Have you developed an addiction to ketamine? Have you tried to stop using it and wondered, “How long does ketamine stay in your system?”
No matter how often a person uses this powerful drug, it can cause anyone to develop a substance use disorder. At this point, addiction requires them to receive professional help in order to get better. If you want help to stop abusing ketamine, Buckhead Behavioral Health has a highly effective program that leads you to sobriety. Our multiple options for outpatient rehab allow you to receive the right level of care for your needs while still allowing you the ability to live at home and tend to personal responsibilities.
What is Ketamine?
Exploring the question, “How long does ketamine stay in your system?” begins with understanding the drug. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that causes a person to feel sedated and disconnected, and can cause hallucinogenic effects. It can cause a person to become immobile and to develop amnesia in that they will not remember what happened while they were under the influence of the drug. This makes ketamine a drug used by some people as part of a sexual assault, similar to Rohypnol, often called a “date-rape drug”.
Ketamine is used as an anesthetic drug in humans and animals. It is also available as esketamine (brand name Spravato) and used in nasal spray form to treat people with treatment-resistant depression.
Some people use ketamine recreationally and don’t realize the danger of becoming addicted to it. In fact, many addictions begin when someone thinks they can use a dangerous narcotic as a party drug without it becoming a problem. Unfortunately, many go on to need a rehab program in order to stop using ketamine.
How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?
How long does ketamine stay in your system? On average, it takes four to eight hours for a person to eliminate ketamine from their body. Certain factors influence how long ketamine stays in your system, such as:
- The person’s age
- The person’s weight
- The amount of the dosage
- How often the dosages are taken
- Liver function
- The person’s overall health
When it comes to detecting ketamine in a drug test, results vary depending on the type of test used. A blood test can detect ketamine for approximately 24 hours after the last dosage. A urine test can detect the drug for up to 14 days. A hair test can detect ketamine used as long as months ago. How well-hydrated a person is can also influence the detection of ketamine in drug tests.
Signs of Ketamine Addiction
Someone who has become addicted to ketamine will exhibit evidence of their situation. Common signs of ketamine addiction include:
- Slurred speech
- Cognitive difficulties
- Amnesia
- Poor coordination
- Rapid eye movements
- Redness of the skin
- Hallucinations
- Sleep disturbances
- Failed attempts to stop using the drug
- Developing a tolerance and increasing the amount taken
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using it
- Relationships, career, and schooling suffering because of ketamine consumption
- Depression
- Moodiness
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ketamine?
When someone stops abusing a drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms, and ketamine is no exception. While not everyone has the same withdrawal symptoms, common ones include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Psychosis
- Loss of coordination
- Vision disturbances
- Shakiness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Hearing loss
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Paranoia
Part of what makes attending detox and additional treatment programs for ketamine addiction important is how they help minimize or prevent many withdrawal symptoms. The use of prescription medications and emotional support help people have an easier time going off ketamine. In addition, attending this type of addiction program greatly improves the individual’s likelihood of completing treatment and remaining sober.
What is Ketamine Addiction Treatment Like?
Ketamine addiction treatment uses different approaches to help the person stop abusing the drug. It begins with going to a detox program, which helps the person remain medically safe and stable during the initial days of not using ketamine. Some people transition to residential rehab after detox. Those who do not need round-the-clock care often do well attending outpatient treatment. Outpatient levels of care include the following:
- Outpatient Programs (OP)
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Evening IOP
- Virtual IOP
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
An initial assessment made by staff at the treatment facility will indicate which level of care is necessary. The schedule will include multiple types of therapy that help people overcome substance use disorders. Therapies include individual, family, group, holistic, and more. For those experiencing withdrawal symptoms, prescription medications can be provided to ease them.
Begin Treatment for Ketamine Addiction in Atlanta, GA
If you have become addicted to ketamine, you know how much it negatively impacts your life. Any drug addiction causes damage to a person’s physical and mental health. You may find yourself asking the question, “How long does ketamine stay in your system?” and want to find the right program to help you stop abusing the drug. Buckhead Behavioral Health offers an array of outpatient programs that treat addiction to ketamine. We provide the necessary therapeutic and medical support needed to help you enter recovery and stay in it for life.
If you would like to know more about how we help people stop abusing ketamine, visit our admissions page now. Our staff can answer any questions you have.
