Nicki Hari

Written by:

Nicki Hari

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

October 13th, 2025

Ketamine addiction

What is ketamine?

Ketamine was first developed in the 1960s as an anaesthetic, designed to put patients into a safe state of sedation without the same risks that older drugs carried. It was quickly taken up in both human and veterinary medicine because it could be used effectively during surgery and emergency procedures.

In recent years, very small doses of ketamine and its derivative, esketamine, have also begun to be studied and applied in the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression, particularly when other therapies have failed.

In the UK, ketamine is a Class B controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means that possession of ketamine is illegal and can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Supplying or producing ketamine carries even harsher penalties, with a maximum of fourteen years in prison, alongside fines.

ketamine-addiction-syringe

How does ketamine affect the body and mind?

It can sound strange to hear that anyone would want to use ketamine, especially when it has long been described as a horse tranquilliser. Yet the way it affects both the body and the mind explains why some people experiment with it, even as it carries heavy risks.

Physical effects
Ketamine acts as a dissociative anaesthetic, meaning it interrupts the brain’s ability to register signals from the rest of the body. This is why pain can feel dulled or completely absent after taking it. At lower, controlled doses, this quality made ketamine valuable in medical settings. At recreational levels, the same effect often creates a sense of detachment from the body, with users reporting that they feel as though they are floating or moving outside themselves.
Psychological effects
Alongside the physical dissociation, ketamine can bring about relaxation or euphoria. Sounds may appear distorted, and the usual sense of time can shift so that minutes stretch into hours or vice versa. These altered perceptions help explain ketamine’s popularity in clubs, but they also make its effects unpredictable. The same dose that makes one person feel calm can push another into anxiety or disorientation.
The “K-hole”
One of the most extreme psychological states caused by ketamine is known as the “K-hole.” In this condition, dissociation becomes overwhelming, leaving people unable to communicate or move with ease. For some, this is a terrifying experience that feels like being trapped in their own mind, while for others, it can feel dreamlike and detached from reality. Either way, it shows how unstable the line is between recreational use and a state of distress.
After-effects
The impact of ketamine does not stop when the drug wears off, with users often describing gaps in memory and less sociability. With repeated use, these after-effects can build into longer-term problems such as cognitive decline or depressive symptoms. The initial attraction of dissociation and escape can quickly lead to outcomes that make life more difficult than before.

If ketamine treats depression, is it harmless?

For years, ketamine carried the label of a dangerous club drug in the UK and was tied to chaotic nights out and a string of harmful consequences. Now, however, the same substance is finding a place in hospital rooms and private clinics as a treatment for mental health conditions that do not respond to conventional care.

In clinical practice, doctors are turning to very small doses of ketamine or to esketamine, a close relative designed for medical use. Studies show that these sub-anaesthetic doses can have powerful effects, reducing depression symptoms and even suicidal thoughts within hours. That speed of action has been called a breakthrough by some UK psychiatrists, particularly for patients whose lives have been defined by treatment-resistant depression.

The treatment takes place in a tightly controlled setting where side effects such as dissociation or blood pressure changes are carefully monitored by professionals.

It is this contrast that leaves many people confused: how can a drug that once symbolised everything dangerous about club culture now be framed as a lifeline for mental health? The answer lies in the context of use.

When administered under medical supervision with pharmaceutical-grade products, ketamine has a safety net. Outside those settings, the drug is taken in unmeasured amounts, with no oversight and no guarantee of purity. What is sold as a white crystalline powder on the street could contain adulterants or stronger concentrations than expected, leaving users exposed to significant risk.

In fact, the number of people aged 16–59 reporting ketamine use in England and Wales reached around 299,000 in 2022-23, the highest ever recorded. Among young adults, the growth is even more striking, with 3.8% of 16–24-year-olds saying they had taken ketamine in the past year, a figure that is roughly three times higher than a decade ago. These patterns are feeding directly into treatment services.

  • The share of new treatment entrants with ketamine problems rose from 1.6% to 2.3% between 2022-23 and 2023-24.
  • In absolute terms, 3,609 adults began treatment for ketamine misuse in 2023-24, compared with just a few hundred a decade earlier.

Clinics, both within the NHS and in the private sector, have noticed the shift, reporting steady increases in people, especially younger people, seeking help for ketamine addiction. This shows that while medical ketamine use may be carefully managed and cautiously hopeful, the rise of illicit use is creating a parallel crisis that treatment services are struggling to contain.

Is a ketamine addiction dangerous?

We know that ketamine addiction is becoming more common in the UK, with rising numbers of people seeking treatment each year. The statistics highlight the growth but they do not explain what makes this particular addiction so concerning. To understand the dangers, we need to look at the direct impact on health, the risk of dependency and the pressure placed on emergency services.

Ketamine bladder
One of the clearest dangers is “ketamine bladder”, with doctors across the UK reporting that prolonged use can severely damage both the bladder and the kidneys. For many users, the first signs are frequent urinary problems, such as incontinence and bleeding. These symptoms are often accompanied by pain so intense that it is described as feeling like “peeing glass.”

Over time, the bladder loses its ability to stretch, shrinking to a fraction of its usual capacity. The end result for some has been life-altering surgery, including bladder removal or kidney transplants.

