Ketamine: A response to trauma?

Uncategorized Jan 31, 2025

Ketamine use has surged in recent years, with devastating consequences for individuals and healthcare systems alike. Once known primarily for its anesthetic and dissociative effects, ketamine is now linked to severe physical and mental health complications, requiring urgent attention from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities.

The Harsh Reality of Ketamine-Related Harm

Unlike many other substances, ketamine use can lead to rapid and severe physical deterioration. The complications range from bladder and kidney damage to neurological and gastrointestinal issues. Among the most distressing consequences are:

Severe Bladder and Kidney Damage – Chronic ketamine use can cause painful and irreversible urinary conditions, including hematuria (blood in urine), incontinence, and even the need for bladder removal or long-term catheter use.
Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Issues – Many users experience weight loss, reduced appetite, and liver dysfunction, further exacerbating their health struggles.
Mental Health Deterioration – Prolonged use can lead to depression, aggression, psychosis, and cognitive impairments, often complicating treatment and recovery efforts.
Muscle Wastage and Mobility Issues – Chronic users may become bed-bound due to nerve damage and muscle deterioration, significantly reducing their quality of life.
Non-Fatal Overdose and Increased Risk of Death – As tolerance builds, users take higher doses, increasing the risk of accidental overdose, particularly when mixed with other depressants like alcohol or opioids.

The Need for Accessible, Effective Detox and Rehabilitation

Detoxification and treatment programs tailored for ketamine dependency are essential. Inpatient detox is particularly effective, offering:

24/7 medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and complications.
Pharmacological support, including benzodiazepine tapers (Diazepam/Lorazepam) and non-opioid pain relief for bladder pain.
Psychological and social support, ensuring that individuals receive therapy and counselling alongside medical care.
Long-term recovery planning, including post-detox rehabilitation and community support.

Delays in accessing treatment only worsen outcomes, with many individuals suffering irreparable damage while waiting for services. Alarmingly, ketamine users often present with more severe complications after just a few years of use compared to heroin users with decades of addiction.

Harm Reduction Strategies: What Can Professionals and Communities Do?

While treatment remains the priority, harm reduction strategies are critical for those who continue using ketamine. These include:

Never using ketamine alone – Ensuring a safe environment and peer supervision can prevent overdoses and medical emergencies.
Testing ketamine for contaminants – Many street samples are laced with opioids, increasing overdose risks.
Avoiding mixing with other substances – Particularly depressants like alcohol or GHB, which can dangerously slow breathing.
Chopping and snorting smaller doses – This reduces nasal damage and overall harm.
Carrying naloxone – In case ketamine is mixed with opioids, naloxone can be a lifesaving intervention.

Urgent Steps Needed

The evidence is clear: ketamine addiction is a growing public health crisis requiring immediate action. To combat this, we must:

Improve awareness and education – Healthcare professionals, schools, youth workers, and emergency services need better training on ketamine harms.
Expand access to detox and rehab services – Reducing waiting times and making treatment more accessible will prevent long-term damage.
Strengthen community-based harm reduction initiatives – More widespread drug-checking services, outreach programs, and mental health support will be crucial.
Break down stigma – Many ketamine users face barriers to seeking help due to misinformation and judgment. Compassionate, evidence-based support can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

Ketamine misuse is no longer a niche issue—it is a pressing crisis affecting individuals, families, and healthcare systems. The time for action is now. By improving awareness, expanding treatment options, and prioritising harm reduction, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and create a pathway to recovery for those impacted by ketamine addiction.