Ketamine Withdrawal: What to Expect in Detox and Recovery

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic medication that has received a significant amount of attention over the past few years, specifically for its potential uses in treating various mental health conditions. However, it is important to understand that ketamine has a known potential for misuse, which can increase the likelihood of physical dependence and withdrawal when use slows or stops.^1,2

It can be extremely difficult to reduce the use of or stop using addictive substances entirely once dependence develops, especially if withdrawal symptoms begin to set in. Being aware of various treatment options and support resources can equip you with the information needed to stop using ketamine in a manner that is both comfortable and effective.

What Happens During Ketamine Withdrawal?

If you have used an addictive substance like ketamine regularly and over a long period of time, you may go through the withdrawal process if you dramatically decrease or end your drug use completely.³

During active, prolonged substance use, the brain adapts to the constant presence of the substance, and comes to rely on its influence for daily functioning.⁴ When the substance is suddenly no longer being consumed, certain types of brain activity may become imbalanced, leading to physical and psychological symptoms that can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening.⁵

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms

The risk of developing significant physical ketamine dependence and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, especially with high doses or long-term use, is becoming increasingly recognized.^2,5 Specifically, dependence has been reported in long-term ketamine use while withdrawal symptoms have been reported after stopping more regular, frequent ketamine use.^2,6,7

Some of the symptoms of ketamine withdrawal include:^5,6,7

• Cravings.
• Fatigue.
• Anxiety.
• Poor appetite.

While ketamine withdrawal and long-term effects have not been widely studied in the past, its increasing use in psychiatric care and potential for misuse are leading to more research and a better understanding of these concerns.

What to Expect in Ketamine Detox

Detoxification, or “detox”, is a form of clinical care that can help manage acute withdrawal symptoms that develop when substance use stops.⁸ During the detox process, your body clears itself of all addictive substances and your subsequent withdrawal symptoms can be treated by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.⁸

Detox is offered across a wide variety of settings, ranging from inpatient settings (e.g., hospital or detox center) to outpatient settings (e.g. a doctor’s office or clinic).⁹ If detox is recommended as your first step in your treatment journey, your healthcare provider can assist you in determining which setting may be best for your current needs.

Generally speaking, ketamine currently does not appear to produce widespread problematic or dangerous withdrawal syndromes, therefore making the need for ketamine detox low.^2,6,10 However, that does not mean that you cannot go through detox if it’s deemed clinically appropriate for your personal situation.

For example, you may be ending your use of ketamine, but also ending the use of other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, that you have been regularly using. Depending on what those substances are, entering into a detox program may be the most beneficial decision for you. Speaking to a healthcare professional prior to entering into or foregoing a detox program can eliminate any unnecessary back and forth on your recovery journey.

Ketamine is a drug that can mess with both the body and the brain. It takes time for the body to get back to normal while going through ketamine detox. Medical support is highly recommended for a safer, more controlled withdrawal process.

Janelle Salo

Can I Detox at Home?

Detox can be conducted at home in some instances, but it is important for that decision to be based on several factors, such as what substance you are detoxing from and the severity of your substance use disorder. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and even life-threatening, which is why it is always recommended to receive an assessment from your doctor to better determine your physical needs during this time.

Continuing Care After Ketamine Detox

When compulsive substance use has become a problem, detox alone may not be effective in producing long-term recovery outcomes, which is why treatment professionals often recommend additional rehabilitation after the withdrawal management period ends.⁹ You can find the right treatment plan for you by working with your healthcare provider.

There are several levels of ketamine addiction treatment available to help address the underlying causes of your ketamine use and any co-occurring disorders. These include:¹¹

• Inpatient rehab - Inpatient rehab programs require you to live at a treatment facility for the duration of care, often 30+ days. These programs offer structure, daily therapy, and a recovery-focused environment away from triggers and temptations.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) - Similar to inpatient rehab, PHPs offer a similar level of structure, however patients can return home at the end of the day. In general, patients spend 4-8 hours each day in their PHP.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) - Requiring about 9 to 20 hours each week of participation, patients who enroll in IOPs can also live at home and even balance aspects of their lives outside of treatment (such as work and family priorities).
• Standard outpatient rehab - Outpatient rehab is offered in places such as doctor’s offices, clinics, or local offices, and patients participate in therapy both individually with a counselor and as a group. Sessions held throughout the week are short, often incorporating support groups, and patients live at home for the duration of their program.

Many people move through more than one level of care or different treatment programs as they work towards recovery. For example, a person may begin their treatment at an inpatient level and transition to a PHP or IOP prior to completing their program. Your path to addiction recovery will reflect your needs and can be continually adjusted as you progress.

Tips for Quitting Ketamine

Quitting ketamine isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right mindset, plan, and support. Here are some strategies that can help, especially during early recovery:

• Weigh the pros and cons: Make a list of the benefits and drawbacks of both using and quitting ketamine. Focus on the positives of quitting (such as better health, clearer thinking, stronger relationships) and keep that list somewhere visible as a reminder of why you’re making this change.
• Know yourtriggers: Think about what situations, people, emotions, or environments make you want to use. Understanding your triggers is the first step to learning how to manage or avoid them.
• Create a relapse prevention plan: Once you know your triggers, come up with specific ways to handle them. Some can be avoided (like certain social situations), while others (like stress) require healthy coping skills like deep breathing, exercise, or journaling.
• Prioritize self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional health can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which helps lower your risk of relapse. Try to include activities like regular exercise, meditation, time outdoors, and quality sleep in your routine.

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.

Tanya Kraege, LCSW, CSAC, Certified Peer Specialist

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

There Is Hope for Recovery

Addiction is treatable, and a life of freedom is possible. Connect with drug and alcohol treatment centers that specialize in your specific needs, from holistic care to medication-assisted treatment. Don’t wait another day to get help; find a recovery program that works for you.