Ketamine is a powerful medical anaesthetic, but its recreational use has been on the rise in recent years. Many people turn to ketamine for its euphoric effects or use it to escape from emotional pain.
Whilst it may provide a temporary sense of relief, it is a potent substance that has the potential for serious long-term issues, including abuse and addiction.
For those who have used ketamine or are concerned about its effects, it is worth noting how long ketamine can stay in your system for.
In this post, we will explore how ketamine is processed in the body, how long it can stay in your system, and why it is crucial to seek professional help if you or someone you love is struggling with ketamine use.
Understanding how ketamine affects your body.
Ketamine works by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, most notably the glutamate receptors, which are involved in mood regulation, memory, and perception.
When used recreationally, ketamine can induce feelings of dissociation, euphoria, and sometimes hallucinations. Like other recreational drugs, its use carries a high potential for future abuse, which can lead to both physical and psychological dependence.
When someone uses ketamine, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, and its effects can begin within minutes.
Though the immediate effects of ketamine wear off relatively quickly, that doesn’t mean it leaves the body right away, which not everyone is aware of.
How long can ketamine stay in your system for?
The length of time ketamine stays in the system depends on several factors. The amount used, frequency of use, metabolism, and overall health of the user. Despite this, there are general time frames for the various testing methods:
1. Urine test.
Ketamine is primarily metabolised in the liver and then excreted through the urine. In most cases, ketamine can be detected in urine for up to 2-4 days after use. However, for frequent users or those who have taken larger doses, it may be detectable for a longer period.
2. Blood test.
Ketamine remains detectable in the bloodstream for a shorter period—typically around 24 hours after use. Blood tests are less common for detecting ketamine use compared to urine tests, but they can provide a more accurate snapshot of recent usage.
3. Hair follicle test.
Hair follicle tests are highly sensitive and can detect drug use for a much longer period, typically up to 90 days. However, this type of testing is less commonly used for ketamine detection and is more often employed in cases of chronic substance abuse.
4. Saliva test.
Saliva tests are not as commonly used for ketamine detection, but when they are, ketamine can typically be detected for around 24-48 hours.
Factors that affect how long ketamine stays in your system.
Several factors can impact how long ketamine remains in the body. These include:
- Dosage and frequency of use: Regular users of ketamine will likely have longer detection times than occasional users, as the body takes time to process the substance. High doses also have a more prolonged effect.
- Metabolism: A person with a faster metabolism may process and eliminate ketamine more quickly than someone with a slower metabolism.
- Body fat: Ketamine is fat-soluble, meaning it may be stored in fat cells and gradually released over time, affecting how long it stays in your system.
- Liver function: Since ketamine is metabolised by the liver, individuals with liver dysfunction may experience a slower elimination process, leading to a longer duration of presence in the body.
- Overall health: General health and hydration can impact the efficiency of the body’s ability to eliminate substances.
The dangers of ketamine use.
Whilst ketamine may seem like a quick escape for those looking to temporarily alleviate emotional or psychological pain, the risks are significant. Long-term ketamine use can lead to a host of health issues, including:
- Psychological dependence: Ketamine can cause cravings and compulsive behaviour, leading to addiction. Over time, the brain can become reliant on it, to achieve the desired effects, which can lead to destructive patterns of use.
- Cognitive impairment: Chronic ketamine use can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
- Bladder and urinary problems: Long-term use can damage the bladder, causing painful or frequent urination, and even incontinence.
- Hallucinations and dissociation: Some individuals may experience persistent hallucinations or feelings of detachment from reality, which can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Why seeking help is essential.
If you or someone you love is struggling with ketamine, it is essential to seek professional help.
At Ibiza Calm, we specialise in providing comprehensive support and treatment for those individuals struggling with ketamine addiction. We have a highly qualified team of professionals who understand the complex nature of substance use, their experience can help avoid the long-term risks.
How we can help you recover.
Recovering from ketamine addiction is possible, and the first step is reaching out for help. Our clinic offers a range of services to support your recovery, including:
Comprehensive assessment: Our team will begin with a thorough assessment, to help us understand the best way to help you.
Medication management: We can prescribe the best medications to help manage any withdrawal symptoms and by treating any co-occurring disorders at the same time.
Individual and group therapy: We offer both individual (one-to-one) and group therapy as part of our wider treatment programme. Everyone responds differently, and personalised plans are key to successful treatment.
Educational workshops: We can help everyone understand their addiction better. This helps with long-term recovery and can assist with future life goals.
If you are struggling with ketamine use, the most important step you can take is to seek professional help. Our team at Ibiza Calm are here to guide you every step of the way towards recovery.
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