Addiction

Few seek treatment for ketamine use disorder despite severe symptoms

May 6, 2025

Study details: This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study surveyed 274 individuals with self-identified ketamine use disorder (KUD) from November 2023 to April 2024. Participants, aged 18 to 67, were from the U.K., U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. Nearly half (47.7%) identified as male, and 58.8% reported a diagnosed mental health disorder.

Results: Common physical symptoms among KUD patients included bladder problems (60%), nasal problems (60%), and 'K-cramps' (56%). Despite these symptoms, 56% didn't seek treatment, and only 36% of treatment-seeking individuals were satisfied with their care. Symptoms of abstinence syndrome, such as cravings (71%), low mood (62%), anxiety (59%), and irritability (45%), were prevalent. Treatment services were often perceived as having little to some awareness of ketamine use and weren't tailored to KUD, with 43% of participants finding them only somewhat effective. Fifty-nine percent of participants said that there was "definitely not" sufficient awareness in education and peer groups about the risks associated with ketamine use.

Clinical impact: The study reveals the substantial physical and psychological burden of KUD and the inadequacy of current treatments. It emphasizes the need for better education, tailored treatment programs, and affordable care options to improve patient outcomes.

Source:

Harding RE, et al. (2025, April 28). Addiction. The landscape of ketamine use disorder: Patient experiences and perspectives on current treatment options. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40294641/