Other health risks
Long-term ketamine use has been linked to liver problems and cognitive decline, including memory loss and ongoing depression. These risks make clear that ketamine’s effects extend beyond the initial dissociative state and into lasting harm. When people use the drug to escape their struggles, the eventual cost is often a deeper decline in both physical and mental health.
Dependency and why that is dangerous
Ketamine may not cause the same physical withdrawal as opioids, yet it can quickly create psychological addiction. Tolerance builds fast, leaving users chasing higher doses to reach the same effect. This cycle often becomes self-perpetuating. Many find themselves taking ketamine not only to achieve the dissociation they crave but also to numb the bladder pain and anxiety that the drug itself has created. The more they use, the harder it becomes to step away, which is why dependency is such a serious risk.
Emergency service call-outs
The effect of this cycle is also seen in the pressure on emergency services. Hospitals across the UK are treating more ketamine-related incidents than ever before. Admissions linked to the drug have risen by 45% in the past five years, with some local A&E departments seeing their numbers climb steadily.

What are the signs of ketamine addiction?

Spotting the signs of ketamine addiction is crucial, especially if you or someone close to you is using the drug regularly. The earlier these warning signals are recognised, the quicker action can be taken to prevent the situation from worsening. Educating yourself on the potential signs allows you to step in at the right time and seek the right support.

Physical signs
  • Frequent urinary problems, such as pain or difficulty passing urine
  • Persistent abdominal or bladder discomfort
  • Noticeable weight loss or changes in appetite
  • Lingering fatigue or low energy after use
  • Poor coordination and frequent unsteadiness when moving
Psychological signs
  • Memory gaps or struggles with concentration
  • Ongoing feelings of depression or low mood
  • Heightened anxiety, especially when not using ketamine
  • Confusion or disorientation during and after use
  • Preoccupation with obtaining or planning the next dose
Behavioural signs
  • Using ketamine in riskier settings or at inappropriate times
  • Struggling to cut down despite repeated attempts
  • Withdrawing from family, friends or responsibilities
  • Spending increasing amounts of money on the drug
  • Neglecting work, studies or hobbies once important

If you have noticed a few of these signs, it is worth taking the time to put a spotlight on your relationship with ketamine, which we will do in the next section through a self-questionnaire.

Do I have a ketamine addiction?

If you have noticed some of the signs described in the previous section, there is no harm in checking in with yourself and taking a closer look at your relationship with ketamine. One of the most effective ways to do this is by answering the following questions honestly. They are not a formal diagnosis but can help you reflect on whether your use has moved into risky territory.

  • Do you feel that you need to use ketamine more often or in larger amounts to get the same effects?
  • Have you tried to cut down or stop using ketamine but found it difficult?
  • Do you experience strong cravings or spend a lot of time thinking about using ketamine?
  • Has ketamine use started to interfere with work, studies or relationships?
  • Do you continue to use ketamine even when it causes health issues or emotional distress?
  • Have you found yourself withdrawing from friends, family or activities because of your ketamine use?

If you answered yes to one or two of these questions, it may be worth checking in with professionals to see if extra support is needed. Taking this step can give you clarity and ensure that any problems are addressed before they become harder to manage.

Is there help available for a Ketamine addiction?

If you or someone you care about has reached the point where ketamine use needs extra support, it is important to know that help is available. You do not have to manage the situation on your own, and speaking up is often the first step toward real change.

At UKAT, we provide specialist support for people facing ketamine addiction. The process usually begins with an assessment that helps our team understand your situation and create a plan that fits your needs. From there, ketamine detox can be arranged in a safe environment, followed by therapy during ketamine rehab that gets to the root of why ketamine became a part of your life. Aftercare is also offered to make sure progress continues once you leave our care.

The most important step is reaching out. A simple conversation with our team can give you clarity on what help might look like and whether treatment is the right next move for you or your loved one. Contact us today.

Frequently asked questions

Who is most likely to abuse ketamine?
Ketamine is known as a ‘party drug’, with findings showing that young people are particularly susceptible to ketamine abuse. In fact, people aged sixteen to twenty-four are almost four times more likely to use ketamine than adults.
Can ketamine addiction be cured?
Addiction is a highly treatable illness that often requires ongoing support and guidance to overcome. As many ketamine users are psychologically dependent on the drug, treatment can be highly beneficial in understanding the reasons why the addiction took hold, as well as forming healthier coping strategies to prevent clients from turning to ketamine in times of pain or distress.
Is ketamine a horse tranquiliser?
Much like other medications, like antihistamines, ketamine is a substance that can be used safely on both humans and animals.
Is ketamine an opioid?
No, ketamine is not an opioid. It is classed as a dissociative anaesthetic, meaning it works differently on the brain. While opioids act on pain receptors, ketamine changes perception and sensation, producing detachment and altered awareness instead.
How long does ketamine stay in your system?
Ketamine is usually detectable in urine for up to two weeks after use, although the effects themselves wear off within a few hours. The exact timeframe depends on factors like dose, frequency of use and personal metabolism.
Is ketamine a psychedelic?
Ketamine is sometimes described as psychedelic because it alters perception but technically it belongs to the dissociative class of drugs. The experiences it creates can resemble those of psychedelics, although its mechanism and medical applications set it apart.

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