Most people have heard of ketamine, although not everyone will know exactly what Ketamine is and what the impact of consuming ketamine is.
Ketamine has actually now become one of the most commonly abused addictive substances in the UK, especially when it comes to younger adults.
Ketamine is usually used by those who attend festivals, nightclubs and other social events. Whilst many people associate ketamine with feelings of euphoria and detachment from reality, not many people understand what happens once the effect of ketamine wears off.
The short answer is yes; you do get a comedown from abusing ketamine.
Although ketamine’s comedown is often described differently from other addictive substances, many people still experience many unpleasant physical and psychological side effects after using it even only once.
The severity of these symptoms depends on a number of different factors, including how much you take, how often you take it, your overall health and whether or not you abuse other addictive substances.
If you are abusing ketamine, then understanding how a ketamine comedown works is important.
This is especially the case if you are abusing ketamine on a regular basis, as repeated use can contribute to an addiction, long term health issues and the need for professional detox and rehab treatment.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anaesthetic that was originally developed for medical and veterinary use [1].
In healthcare settings, it is still used as a valuable medication used for a number of issues including pain management and is often used for sedation and anaesthesia.
In fact, vets even use ketamine to sedate horses, which highlights just how strong the substance can be [1].
However, when it is taken recreationally, ketamine produces feelings of detachment from the real world, including your body and your surroundings.
Many people who abuse ketamine can experience hallucinations, altered perceptions, distorted thinking and sensations often described as floating. As you can imagine, this can be incredibly dangerous.
These effects typically tend to begin within just minutes of taking ketamine and can last between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on how you consume ketamine and how much you have taken.
Whilst some people view ketamine as a harmless party drug, it is important to understand that regular abuse can quickly lead to an addiction, an increase in tolerance and significant health concerns later down the line.
What Is a Ketamine Comedown?
A ketamine comedown refers to the period of time after you consume the drug, when the drug’s effects start to wear off.
During this stage, the brain and body start to adjust to the absence of the substance.
Whilst ketamine does not typically produce the intense crash that people experience with other drugs such as cocaine, many people do report feeling emotionally and physically drained whilst on their comedown.
It is also important to understand that people’s comedowns can be different and vary considerably from person to person.
Some people might feel only mild symptoms, whilst other people might experience severe psychological issues lasting several days after consuming ketamine.
What Does a Ketamine Comedown Feel Like?
The symptoms of a ketamine comedown can impact both your physical and mental wellbeing and can vary between people.
Below are some of the most common ketamine comedown side effects [2]:
1. Fatigue
Many people often experience fatigue and feel extremely tired once ketamine leaves their system. The body will likely feel depleted, leading to lethargy and a lack of motivation to get up and do anything.
Even the most simple tasks can feel difficult during this time, especially if you have been abusing ketamine for a number of years or months.
2. Low Mood and Depression
Many people report sadness, low mood and depression during their comedown from ketamine.
In fact, feelings of sadness, emptiness and emotional numbness are frequently experienced. In fact, a lot of people often describe experiencing a noticeable drop in mood compared to the euphoria they felt whilst they were abusing ketamine.
3. Anxiety
As with most addictive substances, you are likely to experience anxiety during your comedown from ketamine.
This is because ketamine can impact the neurotransmitters in your body and brain that are responsible for your mood regulation. As the addictive substance wears off, some people experience increased anxiety, nervousness and restlessness.
This can be particularly challenging for people with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression, paranoia or bipolar disorder.
4. Confusion And Brain Fog
Difficulty concentrating is another common symptom experienced by people on a comedown from ketamine. People on a comedown from ketamine can also struggle with memory issues, decision-making issues or issues with maintaining focus.
5. Sleep Issues
Some individuals on a ketamine comedown find it difficult to fall asleep, whilst others sleep excessively and yet still wake up feeling tired and exhausted. Unfortunately, poor sleep quality can prolong your recovery and worsen your other symptoms.
How Long Does a Ketamine Comedown Last?
It is important to understand that there is no universal timeline for a ketamine comedown.
In fact, there are a number of different factors that will influence the duration and severity of a ketamine comedown, including some of the factors listed below for you:
- The amount of ketamine that you have consumed
- How much ketamine is in your system
- How frequently you abuse ketamine or other addictive substances
- Your individual metabolism
- Your overall physical health
- Your overall mental wellbeing
- Whether or not you abuse other addictive substances
For people who only abuse ketamine occasionally, your comedown symptoms will usually resolve within 24 hours. For heavier users, these side effects can persist for a number of days.
Individuals with a ketamine addiction often experience prolonged periods of low mood, depression, anxiety and increased cravings that tend to continue long after the initial comedown has ended.
Is a Ketamine Comedown the Same as Withdrawal?
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to understand that they are not the same.
This is because a comedown occurs immediately after the drug’s effects wear off, whereas a withdrawal refers to symptoms that develop when someone who has become dependent on ketamine stops using it for a prolonged period of time.
Withdrawal symptoms are generally more severe and last longer than a standard comedown. There are a number of common ketamine withdrawal symptoms, including string cravings, depression, anxiety, agitation, sleep issues, issues concentrating and mood swings.
