Addiction Medicine Made Easy | Fighting back against addiction Ketamine: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Jul 21, 2025
Explore the dual nature of ketamine, balancing its medical benefits for conditions like treatment-resistant depression against the risks of misuse. Discover how ketamine can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts, but also hear about the alarming rise in recreational use and its dangerous side effects, including severe addiction issues. Learn about the phenomenon of the 'K-hole' and the real health concerns tied to long-term use. With no FDA-approved treatments for ketamine addiction, caution is essential, especially for those with a history of substance abuse.
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Ketamine's Medical Benefits
- Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that does not suppress breathing.
- It treats resistant depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and severe pain rapidly and effectively.
Rising Recreational Use
- Illicit ketamine use surged with seizures up 350% between 2017 and 2022.
- Recreational users seek the trance-like 'K-hole' state for altered perception and relaxation.
Ketamine Bladder Damage
- Chronic ketamine use damages the urinary tract, especially the bladder, causing "ketamine bladder".
- Irreversible damage can require bladder removal or surgical diversion of urine.
