Ketamine detox

Although such effects are unpleasant, it’s essential not to let these short-lived symptoms deter you from breaking free from ketamine addiction and embarking on a new, healthier chapter. This page will explain everything you need to know about how ketamine detox can steer you toward lifelong recovery.

Detox sign

What is ketamine detox?

A ketamine detox refers to depriving your body of ketamine altogether, thereby ridding your system of all traces of the drug. Ketamine dependence is predominantly psychological so a ketamine detox doesn’t necessarily invoke physical symptoms. Rather, they bring about mental or emotional withdrawal effects. Ketamine withdrawal produces very strong cravings that can be so overbearing that people may feel compelled to continue to use.

What are the common ketamine withdrawal symptoms?

All drug detoxification processes differ from person to person. When it comes to ketamine detox, some people may endure mild symptoms, and some may experience more severe side effects. This is dependent on a person’s existing health conditions and how long they have been using ketamine as well as other drugs. Some of the common physical symptoms of a ketamine detox are:

  • Shakes/tremors
  • Sweating
  • Heart palpitations
  • Raised body temperature
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Intense cravings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety

Is ketamine detox dangerous?

Distressed woman struggling with detoxing

Physical withdrawal from ketamine doesn’t tend to be serious, but it’s not unusual for people to experience strong feelings of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, a lack of sleep can cause heightened irritability. When you’re in this state of feeling, you may do or say something you would later regret. Moreover, if you have stopped using ketamine for a few days and then relapse you are at risk of overdose, as your body’s tolerance is likely to reduce the moment you begin a ketamine detox.

Why ketamine detox should be done under professional guidance

For those who’ve never experienced a ketamine detox before, it may seem as though it is a straightforward process that can be done at home. However, it’s vital not to misjudge the importance of detoxing under expert guidance. Let’s look at some of the reasons why it’s beneficial to detox from ketamine under medical care.

Clients receive emotional and psychological support.

At quality ketamine detox clinics, trained healthcare workers are on hand to assist with all withdrawal symptoms, and therapists understand the toll detoxing has on your wellbeing. They know the kinds of negative thoughts and feelings you will be experiencing, and they are prepared to guide you through the detox safely and effectively, so you’re one step closer to recovery.

A new environment

Spending time away from your home and everyday life by residing for a few weeks in a ketamine detox clinic can offer you a new environment, which may provide a fresh perspective on your recovery and give you a renewed sense of energy.

Knowing you’re not going through it alone

A ketamine detox can make you feel vulnerable; you have been reliant on the drug for so long, so coming off it will present itself as a challenge. But there will be other people going through ketamine withdrawal symptoms too. Hence, there is mutual understanding and respect when we see others relinquishing substance dependence. This will likely fill you with strength and motivation to persevere through the process, so you can eventually reach a healthier place.

How Sanctuary Lodge can help you withdraw from ketamine

Sanctuary Lodge is built to help people recover from substance dependence. We have nineteen comfortable ensuite bedrooms where you can seek rest and restoration throughout your ketamine detox. We will take care of all your nutritional needs as meals are prepared with care by our in-house chef. Moreover, you can take walks around our scenic garden to clear your mind.

Our healthcare workers consist of certified therapists and psychologists who are on hand to support you through any cravings as you detox from ketamine at our ketamine rehab. The ketamine detox process is the first stage toward successful recovery, so while you detox with us, you’ll be offered various holistic therapies to work through any underlying issues that may have brought on your ketamine use. Addressing your emotional and psychological triggers means you can prevent relapse and work towards a lifelong recovery.

Get in touch with us today

Sanctuary Lodge has the space, expertise and experience to guide you through a thorough ketamine detox. If you want more information about the ketamine detox process or our comprehensive ketamine recovery treatments, reach out to us today. One of our compassionate advisors can go through any questions or concerns you have.

Frequently asked questions

Can I detox from ketamine at home?
We strongly advise you to consider detoxing from ketamine under professional supervision. This way, you are least likely to relapse and, therefore, have a better chance of recovering. If you insist on undergoing ketamine detox at home, it’s essential you have sufficient support around you and are prepared for ketamine withdrawal symptoms as you won’t have healthcare professionals responding to your cravings appropriately.
Does ketamine withdrawal last long?
All traces of ketamine typically tend to leave the body within two to four days. This is when your main withdrawal symptoms and most intense cravings tend to lessen. You may still experience psychological cravings for weeks or months after ketamine detox but the intensity of these cravings reduces over time. Moreover, when you utilise your personal coping mechanisms (learnt in therapy), you can resist them better.
Is ketamine detox enough for me to fully recover?
A ketamine detox is the essential first step toward life-long recovery; successfully going through it will empower you toward a healthier lifestyle. However, Sanctuary Lodge believes all substance dependencies stem from unaddressed traumas or other mental health problems. This is why we strongly emphasise therapy; we want to get to the root of your ketamine reliance, so you have every chance of recovery.
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Who am I contacting?

Calls and contact requests are answered by admissions at

UK Addiction Treatment Group.

We look forward to helping you take your first step.

0203 811 7325