People experiencing a ketamine withdrawal will need to attend a professional detox to manage their symptoms safely and reduce the likelihood of relapse later down the line.
Can Ketamine Cause Depression After Use?
Yes, many people who abuse ketamine later experience temporary depressive symptoms.
This can occur for a number of different reasons, including the contrast between the high experienced by ketamine, and the normal reality of everyday life after you finish taking ketamine.
This can create feelings of disappointment or emptiness, which can later lead to depression.
Additionally, repeated abuse of ketamine can also disrupt the body’s natural neurotransmitters, which impacts your mood regulation.
For some people, these symptoms resolve within just a few days.
However, for other people, particularly those with a developing addiction, depression can become a huge issue and can become increasingly severe.
It is important to understand that if a low mood continues or worsens in any way, then professional support should be sought.
The Link Between Ketamine and Addiction to Other Substances
Despite the many misconceptions surrounding addiction, ketamine can be highly addictive.
Although a physical addiction might not always develop as rapidly as with other addictive substances such as opioids, it is important to understand that a psychological addiction can happen surprisingly quickly.
Over time, people start to rely on ketamine to escape their difficult emotions, cope with stress and anxiety, avoid any personal life issues and use it as a way to feel pleasure and excitement from life.
As your tolerance develops, you will need to consume increasingly larger amounts of ketamine in order for it to become necessary to achieve the same effects that you once did by consuming less.
This cycle can quickly progress into an addiction which can quickly escalate.
Many people struggling with a ketamine addiction find themselves trapped between chasing the high and attempting to avoid the unpleasant comedown symptoms.
Long Term Effects of Regular Ketamine Use
It is important to understand that long-term ketamine abuse carries far greater health risks which can impact you for the rest of your life. Some of these long-term effects are listed below:
1. Bladder Damage
One of the most well-known consequences of ketamine abuse is severe bladder damage. This is often referred to as “ketamine bladder” which can lead to excessive urination, pain whilst urinating, blood in your urine, incontinence and permanent bladder issues.
2. Cognitive Problems
Long-term ketamine abuse can also impair your memory, your concentration and your ability to learn. These issues can impact your work, your education and your personal relationships with family or friends.
3. Mental Health Issues
It is important to understand that persistent anxiety, depression, paranoia and mood issues are commonly associated with drug abuse, including chronic ketamine misuse.
4. Financial Issues
Lots of people who suffer from addiction issues also suffer from financial issues. This is because as your addiction progresses, you are likely to experience employment issues, the breakdown of relationships, debt and even social isolation.
How Can You Ease a Ketamine Comedown?
Whilst there is no instant cure for a ketamine comedown, there are a number of strategies that might help to reduce the discomfort felt during your comedown.
Below are just some of the strategies that you might want to use when trying to ease your comedown from ketamine:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking water can help to combat your dehydration and your overall recovery from ketamine.
- Prioritise your sleep. It is important to allow your body the chance to rest, which can improve your mood and cognitive function.
- Eat healthy food. Balanced meals containing a good range of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help replenish your energy levels and improve your mood.
- Avoid abusing other addictive substances. This is because abusing additional drugs or alcohol tends to mask your symptoms.
- Monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms become severe or persist, then you will need to seek professional support and treatment from rehab and addiction specialists.
When Does Someone Need Professional Help for a Ketamine Addiction?
It is important to understand that anyone addicted to ketamine or other addictive substances should seek professional support.
If you start to notice your tolerance increasing, your withdrawal symptoms getting worse, or your cravings increasing, then you are likely addicted to ketamine and need to seek professional treatment in order to recover.
When it comes to any addictive substance, seeking help early often leads to better outcomes and makes it less likely for you to relapse later down the line.
What To Expect from a Ketamine Addiction
For individuals struggling with addiction, then a professional detox programme is recommended.
A medical detox from ketamine involves removing ketamine from the body, whilst managing any withdrawal symptoms.
Although ketamine withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, withdrawal symptoms can be very distressing and also increase the risk of relapse.
During a medical detox, healthcare professionals will monitor you around the clock whilst providing you with emotional support, and professional treatment, including medication if it is necessary.
Why Therapy Is Important for Ketamine Addiction
It is important to understand that a detox alone rarely addresses the underlying causes of an addiction.
This is why many people who undergo a detox then go on to receive therapy for their addiction.
Therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, one to one therapy and holistic therapy are able to help you to better understand the root causes of your addiction, what your triggers are and what your life should look like moving forward.
Conclusion
The short answer is yes; you do get a comedown from ketamine.
Whilst the experience might differ from the crash associated with other drugs, ketamine can produce a range of uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms.
This includes fatigue, anxiety, low mood, confusion, and feeling irritated.
For some people, these effects are short-lived. However, for others, especially those experiencing a severe addiction, they could be a sign of a more serious problem.
If you know someone who is abusing ketamine, or if your own ketamine use is becoming difficult to control, then seeking professional help will be able to provide you with the support needed to break the cycle of addiction and build a healthier future.
