Signs of Ketamine Abuse

Your younger brother has started to go out to the club a lot. He is young, so normally this would be fine, but when he returns, he doesn’t seem like himself.

It is not just from the alcohol; you suspect that something else is involved. Before you can get him into a drug detox and treatment program, you need to determine what is going on. Could your loved one be abusing ketamine?

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine, also called “K” or “Special K” on the street, is a designer drug and dissociative anesthetic used to sedate users. Although veterinarians often use it for medical purposes, some people will abuse ketamine for its strong dissociative effects and the out-of-body feelings of detachment it provides. Ketamine typically comes in powder or liquid form and can be snorted, injected, smoked, or mixed with a drink. Ketamine is also a common date-rape drug.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine Abuse

Because some users desire the hallucinogenic and dissociative effects of ketamine, the drug is likely prevalent in party scenes like clubs or concerts. Although people may use ketamine recreationally to start, when abused frequently, the person may begin to exhibit signs of dependence. Once addiction occurs, it can be hard for the person to quit without the help of a drug abuse rehab.

While other club drugs are typically more popular, ketamine is the drug of choice for some. Some common signs of ketamine abuse include:

• Frequenting nightclub and other party scenes
• Showing signs of poor memory or amnesia especially after being out
• Being unable to “have fun” without taking ketamine
• Sudden mood changes
• Continuing to use ketamine regardless of the interpersonal, legal, financial, or psychological consequences
• Signs of paranoia or anxiety
• Having unidentified white powder, liquid, or drug paraphernalia
• Financial problems from always having to buy more ketamine
• Secretive behavior regarding their whereabouts, what they are doing, or who they are with
• Exhibiting common ketamine symptoms such as impaired coordination, word slurring, or mental confusion regularly
• Signs of overdose that require immediate medical attention

If your loved one is showing signs of ketamine abuse, it is important that you try to help. Long-term ketamine abuse can lead to serious health problems, and overdoses can be deadly.

Whether you suspect your loved one could be abusing ketamine or another drug, it is important to take action. At Clearbrook, we offer everything from alcohol to cocaine addiction treatment in Pennsylvania for those in need.  Do not sit around and wait for your loved one to move onto harder drugs or hit rock bottom. To learn more about how we may be able to help your loved one, call us today at 570-536-9621.