Recognising the signs of ketamine addiction, or any substance use disorder, is a crucial but often challenging task, especially if you’re the one grappling with this kind of dependency.
The saying, ‘You can’t see the picture when you’re in the frame,’ encapsulates the very essence of this truth.
When addiction develops, a few things could likely be going on:
- You are unaware that you may have a dependency on the drug.
- You notice you’re struggling to control ketamine use, but are not sure what this means or how to recognise the signs of addiction.
It’s essential to recognise that both possibilities can be true and may even coexist for some individuals.
The point is, no matter what camp you identify with most, if you take ketamine regularly and feel you cannot stop or control your use, there’s a chance you may have developed some form of dependency, and for many, a full-blown addiction.
Here, we will explore what ketamine addiction is, how to recognise the signs, such as increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and neglect of responsibilities, and some helpful tips on taking back control, allowing you to lead a healthy, fulfilling, substance-free life.
In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about the different options for ketamine addiction treatment in South Africa, contact our professional team today, who can help.
Remember, seeking professional help is a vital step towards recovery, and we are here to guide you through this process in a safe and compassionate manner.
What is ketamine addiction?
Similar to drugs like ecstasy, ketamine is often thought of as a harmless party drug, popular in clubs, raves, and festival scenes across South Africa.
Ketamine addiction describes the psychological dependence that many users develop toward the drug, which may lead to significant changes in behaviour and brain function when misused regularly.
While ketamine is often used in medical settings to help with pain management or as an anaesthetic, frequent misuse of the drug, particularly when used recreationally, can result in dependence, addiction, and severe health risks.
Users may experience a range of side effects when taking ketamine, including:
- Euphoria
- Detachment from reality
- Altered perceptions of sights and sounds
- Hallucinations
In recent years, South Africa has seen some worrying trends, particularly in younger people who frequently abuse ketamine.
This includes various health risks and outcomes such as bladder damage, cognitive impairment, memory loss, and increased risk for mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Early intervention is crucial.
So, if you or someone you love is struggling with ketamine addiction, seeking professional help as soon as possible can help you avoid the physical and mental health risks associated with frequent misuse.
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How to recognise the signs
For many, knowing when to seek help for ketamine addiction often begins with understanding what type of signs and symptoms to look out for.
Those who take ketamine usually form a habit very quickly.
This is because of a tolerance build-up, a process where the body becomes accustomed to the drug, requiring larger quantities of ketamine to produce the desired effects. This can be a key sign of ketamine addiction.
When addiction begins to develop, the individual may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- Body chills and confusion
- Autonomic arousal (refers to the physiological activation of the nervous system in response to stimuli, resulting in symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing)
- Delusions
- Excessive salivation
- Paranoia
- Lack of appetite
- Restlessness
- Watery eyes
- Exhaustion
- Shaking
- Seizures
- Cuts or bruises associated with intoxication
Other symptoms of ketamine addiction to look out for include:
- Cravings (thinking about ketamine often)
- Withdrawal from friends, family or hobbies you once enjoyed
- Physical symptoms such as bladder pain, stomach cramps, or rapid heartbeat
Cognitive dysfunction
It’s important to note that ketamine addiction is known to have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to function as they usually do in everyday life.
Therefore, another key symptom to be aware of is when a person’s substance use begins to affect their work, school, health, and interpersonal relationships, as these symptoms may indicate ketamine addiction.
The risk of long-term use
Chronic ketamine abuse can lead to long-term health issues, such as:
- Urinary tract and bladder damage (known as ‘ketamine bladder’)
- Ulcers and abdominal pain
- Accidents and injuries (because of impaired coordination)
- Severe cognitive impairment and memory loss
Without the right help and support, the above risks can have a lasting impact on your health and quality of life, making early intervention crucial.
Taking back control: Treatment options for ketamine addiction in South Africa
Taking back control often involves seeking professional treatment and support for ketamine dependence, a journey that can be unique for each individual.
Most rehabilitation centres in South Africa provide a personalised approach to recovery, where each individual has a unique treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
To give you some idea of the process, ketamine addiction treatment at our centre in South Africa tends to look something like this:
Medical detox
Ketamine addiction treatment at White River Manor usually begins with a comprehensive, medically supervised detox, which helps rid your body of substances and toxins, preparing you for the next phase of treatment.
Here, you will be fully supported by our experienced medical team, who ensure that any withdrawal symptoms you may experience are managed safely and compassionately.
Psychological therapy and counselling
After detox, you may begin therapy such as counselling or talk therapy to help you understand and explore what may have led you to abuse ketamine in the first place.
Many people with substance use disorders have underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and in some cases, complex PTSD, which refers to more repeated experiences of past adversity that can lead to severe psychological distress.
Substances like ketamine, cocaine and alcohol are often used to help a person cope with daily life, providing a form of escape, numbness, distraction or allowing them to ‘forget’ a difficult past.
The problem is that relief is usually only temporary.
Once the substance wears off, all the memories, emotions, and sensations come rushing back, often with a vengeance, where the individual not only has their symptoms to deal with but also a potential addiction problem, too.
Some of the treatments we use at our centre in South Africa to help address the psychological side of addiction include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Dialectical behaviour therapy
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing)
- 12-step programme
- Group and family therapy
- Aftercare and support
We also offer experiential (body-based) approaches as part of our ketamine addiction programme; these involve:
- Mindfulness therapy
- Music and art therapy
- Yoga
- Outdoor excursions to help you reconnect with nature
White River Manor also provides comprehensive relapse prevention planning to help build long-term recovery skills, allowing you to identify your unique triggers and manage cravings after treatment.
How to support a loved one through addiction
If you’re reading this because you are concerned about a family member or friend’s ketamine use, you may find the tips below helpful:
- Avoid judging or shaming your loved one; instead, focus on care and concern
- Choose a calm, private space to discuss your concerns
- Encourage professional help, but avoid pushing or forcing your loved one into treatment
Share examples (but remember to use soft language)
You may also find it helpful to share specific examples of some of the worrying behaviours you’ve noticed about your loved one’s ketamine use.
Remember, the language you use is important here.
For instance, you could start the conversation with ‘May I share something with you?’ or ‘Do you mind if I share some behaviours I’ve noticed lately?’
This helps soften the language and makes the conversation more inviting, rather than coming across as accusatory, which in turn makes the person more likely to open up about their experience instead of shutting down.
Next steps
Whether you are concerned for yourself or someone you love, reaching out for help and support can be daunting, but it’s the first crucial step to taking back control and overcoming your issues with ketamine addiction.
Remember – you do not have to face this alone. There are people who can help and who care.
Contact our professional team in South Africa today, who will gladly guide you through this process step by step and at a pace that feels the most supportive, safe and comfortable for you.
We are in this together.
About Dr Magda Rall
Dr Magda Rall is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in care, primarily within the private sector. Holding a PhD in multi-disciplinary studies (sociology and psychology) from the University of Calvary, she has spent the last four years focusing on rehabilitation, working closely with substance users and their families. A recipient of the prestigious Mariette Loots National Award and a passionate volunteer for CANSA, Magda brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her role as Head Therapist at White River Manor.
