This, combined with the fact that he was near a swimming pool, means that the ketamine caused him to lose consciousness while in the water, and then he drowned. Even with such a large amount of ketamine in his body, if he had been in a doctor’s office (instead of near a swimming pool) he would not have died. Perry’s case is a tragic example of why it’s not a good idea for doctors to prescribe, or patients to take, ketamine at home—a practice that my colleagues and I have warned against. Upon successfully cleansing your body of the substance, you can begin the next phase of rehab.
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Read more about how mental health treatments and substance abuse are often linked. Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic drug that helps the person from pain. Unfortunately, there are many adverse effects of ketamine overdose. It is used as general anesthesia at low doses and makes a person feel dreamlike.
Is Ketamine Addictive When Used for Depression?
Therapy can teach you coping strategies and help you understand the root causes of your addiction. However, ketamine’s potential for misuse has led to its classification as a controlled substance in many places. In the UK, ketamine is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – and is a Class C substance. Ketamine has legitimate medical uses – in the medical field, it’s primarily used as an anaesthetic.
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It makes people feel detached from things such as pain sensations, environmental elements, distortion of sights, etc. However, we can find many potential adverse effects of Ketamine misuse incorporating dose-dependent toxicity, or ketamine overdose. Ketamine abuse is a growing concern with serious health risks and the potential for addiction. Whether you or a loved one is struggling, seeking help is a vital first step toward recovery. At Denovo Recovery, we offer compassionate, professional treatment programs designed to help you reclaim your life from ketamine addiction.
To reduce harm, it’s essential to avoid mixing ketamine with other substances or drugs. Using ketamine exclusively in controlled settings—where factors such as environment, mental state, and dosage are carefully managed—can greatly mitigate risks. When it comes to recreational usage, it may result in high doses of the substance to bring out the desired intoxication level. However, using high doses can escalate the likelihood of ketamine overdose symptoms. It’s possible to overdose the Ketamine substance but it can result in serious health complications, even death. So if you ketamine overdose: dangers, effects, and treatment are prescribed ketamine, play it safe and consider using it under medical supervision.
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As a result, life-threatening respiratory depression becomes more probable. While it is uncommon for someone to overdose and die from ketamine alone, the dangers rise considerably when it is taken simultaneously with other substances, especially alcohol. Refrain from attempting to administer antidotes or home remedies without professional guidance. Ketamine overdose requires immediate medical attention and specialized supportive care, and well-intentioned interventions may lead to unintended consequences. Ketamine can depress the respiratory system, leading to slowed breathing or even respiratory failure. In severe cases, this can result in a life-threatening situation requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Under the Controlled Substances Act, health experts consider ketamine a schedule III non-narcotic substance.
- Ketamine abuse can also affect you psychologically – and these effects can lead to self-destructive behaviours.
- From there, we tailor your recovery journey, transitioning to inpatient rehab or outpatient programs based on your unique needs.
In contrast, no recreational use of the drug is safe, as it can cause addiction and adverse health effects that can lead to death. Like any other addiction, ketamine can create a powerful bond that takes control of a person’s life. It is critically important that an individual who engages in inappropriate use of ketamine get professional counseling and treatment. Individuals who take ketamine recreationally report sensations, such as being separated from their body or a pleasant feeling of floating. Some people have an almost complete sensory detachment that they compare to a near-death experience.
The death risk from using Ketamine is comparably low than other drugs. Ketamine addictions may develop due to positive reinforcement, a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Reinforcement encourages a pattern of behavior and causes people to experience ‘positive’ outcomes. However, close relatives misusing the substance or surrounded by friends who engage in addictive behaviors can cause addiction. This combination can lead to hyperthermia, severe dehydration, and cardiac problems.
The ability to feel detached from reality and bring sedation made it valuable in the medical field. Recovery from ketamine addiction is possible with proper treatment and support. Many individuals go on to live fulfilling lives in recovery, often with improved mental health and overall well-being compared to their pre-addiction state.
- Quick access to emergency services is vital for a prompt and effective response.
- Provide as much information as possible to the emergency responders, including the amount of ketamine taken, any other substances used, and the person’s medical history if known.
- Ketamine overdose requires immediate medical attention and specialized supportive care, and well-intentioned interventions may lead to unintended consequences.
- Ketamine can also lead to upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Ketamine is a medication that doctors use as an anesthetic to induce loss of consciousness.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a ketamine overdose, call emergency services (911) immediately. While waiting for help, ensure the person is placed in recovery to prevent choking if vomiting occurs, monitor breathing, and stay with them until medical help arrives. People who use ketamine to feel high or self-medicate can develop an addiction to the substance. Tachycardia or a “dramatic increase in heart rate” often occurs when individuals abuse large doses of ketamine (CESAR). This can lead to other heart-related problems, especially if the drug is abused in the long term.
How can I recognize the signs of ketamine abuse in a loved one?
Although overdose incidents are relatively rare and don’t often lead to permanent harm under clinical supervision, recreational use of ketamine paints a far riskier picture. When misused, this drug can bring about severe toxicity related to cardiovascular, neurological, urogenital, digestive, and psychiatric complications. Ketamine toxicity can occur at therapeutic or recreational doses, causing common symptoms such as hallucinations, nausea, and high blood pressure. It may also lead to long-term issues like bladder damage (ketamine bladder syndrome) or cognitive decline.