

Maryland Ketamine Addiction Treatment
Understanding Ketamine Addiction
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that has been used in medical settings for years, primarily for anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures. However, it has also gained popularity as a recreational drug due to its dissociative effects, which can produce feelings of detachment from the body and a sense of floating or out-of-body experiences. Ketamine is typically sold as a white powder or a liquid, and it can be ingested, snorted, smoked, or injected. In recreational use, the drug is often referred to as a โparty drugโ or a โclub drugโ because it is frequently used in social settings for its euphoric and mind-altering effects.
Ketamine addiction often starts when individuals experiment with the drug, typically in social or party settings, seeking its dissociative or euphoric effects. As people become more familiar with the drugโs effects, they may begin using it more frequently to recreate the pleasurable experiences. Over time, this repeated use can lead to tolerance, where the individual requires more of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can escalate into physical and psychological dependence, which characterizes ketamine addiction.
Common Street Names for Ketamine:
- Special K
- Kit Kat
- K
- Super K
- Cat Valium
- Vitamin K (due to its powdery appearance)

What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was originally developed for veterinary use but later gained approval for human medical use as an anesthetic, especially in pediatric and emergency surgeries. It is a NMDA receptor antagonist, which means it interferes with normal brain activity by blocking signals that would otherwise be transmitted to the brain. The result is a profound sense of dissociation, or the feeling of being disconnected from the body and reality.
In its abused form, ketamine produces hallucinations, an altered sense of time, and an intense “out-of-body” or “near-death” experience. While ketamine can cause extreme euphoria in the short term, long-term use can lead to cognitive impairments, bladder damage, and even serious mental health consequences, such as depression and psychosis.
When used in medical settings, ketamine is administered in controlled doses by healthcare professionals. However, recreational use, where the drug is taken in large quantities or in unsafe settings, carries significant risks, including addiction.
Is Ketamine Addictive?
Yes, ketamine can be addictive. While many individuals begin using ketamine recreationally and may not intend to become dependent on it, continued use can lead to both physical and psychological addiction. Ketamine abuse can create a cycle of craving and use, where the individual feels compelled to seek the drug in order to replicate its euphoric or dissociative effects. Over time, the brain’s reward system becomes hijacked, and a person develops a tolerance, meaning they need more of the drug to feel the same effects. This cycle often leads to more frequent use and the eventual onset of addiction.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 1.5% of individuals aged 18 to 25 have reported using ketamine recreationally in the past month.
- Ketamine-related emergency room visits in the United States have increased by over 50% in recent years, with many of these visits involving users experiencing hallucinations, agitation, or other harmful effects.
- Long-term use of ketamine has been linked to bladder dysfunction and cognitive impairments, including memory loss and difficulty focusing.

