Common Questions About Ketamine: Answers & Insights

Q1. What is ketamine?

A: Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that has been used in medicine for decades. In controlled clinical settings, it can produce sedation, pain relief, and dissociative effects (Healthline, 2023; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2023). Recreationally, it may be taken as a powder or liquid and is often snorted or injected, whereas medical use is administered by trained professionals, commonly via intravenous or intramuscular routes (WebMD, 2023).

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Q2. What is ketamine used for medically?

A: Ketamine is approved for use as a general anaesthetic and is also used off-label in some settings for chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, and for treatment-resistant depression (Healthline, 2023). These uses occur under close medical supervision due to potential psychological and physical side effects.

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Q3. Is ketamine addictive?

A: Yes — ketamine can lead to psychological dependence. While it does not cause opioid-type physical dependence, repeated misuse can result in cravings, escalating use, and difficulty stopping. Long-term use is associated with significant health risks (Addiction Center, 2024; Addiction Group, 2024).

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Q4. What are the side effects of ketamine?

A: Short-term side effects may include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, double vision, and dissociation (Medical News Today, 2023). At higher or uncontrolled doses, ketamine can cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, impaired coordination, and, in severe cases, respiratory depression (Medical News Today, 2023).

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Q5. What are the long-term risks of ketamine use?

A: Long-term or heavy ketamine use has been linked to memory problems, liver and kidney damage, and significant bladder injury, including painful urination, inflammation, and reduced bladder capacity — often referred to as ketamine-induced cystitis or “ketamine bladder” (Addiction Center, 2024; News-Medical, 2022). Psychological effects such as persistent dissociation and cognitive difficulties have also been reported (CAMH, 2023).

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Q6. What is a “K-hole”?

A: A “K-hole” is a slang term describing an intense dissociative state that can occur after high doses of ketamine. Individuals may feel detached from their body or surroundings, experience distorted perceptions of time and space, or have hallucinations. This experience can be frightening or disorienting, particularly outside a safe or controlled environment (Banbury Lodge, 2023).

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Q7. Is ketamine therapy safe?

A: When administered in a clinical setting, ketamine therapy is generally considered safer than recreational use due to controlled dosing and monitoring (Healthline, 2023). However, it is not risk-free. Side effects such as dissociation, nausea, and raised blood pressure are common, and concerns remain regarding the effects of repeated or long-term use (Medical News Today, 2023). Anecdotal reports suggest that some individuals experience bladder symptoms even during therapeutic use (Reddit, 2023).

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Q8. Can people stop using ketamine after repeated or therapeutic use?

A: Yes — many people are able to stop using ketamine, including after prolonged recreational or therapeutic use. However, stopping can be challenging due to cravings, psychological dependence, and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Professional support is often beneficial (Addiction Group, 2024).

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Q9. Why does ketamine damage the bladder?

A: Chronic ketamine use can lead to ketamine-induced cystitis, a condition in which the bladder lining becomes inflamed and damaged. This can result in severe urinary urgency, pain, reduced bladder capacity, and bleeding. The condition may be progressive and often requires medical assessment and intervention (Addiction Center, 2024; News-Medical, 2022).
 

Q10. Where can I find help if I or someone I care about is misusing ketamine?

A: Support options include speaking with a GP, contacting addiction treatment services, or accessing therapy. If urinary symptoms such as pain, frequency, or bleeding are present, referral to a urologist or specialist is strongly recommended due to the risk of serious bladder damage (UK Addiction Treatment Centres, 2024).

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What People Are Googling & Asking About Ketamine (2025)
 

Why is ketamine use increasing?

A: Increased recreational use has been reported, particularly among younger people. Experts suggest this may be linked to self-medication for emotional distress, alongside wider availability. At the same time, concern has grown regarding long-term harms, particularly bladder damage (Medscape, 2023).
 

What are the hidden physical harms of long-term ketamine use?

A: Research indicates that many people with ketamine use disorder experience serious health complications, including bladder damage, nasal injury, and urinary tract problems. These symptoms can be severe, persistent, and in some cases irreversible (Medical News Today, 2023; Medscape, 2023).
 

Do people with ketamine-related harm seek treatment?

A: Many individuals experiencing ketamine-related harm do not seek professional help. When they do, some report that clinicians are unfamiliar with ketamine-specific dependence and bladder damage, delaying appropriate care (Medscape, 2023).

Is ketamine therapy safer than recreational use?

A: Medically supervised ketamine therapy is generally safer than recreational misuse due to controlled dosing and monitoring. However, it is not without risk. Reports from online support communities indicate that bladder symptoms may still occur in some individuals receiving therapeutic ketamine (Reddit, 2023).
 

Can ketamine permanently damage the bladder?

A: Yes — repeated or high-dose ketamine use can cause long-term or permanent bladder damage, including chronic pain, inflammation, and reduced bladder capacity. Recovery can be prolonged and, in some cases, requires medical or surgical intervention (Primary Care 24, 2023; News-Medical, 2022).
 

Mental health risks of heavy ketamine use

A: Alongside physical harm, heavy ketamine use is associated with psychological withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, low mood, and cravings. Cognitive and memory difficulties have also been reported following long-term use (CAMH, 2023; News-Medical, 2022).
 

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Why These Trends Matter

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These questions and search patterns show that ketamine is no longer just a “party drug” — many people are facing serious physical and mental health consequences, especially as use increases. The rise in online searches for addiction support, bladder damage, and treatment reflects growing anxiety and demand for accurate, harm-reduction-oriented information.