Ketamine Addiction: Will I Get Addicted if I Try Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a drug that has a history of being used recreationally. Will I get addicted if I try ketamine therapy?

Ketamine, a well-known dissociative anesthetic, has received increased attention in recent years for its potential as a breakthrough treatment for various mental health and chronic pain conditions. Apart from its use in surgery and anesthesia, ketamine now has over two decades of amazing results treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and various pain conditions. One of the most remarkable aspects of ketamine therapy is its surprisingly low potential for addiction compared to traditional psychoactive drugs and opioids. In this blog, we will explain the mechanisms behind how ketamine works and explore why it poses a very low risk of addiction.

Understanding Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy involves administering controlled doses of ketamine in a clinical setting. The treatment is typically conducted in a supervised environment with healthcare professionals present to monitor the patient’s response. The dosages used in ketamine therapy are considered subanesthetic or lower than the dose required to achieve an anesthetic effect. This is because the medicine is slowly infused over the course of about 40 minutes or longer rather than being administered all at once. The use of ketamine in this context can seem counterintuitive at first to those who are familiar with ketamine by reputation of being a party drug. However, ketamine is emerging as perhaps the most effective medication on the planet for certain treatment-resistant conditions and the risk of abuse or addiction is virtually nonexistent when used in a controlled setting.

Ketamine and NMDA Receptors

Ketamine’s therapeutic effects stem from its interaction with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. NMDA receptors play a crucial role in regulating the transmission of glutamate, a neurotransmitter responsible for excitatory signaling. By blocking these receptors, ketamine helps regulate glutamate transmission, leading to alterations in synaptic plasticity and fostering new neural connections.

Distinct from Traditional Psychoactive Drugs

Unlike traditional psychoactive drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or amphetamines, ketamine does not act on the brain’s opioid or dopamine receptors, which are associated with the development of addiction. Drugs that trigger a surge of dopamine can lead to tolerance, dependence, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Ketamine’s mechanism of action primarily involves the glutamate system, resulting in a different set of neurochemical responses that do not contribute to addictive tendencies.

Dissociative Effects

Ketamine’s dissociative effects, which involve a sense of detachment from the self and reality, are not typically sought after by individuals in the same way that euphoria or stimulation might be with other drugs. When asked to describe the experience of an infusion many people have a hard time finding the words but for most it is a somewhat weird but interesting process. From the outside it is usually fairly boring as clients are relaxing comfortably in a recliner listening to music. It is not disinhibiting in the way alcohol or other drugs are. For some it can be an intense emotional journey that brings on tears and crying while they process past events. This makes it less appealing to those seeking the intense pleasurable sensations associated with addictive substances.

Short Half-Life and Limited Accumulation

Another factor contributing to ketamine’s low addiction potential is its relatively short half-life. After administration, ketamine is quickly metabolized and cleared from the body, reducing the likelihood of significant drug accumulation. Ketamine’s effects are relatively short-lived, usually lasting around 1 to 2 hours. This short duration makes it less likely for individuals to engage in compulsive, repetitive use that is often seen with highly addictive substances.

Users are less likely to “binge” on ketamine due to its transient effects. This aspect differentiates it from other substances that may stay in the body for longer periods. And, in turn, leading to chronic use and a higher risk of addiction. During the relatively short time that ketamine is in the body, it exerts its effects on neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters provide the longer lasting effects sought out in treatment. Traditional medications like benzodiazepines and opioid pain medications are often taken daily or even multiple times in one day. Hence, they remain present in the body for prolonged periods.

Minimal Tolerance and Dependence

Sustained use of many psychoactive drugs often results in the body building tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the body adapts to a substance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This tolerance can pave the way for physical and psychological dependence. In contrast, ketamine therapy’s intermittent administration, under professional supervision, minimizes the likelihood of tolerance and dependence formation. For most clients there will be small adjustments of the dose of ketamine initially. But this plateaus quickly and does not continue to escalate.

Physical dependence is a hallmark of addictive substances. When an individual becomes physically dependent on a substance, they experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using it. Ketamine users do not typically develop physical dependence, further reducing the risk of addiction. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that ketamine may even have the potential to reduce cravings and compulsions associated with addiction to other substances. This intriguing property has led to research exploring ketamine’s role in treating addiction itself. It is important to note that psychological dependence can be developed for virtually any medication or behavior. Ketamine is not exempt from this. It is not impossible to become psychologically addicted to ketamine just like any other substance.

Ketamine Overuse and Abuse

As the prevalence of ketamine treatment increases, there have been reports of overuse or abuse in uncontrolled settings. This usually occurs when ketamine is provided in the form of lozenges or sprays to be used unsupervised. Daily use of ketamine can certainly result in ill-effects such as damage to the bladder, liver, or kidneys. This does not mean it is dangerous when used appropriately. For reference, Tylenol is one of the safest and most widely used medications in the world. That said, it is easy to cause liver damage if too much is taken too often. This is one of many reasons why ketamine is best administered in a monitored setting and not prescribed for home use.

Therapeutic Benefits for Mental Health

Ketamine therapy has demonstrated rapid and substantial improvements in treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. Ketamine has unique properties. These include its ability to promote neuroplasticity and the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These play a significant role in these therapeutic benefits. The focus on mental health improvement or pain relief rather than seeking a euphoric high sets ketamine apart from traditional addictive substances.

Conclusion

Ketamine therapy offers hope for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant mental health conditions and chronic pain. The low potential for addiction during ketamine therapy is a testament to the drug’s unique mechanism of action, limited accumulation, and distinct neurochemical effects. Ketamine treatment is best administered under the supervision of trained professionals in controlled settings. It has the potential to alleviate suffering without posing a significant risk of addiction. This makes it an excellent option for many treatment-resistant conditions. As research continues to uncover the full potential of ketamine, it’s clear that this versatile substance is poised to make a lasting impact on healthcare. More specifically, on addiction treatment, offering new hope to those in need of effective interventions.  

NW Ketamine Infusion

August 14, 2023

Disclaimer: This blog does not constitute medical advice but rather a synthesis of published reports and accumulation of personal experience in treating patients using ketamine. The information in this post should not be used to guide medical decisions.