Ketamine Addiction (Ketamine Use Disorder)

1) What it is

Ketamine addiction is when ketamine use becomes compulsive and continues despite harm. Ketamine can cause mental health impacts (dissociation, low mood, anxiety) and serious physical harm, especially bladder/urinary tract damage.

2) What it feels like (real-life examples)

“I need it to feel okay.”

“I try to stop but keep going back.”

“I feel low and anxious when I don’t have it.”

“Everything revolves around using.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• cravings and loss of control
• tolerance (needing more)
• secrecy and isolation
• low mood/anxiety and dissociation
• memory/focus issues
• bladder pain, frequency, blood in urine

4) What causes it / risk factors

• using to cope with stress/trauma/depression
• peer environments and availability
• addiction vulnerability
• untreated mental health issues
• boredom and avoidance coping

5) Triggers (what can make it worse)

• weekends/parties
• payday
• stress, loneliness
• friends who use
• alcohol or other drugs
• shame spirals after relapse

6) What helps right now (fast relief tools)

• remove access (delete contacts, avoid places)
• delay urges 10–20 minutes + replacement activity
• hydrate, eat, sleep as best you can
• tell one safe person today
• contact local drug/alcohol service

7) Longer-term self-help strategies

• relapse prevention plan
• therapy for coping and emotions
• change social circles where needed
• rebuild routines and healthy dopamine
• monitor bladder symptoms and get medical checks

8) Treatment options (what usually helps)

• NHS/community drug and alcohol services
• structured therapy and recovery support
• mental health treatment for anxiety/depression
• medical support for bladder damage

9) Medication overview (plain-English)

No specific “ketamine addiction medication”, but doctors may support sleep, mood, cravings or withdrawal distress depending on need.

10) Work, relationships & daily life tips

• plan evenings/weekends (high risk times)
• avoid keeping spare cash accessible early recovery
• rebuild trust through honesty and consistency
• reduce shame — focus on skills and support

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if:

• blood in urine or severe bladder pain
• overdose risk or dangerous intoxication
• suicidal thoughts
• psychosis symptoms or severe dissociation

12) Trusted help & resources (UK)

• NHS: Ketamine risks incl. bladder damage
• FRANK: Ketamine info and support
• NHS: Drug addiction support
• Samaritans 116 123 / Shout 85258

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