Ketamine & Dissociative Use Disorder
Ketamine, DXM (cough syrup), and PCP — drugs that produce detachment from the body and surroundings. Recreational ketamine in particular has become far more common.
What to know. Ranges from mild to severe. Heavy ketamine use can seriously damage the bladder and urinary tract; PCP can cause agitation and psychosis.
What major medical bodies recommend first when this condition is the focus of care.
Off-label medications can be used in addition to behavioral therapy.
How clinicians think about it.
The DSM-5 lists eleven signs grouped into four areas. The number that fit in the past year suggests a severity — not a verdict.
- ·Using more than meant to
- ·Wanting to cut down
- ·Time spent using
- ·Cravings
- ·Trouble at work / school
- ·Relationship strain
- ·Giving up activities
- ·Risky situations
- ·Using despite harm
- ·Tolerance
- ·Withdrawal
Plainly: what makes this condition dangerous.
Ketamine-induced bladder and urinary-tract damage (cystitis)
Agitation, psychosis, and injury — especially with PCP
Confusion and accidents while intoxicated
What's offered, and what we usually start with.
Used to manage cravings, mood, and sleep. There is no FDA-approved medication specific to dissociatives.
Addresses triggers, patterns of use, and relapse prevention.
Heavy ketamine use can injure the bladder; we coordinate care when it's needed.
Asked often, answered briefly.
Ketamine and esketamine are used under close medical supervision for depression. That's different from frequent recreational use, which can become hard to control and can damage the bladder. Both things are true.