Understanding Ketamine Addiction and How to Recover

What Is Ketamine and Why Is It Addictive?

Originally developed as a powerful anaesthetic, ketamine is now also used in some medical settings to treat depression and chronic pain. However, outside these controlled environments, ketamine is increasingly misused for its dissociative, euphoric effects. This misuse can lead to psychological addiction and long-term harm, especially when used frequently or in high doses.

At Bali Harmony Rehab, we understand how easily ketamine use can shift from experimental to compulsive. Our team combines clinical excellence with deep empathy, guiding each client through a personalised path of recovery that supports both the mind and body.

Medical vs Recreational Use

In clinical settings, ketamine infusion therapy has been used to support individuals with treatment-resistant depression. When properly administered, low doses can offer rapid symptom relief. However, its long-term use remains under investigation, and repeated dosing can quickly build tolerance.

Recreational users, on the other hand, often seek out ketamine for its dissociative effects, using slang terms such as Special K, Vitamin K, or Kit Kat. Whether snorted, injected or taken orally, the drug can create a detachment from reality known as the “K-hole”, an experience many find disturbing or traumatic.

Effects and Dangers of Ketamine Use

While some users chase the dreamlike escape ketamine offers, the reality often includes a cascade of dangerous side effects:

• Disorientation and confusion

• Muscle stiffness and slurred speech

• Hallucinations and paranoia

• Bladder inflammation and ulceration

• Memory loss and reduced cognitive function

• Emotional instability, anxiety, and panic

• Risk of injury due to poor motor coordination

Worse still, many individuals begin mixing ketamine with other substances like alcohol or cannabis, dramatically increasing the risk of overdose, respiratory distress or psychosis.

How Ketamine Addiction Develops

Unlike substances that cause physical dependence, ketamine addiction is behavioural and psychological. Individuals often return to the drug seeking emotional escape, especially those dealing with trauma, anxiety or depression. Over time, this reliance can spiral into:

• Frequent cravings and mental preoccupation

• Escalating doses due to tolerance

• Withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety

• Disruption of relationships, work, and overall wellbeing

Treatment for Ketamine Addiction at Bali Harmony Rehab

At Bali Harmony Rehab, we offer a holistic, client-focused approach to ketamine addiction recovery. Our tailored programmes combine evidence-based therapies with restorative practices designed to support long-term transformation.

Key Components of Recovery:

• Medical Detox Support
  While ketamine withdrawal is often more psychological than physical, we offer medical and emotional support to ensure a safe transition off the drug.

• Therapeutic Counselling
  Our expert therapists use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other methods to help clients identify the root causes of addiction and build healthier patterns of thought and behaviour.

• RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy)
  Developed and delivered by our founder Kerryn, RTT helps clients access the subconscious beliefs driving their addiction. This method has been especially powerful for those using ketamine to self-medicate emotional pain.

• 12 Step Recovery Support
  We integrate structured 12 Step work with spiritual flexibility, guiding clients through personal responsibility, accountability and healing.

• Holistic Therapies
  Including yoga, meditation, breath-work, massage, and sound healing, all designed to restore balance to the nervous system and nurture emotional resilience.

• Nutrition for Recovery
  A dopamine-friendly diet helps stabilise mood, reduce cravings and improve cognitive clarity throughout the recovery process.

• Aftercare Planning
  Every client leaves with a personalised aftercare plan, including referrals to support groups like NA or SMART Recovery, and continued coaching if needed.

Why Choose Bali Harmony Rehab?

Our private rehab centre near Canggu Beach offers more than treatment, it offers transformation. With a maximum of six clients at any time, we provide deeply personalised care in a tranquil and judgment-free setting. We have helped countless clients from around the world reclaim their lives from substances like ketamine.

We are here to support you every step of the way, whether that is information, support or even eventually rehab.

If you're ready to take the next step, contact us today for a free confidential consultation.

Reviewed by:

Dr. Amelia DN Sugiharta
Consulting Psychiatric Doctor, Bali Harmony Rehab
Last medically reviewed: July 2025