How to Quit Ketamine Safely and Reduce the Risk of Psychiatric Symptoms
How to Quit Ketamine Safely: Understanding Post-Use Symptoms and the Right Way to Recover Body and Mind
A safe approach to quitting ketamine isn’t just about stopping use — it requires caring for both body and mind together, especially during the period when psychiatric symptoms or perceptual disturbances may appear after stopping. This isn’t unusual, and it can be managed systematically.
This article will help you and your family understand various symptoms, such as:
- Ketamine intoxication
- Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)
- Substance-induced psychosis
- Related conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder, along with guidance on how to safely support the patient day to day
1) What Is Ketamine Intoxication, and How Is It Different From “Persisting Perceptual Symptoms”?
Ketamine intoxication is the period while the drug is actively taking effect. Users commonly experience:
- Confusion and slowed response
- A sense of floating outside the body, or feeling the world isn’t real
- Paranoia, being easily startled, or hearing/seeing things that aren’t there
Meanwhile, some people continue to experience similar symptoms in episodes even after stopping use, usually related to three main factors:
- Insufficient rest and a disrupted sleep schedule
- Accumulated stress or anxiety
- A history of heavy or prolonged use
If symptoms occur only during intoxication, they usually resolve quickly. But if symptoms continue after stopping, a specialist should be consulted.
2) What Is HPPD? Understanding It So It Doesn’t Cause Alarm
HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder) is a condition where a patient sees unusual visuals or feels the world is distorted even after quitting the drug, such as:
- Seeing halos or trailing light streaks
- Blurred or double vision, or a shimmering, unstable image
- Blurry eyesight and abnormal sensitivity to light
While this doesn’t amount to a “permanent psychiatric condition,” these symptoms can be unsettling and may tempt the patient to use again to make the sensations stop.
Basic ways to help:
- Ensure adequate rest
- Avoid caffeine, energy drinks, and all substances
- Avoid bright lights, phone screens, or other intense stimuli
- Arrange a psychiatric assessment if symptoms are frequent and disrupt daily life
3) Telling the Difference: Substance-Induced Psychosis vs. Schizophrenia (Chronic Psychiatric Symptoms)
Some people who use ketamine for a long time may develop psychosis-like symptoms, such as:
- Paranoia
- Hearing voices
- Believing things that aren’t true, or having distorted thoughts
These symptoms are called substance-induced psychosis, which is different from schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric condition.
A simple way to tell the difference:
- If symptoms improve after stopping use and getting enough rest, they’re likely caused by the drug.
- If symptoms persist or keep getting worse even weeks after stopping, a doctor should conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
4) How Are Depression and Bipolar Disorder Related to Quitting Ketamine?
Many people turn to ketamine to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, or insomnia. But after quitting, mood may actually get worse, such as:
- Feeling drained and apathetic
- Easily angered or irritable
- Or conversely, elevated mood, talking excessively, and not sleeping without feeling tired
If left unaddressed, these symptoms can lead back to substance use.
Recovery approach:
- Have a specialist assess mood symptoms
- Engage in ongoing psychotherapy
- Use medication if a doctor determines it’s appropriate
5) How to Plan a Quit Attempt Without Triggering a Relapse of Symptoms
- In the first 72 hours, help the patient feel safe.
- Stay in a quiet, calm place, with reduced bright light and noise
- Stay with someone trustworthy; avoid being alone
- Avoid stimulant drinks and all substances
- In the 14 days after stopping, build a stable daily routine.
- Sleep and wake on a consistent, natural schedule
- Walk or do light exercise for 20–30 minutes a day
- Reduce phone screen time before bed
- Practice mindfulness, such as slow breathing and grounding techniques focused on the present moment
- Prevent relapse.
- Help the patient recognize risk factors that trigger cravings, such as certain places, friends, or situations
- Prepare a backup plan — calling someone trustworthy, doing a relaxing activity
- Families should offer encouragement and understanding rather than criticism
6) When Should You Seek Immediate Help From a Specialist?
If the patient shows any of these symptoms, seek medical care or treatment right away:
- Hearing voices that aren’t there, seeing strange visuals, or severe paranoia
- Continuous insomnia lasting several days
- Severe emotional changes
- Repeated attempts to quit on their own followed by relapse
Care from an experienced mental health team helps identify exactly which condition is present and design an effective, individualized recovery plan.
If you or someone you love is facing an addiction problem, don’t wait. Getting into treatment sooner means a better chance of recovery. Contact Day One Rehabilitation Center, a leading addiction treatment center, for consultation and comprehensive care.
Phone: +66 2-028-7775
LINE: @dayone
Location: 99/1 Moo 6, Si Chula, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand (only a 1-hour drive from Bangkok)