Signs of a Ketamine Addiction
The signs of ketamine addiction can be both physical and psychological. Some of the most common signs include:
- Increased tolerance: Needing more of the drug to experience the same effects.
- Frequent use: A person begins using ketamine more regularly or in higher doses.
- Social withdrawal: Choosing to isolate from family or friends to focus on obtaining and using the drug.
- Physical health issues: Experiencing bladder pain, difficulty urinating, or other urinary tract problems, which are common among long-term ketamine users.
- Psychological symptoms: Experiencing depression, anxiety, or hallucinations even when not using the drug.
- Financial or legal problems: Spending excessive amounts of money on ketamine or facing legal consequences related to drug use.
- Behavioral changes: Acting erratically, displaying mood swings, or being frequently disoriented or confused.
Dangers of a Ketamine Addiction
Ketamine addiction poses several risks, both immediate and long-term. The drug itself can cause severe physical and psychological effects:
- Bladder and urinary tract damage: Chronic ketamine use is linked to painful bladder conditions, including ulcerative cystitis, which can cause permanent damage to the bladder and kidneys.
- Memory and cognitive impairment: Long-term use of ketamine can lead to lasting memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and difficulty concentrating.
- Respiratory problems: High doses of ketamine can depress the respiratory system, potentially leading to suffocation or overdose.
- Psychosis and mental health issues: Ketamine can trigger severe mood disturbances, including anxiety, depression, and hallucinations. In some cases, it may cause permanent psychological issues.
Addiction to ketamine presents its own set of challenges. The desire to continue using the drug can overwhelm a person’s ability to function in everyday life. Relationships can break down, work or school performance declines, and legal or financial difficulties may arise. Over time, the compulsive need to use ketamine can take a significant toll on a personโs physical, emotional, and mental health.
Symptoms of a Ketamine Withdrawal & Detox
When someone who is addicted to ketamine stops using the drug, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, which may include:
Irritability or Anxiety
As ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has mood-altering effects, discontinuing its use can lead to heightened irritability and anxiety. The brain, which has adapted to the presence of ketamine, may struggle to regain normal functioning, causing emotional instability. Anxiety, in particular, can be exacerbated by the body’s reaction to the absence of the substance.
Depression
Ketamine has been shown to have short-term antidepressant effects, which is why it is sometimes used as a treatment for severe depression in a clinical setting. When an individual stops using ketamine, they may experience a rebound effect, where symptoms of depression worsen. This can include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and a lack of motivation, potentially triggering a more severe depressive episode.
Fatigue or Lethargy
Ketamine is known to be a stimulant in some ways, providing a feeling of euphoria or altered consciousness during use. Once the drug is discontinued, the body may experience a significant drop in energy levels, leading to fatigue, lethargy, and a general lack of motivation. This can affect daily functioning and contribute to feelings of emotional and physical exhaustion.
Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating
Ketamine affects the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly glutamate, which plays a key role in cognition and memory. When someone stops using ketamine, cognitive function can be temporarily impaired. This can manifest as confusion, difficulty focusing, or trouble with memory retention, making it challenging to complete tasks or think clearly.
Tremors or Muscle Spasms
Ketamine has sedative effects on the central nervous system, and withdrawing from it can cause physical symptoms like tremors (shaking) or muscle spasms. These occur as the body reacts to the loss of the drug’s calming effects on the nervous system. In some cases, these spasms can be severe enough to cause discomfort or pain.
Increased Heart Rate or Blood Pressure
Ketamine has stimulant-like effects on the cardiovascular system, which can include increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure during use. When someone stops using ketamine, their body may experience a compensatory increase in heart rate and blood pressure as it adjusts to functioning without the drugโs influence. This can increase feelings of anxiety and discomfort, and in some cases, can even pose a risk for those with preexisting heart conditions.
Intense Cravings for Ketamine
As with many addictive substances, cravings can be one of the most challenging symptoms of withdrawal. The brain has become conditioned to associate ketamine with pleasure, and the desire to return to that state of altered consciousness can lead to intense cravings. These cravings can cause significant distress and make it harder for the individual to resist the urge to relapse, which can hinder their recovery process.
What to Expect From Ketamine Addiction Treatment
We take a comprehensive approach to treating ketamine addiction. We understand the complexities of both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction, and our treatment programs are tailored to each individualโs needs.
Our treatment approaches for ketamine addiction may include:
Counseling and therapy: Individual and group therapy to address the root causes of addiction and help clients develop coping skills for lasting recovery.
Detoxification: Medically supervised detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient and outpatient care: Structured programs designed to provide the level of support needed during recovery.
Counseling for Ketamine Addiction Treatment
At Ashley, we believe that counseling is a critical part of recovery from ketamine addiction. Our counseling approaches include:
Family Therapy: Family therapy helps rebuild relationships and supports loved ones in understanding addiction and recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their addiction.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.


Inpatient Ketamine Rehab in Maryland
For those in need of intensive care, our inpatient rehab program provides a structured environment where individuals can focus on their recovery without the distractions or temptations of daily life. With 24/7 support, inpatient treatment offers a safe space for individuals to heal and begin addressing the underlying causes of their addiction.
Outpatient Ketamine Rehab in Maryland
For those who do not require the level of care provided in an inpatient setting, our outpatient rehab program offers flexibility while still providing comprehensive treatment. Individuals can attend therapy sessions during the day or evening while continuing to live at home and maintain their daily responsibilities. This allows for a more gradual transition into sober living.

Supporting Your Entire Recovery
At Ashley Addiction Treatment, our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care to support individuals through every stage of their recovery from Ketamine addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with Ketamine addiction, contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and begin the journey to a healthier, drug-free life. Please reach out to our helpline, available 7 days a week, at 1-800-799-HOPE (4673), or contact us here for more information on how we can help.