—hitting walls, yelling, and behaving erratically until he received proper medical help.

Medical professionals are still working to understand these more intense withdrawal experiences, and there’s no clear definition of what “typical” ketamine withdrawal looks like. For those who use heavily and frequently, symptoms can become acute enough to seriously disrupt daily life. This is why it’s safest to quit ketamine with professional guidance, especially if you’ve been using ketamine regularly for a long time.

Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline

Everyone’s body responds differently to withdrawal, but research shows that ketamine withdrawals can kick in just 24 hours after the last dose.¹¹ Physical withdrawals are usually short-term, but some psychological symptoms—like cravings, mood fluctuations, and sleep troubles—might stick around for longer.

For some people, withdrawal symptoms last longer than expected. Learn more about this extended recovery process and how to navigate it in our guide to post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

How long does ketamine withdrawal typically last?

Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can vary widely from person to person, depending on various factors, including the frequency and amount of ketamine use, as well as individual physiology. Typically, acute withdrawal symptoms may begin within a few days (72 hours) after cessation and can last for about one to two weeks, though sometimes longer. Physiological symptoms to note may include delusions, double vision, fatigue, hallucinations, hearing loss, shakes, insomnia, nausea, rage, and rapid breathing, among others. Individuals may also experience lingering psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression), which could persist for several weeks or even months and oftentimes require additional attention through counseling, group support, and otherwise.

Matthew Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, CAADC, ACS, NCC | Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School

Factors That Affect Severity

How intense your withdrawal experience feels depends on several personal factors:

• How long you used ketamine 
• Your typical dose and how often you’ve been using
• Whether you use other substances alongside ketamine
• Your overall physical and mental well-being
• The support system and environment around you

Withdrawals can test your resolve, both physically and mentally—they’re actually one of the main reasons people return to using. But it’s good to keep in mind that withdrawal is temporary, and with the right support in your corner, you absolutely can make it through this challenging phase of recovery.

Ketamine Detox

While ketamine addiction is certainly treated in professional settings, the concept of “detoxification” for ketamine differs from substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Unlike those substances, ketamine doesn’t typically cause severe physical withdrawal symptoms¹² that require medical management. Most ketamine users don’t need the same kind of monitored detox process that’s necessary for substances that cause more dangerous withdrawals.

When you get treatment for ketamine addiction, the process usually focuses more on:

• Psychological support to manage cravings and mood changes
• Therapy to address underlying causes of your addiction 
• Developing coping skills and relapse prevention strategies
• Treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions

For people who have been using ketamine heavily or in combination with other substances, a more structured environment during the early days of abstinence can still be very beneficial for monitoring mood, providing support, and ensuring a successful transition to your treatment program.

Is Medical Supervision Necessary?

While ketamine withdrawal isn’t typically severe or physically dangerous, professional support during this time can still be invaluable. Treatment providers can help manage psychological issues like depression and cravings, address any co-occurring mental health concerns, and provide structure and accountability to prevent relapse. 

For many people, having this support significantly increases their chances of staying on track toward long-term recovery, especially if they’ve used ketamine heavily or for an extended time.

Ketamine’s Therapeutic Benefits vs. The Realities of Addiction

While ketamine shows promising therapeutic benefits for depression and PTSD in clinical settings, we shouldn’t overlook its potential for addiction. Saturn, who has used ketamine extensively¹³ over the years, shares an honest perspective:

We all have tendencies to get addicted to things pretty easily, especially if you have a lot of traumas and stuff you’ve been through… Basically, if you use illegal drugs and have self-discipline and you do use them as a tool instead of partying, it could help some people. But some drugs some people shouldn’t be taking. We’re all different… I’ve learned that if you do too much of anything, it’s really bad for you.

His view reminds us that what works as medicine for one person might become problematic for another. Many people who initially try ketamine for its mood-lifting side effects don’t anticipate developing a substance use disorder. He recalls what a close friend went through:

One of my best friends was stuck on [ketamine] and he was about to have a kid and he had to get off of it before he had a kid and he was struggling really hard. Him and his wife… they had to get help, they couldn’t do it on their own. So yeah, it can be heavily addictive.

These experiences remind us that while medical ketamine treatments are carefully controlled, recreational use of ketamine carries real risks of developing dependence that often requires professional help to overcome.

Treatment Options for Ketamine Addiction 

The support you choose for your recovery journey can make all the difference in your long-term success.

Residential Rehab

Many people benefit from inpatient rehab programs where you live at a treatment facility for 30-90 days. These programs offer structure, daily therapy, and a recovery-focused environment away from triggers and temptations.

Outpatient Therapeutic Approaches

In rehab, your care team will create a treatment plan for you that includes a combination of therapies such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change thought patterns that lead to ketamine abuse
• Group therapy connects you with others facing similar challenges
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) strengthens your internal drive to maintain your recovery

Support Groups

Joining groups like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery provides ongoing encouragement and accountability when formal treatment ends.

Harm Reduction Strategies

If total abstinence doesn’t feel achievable right now, harm reduction strategies can help you use more safely:

• Using less frequently or in smaller amounts
• Avoiding mixing ketamine with other substances
• Having a trusted friend around when using
• Learning about safer administration methods
• Staying hydrated and keeping an eye on your physical health

The Importance of Strong Social Support

In addiction recovery, healthy social support makes all the difference. Supportive friends, family members, or professionals can encourage you when cravings hit hard or when you’re feeling low. Remember that asking for help isn’t a burden—it’s actually a sign of strength and commitment to your recovery.

The Next Step: Connect With a Ketamine Addiction Treatment Specialist

Taking steps toward recovery from ketamine use shows incredible courage! Whether you’re just starting to question your relationship with ketamine or you’re ready to start treatment, support is available every step of the way.

Ready to explore your options? Our treatment finder can connect you with ketamine addiction treatment centers that match your specific needs. These centers offer specialized support to help you navigate withdrawal, develop coping skills, and build a fulfilling life beyond ketamine use—because you deserve the chance to reclaim your health and well-being.

FAQs

Q: What is ketamine detox? 

A: Ketamine detox is the process of clearing the drug from your system while managing withdrawal symptoms, either through medical supervision or self-management with support. In medically supervised detox, healthcare professionals monitor your vital signs, may provide medications to manage symptoms like anxiety or insomnia, and offer emotional support throughout the withdrawal process.

Q: Do I need medical supervision for ketamine withdrawal and detox?

A: While not always medically necessary, medical supervision makes ketamine withdrawal safer and more comfortable. Consider seeking medical detox if:

• You’ve been using ketamine heavily or for a long time
• You use multiple substances alongside ketamine
• You have co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression
• You’ve tried to quit before and experienced severe withdrawal or relapse
• You don’t have a stable, supportive environment at home
• You have health conditions that might complicate withdrawal