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Ketamine Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction

Avatar photo Ian Young
19 Aug, 2025
05 min read

Introduction: Why We Need to Debunk Ketamine Myths

From Party Hype to Medical Controversy

Ketamine has made headlines for everything from club culture to depression treatment. But along with its rising profile comes a wave of dangerous misinformation.

How Misinformation Puts Lives at Risk

False beliefs about ketamine’s safety, addictiveness, or therapeutic value can lead people—especially youth and vulnerable individuals—to misuse it. It’s time to bust the myths and present facts over fiction.

Myth #1: “Ketamine Isn’t Addictive”

The Science of Psychological Dependence

While ketamine may not cause intense physical withdrawal like opioids, it’s highly psychologically addictive. Regular users can:

  • Build tolerance rapidly

  • Crave the dissociative escape

  • Struggle emotionally without it

Real-World Addiction and Relapse Risks

Many users experience loss of control, secrecy, and compulsive patterns. Ketamine addiction is real, and thousands have sought rehab for it—including at Holina.

Myth #2: “It’s Safe in Club Doses”

Recreational Use vs. Controlled Clinical Dosing

Medical ketamine is:

  • Carefully dosed

  • Administered in clinical settings

  • Supervised by professionals

Club ketamine is:

  • Illegally sourced

  • Often mixed with other drugs

  • Taken in unsafe amounts with no oversight

Cumulative Risks and Organ Impact

Even “small” recreational doses, when repeated often, can lead to:

  • Bladder damage

  • Memory issues

  • Emotional instability

Myth #3: “Ketamine Is a Hallucinogen, Not a Real Drug”

Ketamine as a Dissociative Anesthetic

Ketamine is not just a party high. It’s a powerful dissociative used in:

  • Surgery

  • Animal medicine

  • Emergency sedation

Calling it “just a hallucinogen” minimizes its neurochemical potency.

Link Between Hallucinations and Psychosis

High doses or frequent use can cause:

  • Out-of-body experiences

  • Temporary psychosis-like symptoms

  • Long-term dissociation in heavy users

Myth #4: “Medical Ketamine and Street Ket Are the Same”

Difference Between Prescribed Use and Abuse

There is a world of difference between:

  • Esketamine nasal spray prescribed for treatment-resistant depression

  • Illicit ketamine powder used at raves or in isolation

Esketamine, Clinics, and Supervised Care

Approved medical ketamine use follows:

  • Strict protocols

  • Limited dosing frequency

  • Therapeutic integration support

Street ketamine has none of these safeguards.

Myth #5: “You Can’t Overdose on Ketamine”

Overdose Risks and Toxicity Symptoms

Ketamine overdose can cause:

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Respiratory failure

  • Dangerous heart rate drops

  • Comas in severe cases

How to Respond in an Emergency

Signs of ketamine overdose require immediate medical help:

  • Call emergency services

  • Keep the person safe from injury

  • Never leave them unattended

Myth #6: “Ketamine Helps Depression—So It Must Be Good for You”

Misuse of Off-Label Data and Clinical Trials

Yes, some clinics use ketamine in therapeutic settings. But self-medicating or recreational use is not the same as:

  • Structured, short-term medical application

  • Monitored by licensed psychiatrists

FDA Warnings and Guidelines

Even the FDA acknowledges:

“The safety and effectiveness of compounded ketamine have not been established.”
fda.gov

Myth #7: “It Doesn’t Affect the Body Long-Term”

Bladder Damage, Liver Strain, and Memory Loss

Chronic users may suffer:

  • Ketamine-induced cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)

  • Liver function strain

  • Cognitive impairment

How the Body Reacts to Chronic Use

Over time, ketamine can:

  • Damage the urinary tract

  • Alter mood and motivation

  • Lead to physical isolation and emotional numbness

Holina’s Approach to Education and Harm Reduction

What Clients Learn in Recovery

Clients at Holina are taught:

  • How ketamine affects the brain and body

  • The differences between use, misuse, and abuse

  • Ways to process trauma without disconnection

Peer Education and Safe Conversations

Sacred circles and group therapy allow clients to:

  • Debunk myths safely

  • Learn from one another’s experiences

  • Build insight without shame

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is ketamine safer than other drugs like cocaine or heroin?

No. While ketamine may not be physically addictive in the same way, it can be just as mentally and emotionally destructive when misused.

Can I take ketamine once in a while and be fine?

Some people do—but many fall into patterns of dependence faster than expected. Occasional use can still carry risk, especially emotionally.

Are ketamine treatments at clinics safe?

When prescribed by a psychiatrist and supervised closely, yes. But this is not the same as unsupervised or recreational use.

Does everyone who uses ketamine become addicted?

Not everyone—but many do, especially those with underlying emotional pain or trauma.

How do I know if my ketamine use is a problem?

If you feel you need it to function, are hiding your use, or are using it to avoid emotions—you may already be dependent.

Can I come to Holina even if I don’t believe I’m addicted yet?

Yes. Holina helps people explore their relationship with ketamine at any stage—from early use to deep addiction.

Conclusion: Replacing Myths with Empowered Decisions

Real Recovery Starts with Real Understanding

Ketamine isn’t harmless. It’s not a “light” drug. It’s powerful—and so is the truth about its impact.

Holina Offers Facts, Healing, and Support

At Holina Rehab Thailand, we educate, heal, and empower those affected by ketamine. Whether you’re misusing it, unsure, or seeking clarity—we can help.

📞 Talk to Holina Admissions: +66 (0) 626 418 369

About Me

Avatar photo

Ian Young

Ian Young is the Global Manager at Holina Care Centres in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Ian oversees the rehabilitation programs that blend the 12 Step model, NLP, and various evidence-based therapies with holistic healing practices. Holina Rehab treats addictions, trauma, anxiety, and depression, offering comprehensive care in a serene resort environment. Ian, a charismatic speaker and author of “It’s Not About Me,” leverages his own recovery journey from addiction to inspire and guide others toward a fulfilling, addiction-free life.

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