Ketamine Detox and Treatment Programs in Rhode Island

Ketamine is an unusual drug of abuse because it’s one of the only ones that also belongs to a class of substances known as dissociative anesthetics. These drugs are primarily used in human anesthesia and veterinary medicine. Ketamine functions similarly to a hallucinogen that causes a person to feel detached from reality.

Ketamine is commonly found as a whitish powdery substance or as a clear liquid. It may come in a small plastic baggie or a vial. Most ketamine sold illicitly was intended for veterinary use and stolen, so it may be in the original pharmaceutical container.

Ketamine stays in the system for a relatively long period compared to other drugs of abuse, sometimes taking as long as 30 days before it’s no longer detectable in the urine. However, this period may be much shorter, depending on several factors. The amount consumed and frequency of use before cessation play a significant role, as do the person’s health and habits.

Yes, ketamine is an addictive substance. Although it doesn’t produce physical dependence like many other drugs, including opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines, ketamine can cause psychological dependence. The person may crave the drug and continue taking it regularly despite efforts to change.

Ketamine is most commonly snorted. However, it may also be taken orally or injected intravenously. Snorting is the most common way to consume it in the form of a powder, and liquid ketamine is mainly injected. Oral consumption is the least common method of ingestion.

The questions from Addicted.org’s “Ask a Professional” are answered by Michael Leach, CCMA. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at [email protected].