How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

For years, ketamine abuse has been a problem in Orange County and the surrounding areas – especially in the club, rave, and neo-hippie music scenes – all of which are deeply entrenched in the local culture. However, very little is known regarding the impact of ketamine abuse, resulting in a limited number of options for ketamine addiction treatment.

Recently, ketamine use has garnered nationwide attention because of the availability of intravenous ketamine infusion therapy – a remedy for depression and pain relief that many are seeking as an alternative to traditional methods. Ketamine infusions are now being used in clinical settings for anesthesia and pain management, but they require careful monitoring and precautions to avoid potential risks, especially when combined with other substances.

Despite the fact that reviews of ketamine therapy under medical supervision have been mostly favorable – is this causing long-term repercussions for the lack of awareness regarding ketamine abuse? While those who administer treatment log information and supposedly keep track of the number of times clients participate in therapy – who is to say they’re not attending multiple locations? If you are receiving a mail order prescribed Ketamine, what is the impact on dependence and addiction when unsupervised abuse occurs?

In this article, we address this issue, along with many others regarding ketamine abuse and certain strategies used to detect ketamine levels in your system that traditional drug tests aren’t capable of.

In its ingestible form, ketamine hydrochloride, this substance is a dissociative drug reserved for animals and humans, often used for minor surgical procedures as an anesthetic to induce or maintain general anesthesia. The drug has additional medicinal uses, but prescription levels are typically fairly low, mostly due to the potential for abuse.

Those who have lost limbs are prescribed the drug off-label for “phantom pain” or the continuation of the sensation of pain at the point where the limb was lost. Despite what many people believe, ketamine does have addictive properties and causes withdrawal symptoms. Ketamine addiction is known to lead to physical withdrawal but has the greatest potential to cause psychological issues during the detox process.

The ketamine detox process varies from person to person and is largely dependent on how long ketamine has been in the system of the user. At South Shores Detox and Recovery, we offer dedicated programs with medical supervision to help you come off ‘Special K’ both comfortably and with emotional and mental health support in place. But let’s get to the meat of why you are likely reading this article:

The length of time for how long ketamine resides in your system – and is detected on drug tests, varies from one case to another. The primary factor influencing the length of the ketamine stay in your body is ultimately the half-life.

The half-life of any drug is usually the deciding factor when it comes to the body expelling the substance in question. However, it’s important to note, that just because the time has passed and the half-life has long expired, a drug may still be picked up on certain tests that detect ketamine. For example, the length of time for how long ketamine stays in your blood would not be the same amount of time it stays in your hair.

With no regulatory arm for these new treatments, and the already existing challenge of ketamine use and ketamine addiction – and now the availability of products like ketamine nasal spray and mail-order ketamine prescriptions – the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a growing problem on its hands.

Let’s take a look at all the factors influencing how long ketamine stays in your system after a period of ketamine abuse.

Medical Uses: Treatment-Resistant Depression, Pain Relief

Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression and acute postoperative pain. In 2017, the FDA approved a ketamine nasal spray specifically for patients who have not responded to other depression treatments. This breakthrough has provided hope for many who struggle with severe depression, offering a new avenue for relief.

In addition to its antidepressant properties, ketamine is also utilized in pain management. It is particularly effective in managing chronic pain for patients who have not found relief through other treatments. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors, which play a crucial role in the transmission of pain signals, thereby providing significant pain relief.

Ketamine’s role in acute pain management is also noteworthy. Perioperative intravenous ketamine has been shown to reduce postoperative pain and decrease the need for opioids, making it a valuable tool in surgical settings. Oral ketamine, although less commonly used due to concerns about its potential for abuse, has also been employed to manage chronic pain effectively.

Street Names and History of Ketamine

Ketamine is known by various street names, including “Special K,” “K,” “Vitamin K,” and “Cat Valium.” Its journey began in 1962 when it was first synthesized, and by 1970, it was approved for use in the United States. Initially, ketamine found extensive use in veterinary medicine and was even employed as a surgical anesthetic during the Vietnam War due to its effectiveness and rapid action.

Today, ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reflecting its potential for abuse and dependence. Despite its medical benefits, the recreational use of ketamine remains a significant concern, necessitating strict regulatory measures.

Risks of Ketamine Overdose

A ketamine overdose can be a life-threatening situation that demands immediate medical intervention. Recognizing the signs of an overdose is crucial for timely action. Symptoms of a ketamine overdose include respiratory depression, which can severely impair breathing, as well as an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Altered mental status, such as confusion or extreme agitation, is also common.

In severe cases, a ketamine overdose can lead to coma, seizures, and even death. The risk of overdose underscores the importance of using ketamine strictly under medical supervision and adhering to prescribed dosages.

Signs of Ketamine Abuse

Identifying ketamine abuse early can prevent serious health consequences. Some common signs of ketamine abuse include an increased tolerance to the drug, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and agitation, can occur when the drug is stopped.

Individuals abusing ketamine may neglect their responsibilities and relationships, continuing to use the drug despite negative consequences. Secretive behavior and hiding drug use are also red flags. Changes in mood and behavior, such as irritability and aggression, are often observed in those abusing ketamine.

Chronic ketamine abuse can lead to severe health issues, including liver and urinary toxicity, respiratory depression, and an increased risk of overdose. Recognizing these signs and seeking help early can mitigate the long-term damage caused by ketamine abuse.

Withdrawal and Side Effects from Ketamine Use

Ketamine withdrawal can be challenging, with symptoms manifesting when the drug is stopped or its dosage is reduced. Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and vivid dreams. Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle pain are also prevalent.

In addition to withdrawal symptoms, ketamine use can cause several side effects. These include increased heart rate and blood pressure, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle pain, and mood changes. Hallucinations and dissociative effects are also common, particularly with higher doses.

Long-term ketamine use can result in serious health consequences, including liver and urinary toxicity, respiratory depression, and an increased risk of overdose. Understanding these risks is essential for anyone considering or currently using ketamine, whether for medical or recreational purposes.