Ketamine detox

Ketamine is a dissociative drug used in small doses by medical practitioners to sedate patients and assists with pain relief. Unfortunately, misuse of the drug can swiftly develop into ketamine addiction, with users so reliant on the substance that they feel they need it just to function in everyday life.

If you or a loved one wishes to break this cycle, ketamine detox is considered a crucial first step on the road to lifelong recovery, clearing all traces of the substance from your body along with a specialised ketamine rehab programme at a treatment centre.

Page Content
What is ketamine detox?
Ketamine withdrawal symptoms
Can I detox from ketamine at home?
Benefits of inpatient ketamine detox
Why should I detox from ketamine with UKAT?
Kickstart your ketamine recovery
Frequently asked questions

What is ketamine detox?

Ketamine is a mind-altering substance that changes the way users think and feel. For this reason, it is important to clear all traces of the drug from your system, ensuring clarity before the time comes to engage with the more psychological elements of your recovery. Ketamine detox is a process that allows users to regain the coherence and motivation that can often feel entirely consumed by their dependency.

Ketamine does not require a medical detox, and the condition is instead treated symptomatically. This means that, whilst under our care, if a client was to experience physical symptoms such as nausea or severe headaches over the course of their stay, our doctors would prescribe medications to help ease these symptoms and keep them as safe and comfortable as possible. Effectively, ketamine detox allows your body to get itself back to the state it was initially in prior to substance abuse. As this process requires quite an adjustment, both physically and mentally, detox can result in a variety of different symptoms occurring, which can range from mild to severe.

Ketamine withdrawal symptoms

When we mention ketamine withdrawal, we are referring to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a user abruptly stops or cuts back on their ketamine use.

A withdrawal from ketamine is likely to induce a number of symptoms, some of which can include:

Agitation
Fatigue
Confusion
Loss of motor skills

Nausea
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Stomach cramps

Can I detox from ketamine at home?

While it is possible to detox from ketamine at home, we would strongly advise that you undergo this process at a specialised facility, in the safe hands of medical professionals.

Choosing to detox at home means you will not receive round-the-clock medical support, and without the same access provided at a detox centre, these more uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms may be exacerbated. Unfortunately, this can increase the chances of relapse, with some users turning to the drug out of desperation in an effort to escape these more unpleasant symptoms.

Another big risk that comes with ketamine detox involves the associated psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts if not properly managed. At a dedicated facility, you will have access to regular addiction counselling and mindfulness sessions, which can be incredibly beneficial in keeping you calm and focused as you begin your recovery journey. Being surrounded by a supportive network of clients who are all in similar situations, as well as well-trained staff, all dedicated to your care, ensures that you will not need to feel alone as you come off ketamine.

Whether you choose to detox at home or in a facility, it is vital that you keep your strength up with nutritious meals and plenty of fluids as your body adjusts. At a detox facility, you will have access to regular meals prepared for you, but if you are doing so at home, you will need to take precautions to ensure that you are maintaining healthy habits.

Benefits of inpatient ketamine detox

In a detox facility, each member of staff will be there to make your experience detoxing from ketamine as peaceful as possible.
Staying in a facility to detox from ketamine is one of the safest environments to withdraw from the substance. Being in a specialised facility for the entirety of the detox process means that any uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal will be managed, and your safety is assured.
The risk of relapse tends to be higher for those who choose to detox from ketamine at home, as you will be within easy reach of the substance without precautions in place to prevent this.
You will be surrounded by people who have all experienced similar obstacles, and you can use their strength to motivate you as you begin this journey to a healthier life.

Why should I detox from ketamine with UKAT?

If you decide to detox from ketamine at one of our facilities, there are a number of benefits that come with choosing to get well with us. Some of these include:

If you choose to detox in a UKAT facility, our staff will curate a specialised programme tailored to meet your needs. This is a very important part of the process as it ensures that everyone involved in your care is on the same page in terms of how the detox should proceed and the methods to be used to ensure your comfort and safety.
With access to round-the-clock medical supervision, meaning that you will have access to psychological and physical intervention when necessary.
At each of our centres, we utilise holistic methods that focus on the entirety of the individual – mentally, physically, and spiritually. This works to equip you with all the tools you need to break free from ketamine and start on the road to lasting recovery.

Kickstart your ketamine recovery

Above all, it is important to remember that recovery from the clutches of ketamine is possible, and the sooner you begin your road to recovery, the sooner you can regain control of your life, living it your way.

Completing ketamine detox is a vital first step toward recovery from the drug and having come this far demonstrates intense bravery. Ketamine detox can be a difficult road, but once you take that first step with inpatient rehab, you will be surrounded by mutually supportive medical staff and support workers who understand what you are going through. At UKAT, we value the importance of treating all facets of the individual to aid their recovery. While detox is an essential first step in the process, ketamine rehab is also essential in learning to live without the substance. If you would like to learn more about this process, do not hesitate to give us a call. We have a friendly team on the phone who would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Frequently asked questions

Is ketamine withdrawal dangerous?

As most of the symptoms experienced during ketamine withdrawal are psychological and not physical, the process is not life-threatening but can be extremely unpleasant.

How long does it take for ketamine to leave your system?

Every individual is different, and this process will vary from person to person. On average, it usually takes about two to four days for ketamine to physically leave your system. However, it is important to remember that once your body is cleared of the substance, your psychological cravings and symptoms will begin to worsen, so it is important you undergo this process in the safe hands of trained professionals.

Where can I find a ketamine detox programme?

Depending on your own specific requirements, there are a number of treatment programmes available to facilitate your ketamine detox. At UKAT, we operate eight centres across the UK, and you are bound to find something which suit your needs.