Ketamine Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic approved for medical and veterinary use. At low doses, it produces sedation and pain relief. At higher doses, it induces a profound dissociative state sometimes called a k-hole, characterized by disconnection from reality that users describe as dream-like or hallucinatory.

Recreationally, ketamine is used as a powder (snorted), liquid (injected), or pill. It is also known as Special K, Vitamin K, and Ket. Its rapid onset and short duration made it popular in club settings, but repeated use alters the brain’s reward circuitry, making it increasingly difficult to stop without professional support.

Ketamine vs. Esketamine (Spravato)

Esketamine (Spravato) is an FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine, prescribed under clinical supervision for treatment-resistant depression. It is not the same as street ketamine and should not be confused with ketamine addiction.

If you have been prescribed esketamine and have concerns about dependence, consult your prescribing physician and a qualified addiction specialist before making any changes. Stopping abruptly without guidance may worsen underlying mental health conditions.

Physical Dangers of Chronic Ketamine Use

Bladder and Kidney Damage (Ketamine-Induced Uropathy)

The most distinctive and serious complication of chronic ketamine use is ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU): severe bladder inflammation that can result in permanent structural damage. Symptoms include painful urination, blood in urine, urgent and frequent bathroom trips, and in advanced cases, a severely contracted bladder with very limited capacity.

In the most severe cases, surgical removal of the bladder has been necessary. This is a well-documented complication in medical literature and affects a meaningful subset of chronic users. The only proven treatment is stopping ketamine use entirely, and even then recovery may be incomplete.

Other Physical Complications

• Cognitive decline, particularly in memory and executive function
• Cardiovascular stress and elevated heart rate
• Liver damage with prolonged high-dose use
• Risk of injury during dissociative episodes
• Dangerous interactions with alcohol and other CNS depressants

Ketamine Addiction Treatment Modalities

Effective residential treatment for ketamine addiction draws on a range of evidence-based and holistic approaches. At iRely Recovery, a treatment plan may include:

• Medical Detox Support and Monitoring: Clinical oversight during the withdrawal phase to manage symptoms and ensure safety.
• Individualized Treatment Planning: An intake assessment covers physical health, mental health history, and substance use patterns. Treatment is adjusted as your progress evolves.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and restructures thought patterns that sustain use, building practical coping skills for managing cravings and triggers.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills address the psychological drivers of ketamine use, particularly in individuals with mood dysregulation.
• Trauma-Informed Care and EMDR: Addresses underlying trauma that may have contributed to or been worsened by ketamine use, using evidence-based processing approaches.
• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions that build insight, address root causes, and provide personalized support throughout treatment.
• Group Therapy: Peer connection and accountability within a structured therapeutic environment.
• Family Therapy and Education: Rebuilds trust, improves communication, and equips family members to support lasting recovery.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment Where Appropriate: Medications may be used to manage co-occurring conditions or withdrawal symptoms under physician supervision.
• Dual-Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment: Depression and anxiety are common alongside ketamine addiction. Both conditions are treated simultaneously for better long-term outcomes.
• Recreational and Experiential Therapy: Activities that restore purpose, joy, and engagement outside of substance use.
• Mindfulness and Somatic Practices: Body-based approaches and mindfulness skills help clients recognize cravings and emotional states without automatically acting on them.
• Continuing Care and Relapse Prevention Planning: A structured aftercare plan is developed before discharge to support sustained recovery beyond the residential program.