Ketamine is a drug that can spark a lot of questions. Whether you’re curious because you’ve taken it or you’re just trying to be informed, it’s natural to ask how long a dose of ketamine can linger in your system. You might notice its effects quickly, but the time it stays detectable in your body can be longer than you’d think.
This blog will answer your questions about ketamine and how long it stays in your system. How does it work? What does it do to your body? By answering these questions, you can be better informed about this drug and how it can affect you.
What Is Ketamine and What Is It Used For?
Ketamine is a medication with different purposes depending on the situation. Doctors often use it in controlled doses to help with pain relief or as a sedative during surgeries. It can also be prescribed for certain mental health conditions like depression, though only when other treatments haven’t worked.
However, outside of medical settings, ketamine is also used recreationally. Some people use it because it causes a feeling of detachment or relaxation. However, taking ketamine in high doses without a prescription can be dangerous and may lead to serious side effects or even addiction.
How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your Blood, Urine, Saliva, Hair?
The time ketamine stays in your system depends on several things, including how much you took and how often. Your body mass, metabolism, and overall health all affect how long ketamine stays in your system.
Different types of drug tests will also give different results. Each of these tests gives a different window into the life of ketamine in your body. It’s important to understand that these detection times are averages, and they can vary widely.
Blood
A blood test will typically show ketamine for about 3-4 days after you’ve taken it. However, this can vary from person to person based on specific factors like metabolism and dosage.
Urine
Ketamine can remain detectable in urine for 14 days after use, although for some people, this timeline may stretch longer.
Saliva
Saliva acts much like blood, where ketamine can be detected for around 24 hours. However, saliva tests are not as commonly used as urine or blood tests.
Hair
Hair follicles keep a long-term record of drug use. A hair test can detect ketamine for up to three months or even longer, depending on the part of the hair tested. While less common, hair tests are often used to pinpoint use that occurred weeks or months ago.
Is Ketamine Addictive?
Ketamine addiction, while less common than some other drug dependencies, is a real concern. Repeated use of the drug, especially in recreational settings, can lead to mental and physical dependency. You might feel a constant pull to take more just to avoid cravings or to get the same effects as before.
Signs of addiction include using ketamine more often than intended, needing higher doses to feel its effects, and struggling to stop even when you want to. This is a cycle that can spiral quickly if not addressed. The long-term impact of ketamine misuse can extend beyond addiction, affecting your brain, emotions, and overall physical health.
Treatment for Ketamine Abuse
How long ketamine stays in your system depends on how often you use it, how much you take, and your body’s unique chemistry. While the drug’s effects can wear off within 30 minutes, ketamine can be detected in blood, urine, saliva, and hair for different lengths of time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine use, help is available. Ketamine addiction treatment often includes therapy to address not only the physical withdrawal symptoms but also the emotional reasons behind substance use. Detox may be part of the process to help your body recover safely, but the goal is to create a plan that works for you in the long run.
Whether you’re worried about the immediate effects of ketamine or its long-term presence in your body, it’s important to understand its risks. At Zoe Behavioral Health, we’re here to guide you towards a healthier, drug-free life. Our addiction treatment programs are built around your needs, providing a safe space to begin your recovery. Zoe provides a supportive environment to help you move forward.
