Dangers and Effects of Mixing Ketamine and Alcohol

Both ketamine and alcohol abuse can be very dangerous but even more so when the two substances are consumed together. The combination of ketamine and alcohol can send you down a path to various social, health and addiction risks that must be taken seriously.

If you or someone you know has an alcohol and ketamine addiction, it is important to realise that help is available and should be sought before it’s too late. Primrose Lodge has assisted many people in overcoming their ketamine and alcohol addiction and we can provide the encouragement and treatment you need to get your life back on track.

Why do people mix ketamine and alcohol?

The answers are complicated and various, but when it comes to using ketamine with alcohol, there are two common reasons:

Partying

It has become increasingly common for some people to mix ketamine and alcohol as part of their partying lifestyle. Combining these two substances can lead to an extreme feeling of euphoria.

While mixing ketamine and alcohol often go hand in hand when partying, many people do not understand the risks of using the two substances together, especially over a long period of time.

Self-medicating

Some people mix ketamine and alcohol as a way of self-medicating for depression, anxiety, or loneliness. The mix of the two substances can create a numbing feeling, blocking out fear and depression. Over time, however, that feeling becomes increasingly appealing to people and can lead to addiction.

Why is ketamine and alcohol a bad combination?

Mixing ketamine and alcohol can have dangerous consequences on both physical and mental health. Ketamine and alcohol influence separate neurotransmitter systems in specific ways that result in heightened inhibitory brain signalling, impeding the communication between your brain and your body.

Studies have shown that ketamine generates alcohol-like effects in users, resulting in the even greater possibility that combining the two can end up over-intoxicating the user.

What are the side effects of mixing ketamine and alcohol?

Consumption of these two substances together can create a synergistic reaction in the brain leading to serious side effects such as:

Physical Issues

If both ketamine and alcohol are taken together, the physical effects on the body become much more intense as each substance magnifies the effects of the other. Common physical side effects include:

• nausea or vomiting
• seizures
• difficulty breathing
• abdominal pain
• dizziness or light-headedness

Additionally taking ketamine and alcohol simultaneously can also cause overdosing or even death.

Cardiovascular Issues

The use of ketamine itself can lead to several heart issues but when mixed with alcohol the odds are even greater. Some of the effects of the combination include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Palpitations/irregular heartbeat

Psychological Issues

When ketamine and alcohol are mixed, there is considerable risk to psychological health. The dissociative and sedative qualities of ketamine can be amplified when coupled with the depressant nature of alcohol. Research has indicated that ketamine alters brain chemistry which can lead to serious depression or increases in negative thoughts.

Furthermore, mixing ketamine and alcohol has been known to cause the following cognitive side effects:

• Short-term memory loss
• Decreased ability to concentrate
• Poor judgement / Risk Taking
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Drowsiness
• Mood Swings

Urological Damage

The use of ketamine and alcohol together has also been shown to increase the possibility of urinary tract issues with some of the damage potentially irreversible. One survey discovered that individuals who drank alcohol while simultaneously using ketamine were significantly more likely to disclose issues such as:

• Increased urinary frequency
• Painful urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Blood in their urine.

Can ketamine be used to treat depression?

Ketamine has recently been explored as a novel potential treatment to combat depression in the for of Esketamine treatment. It is gaining traction in medical communities as a viable form of therapy that could offer shorter-term effects than more traditional treatments such as antidepressants or psychotherapy.

While it has yet to be thoroughly studied and there are still risks involved, research indicates promising results in reducing symptoms of depression for patients over short-term intervals. If further investigation confirms its efficacy and safety, there is the potential for ketamine use to become an effective therapeutic means for treating mental health conditions like depression.

Patients must be careful if they are suffering from depression and already have an alcohol addiction which they use to cope with it, there may be a possibility they will start to drink while prescribed the ketamine. Always consult your medical professional before using ketamine to treat depression.

How do I recognise if I have a ketamine and alcohol addiction?

If you are questioning whether or not you have a ketamine and alcohol addiction, it may be a sign that you should seek professional help, such as rehab treatment at Primrose Lodge.

It is important to be aware of the difference between recreational use and full dependence, as ketamine and alcohol have the potential to become addictive substances quickly under the wrong circumstances.

Do you find yourself frequently mixing ketamine with alcohol?
Are you unable to control the timing or frequency of your use?
If you are separated from ketamine and alcohol, do you experience intense cravings?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it is likely you have an addiction and seeking ketamine rehab and alcohol rehab is essential to recovery.

Primrose Lodge provides you with the help and care necessary for your rehabilitation and is dedicated to helping those struggling with ketamine and alcohol addictions. Contact us today if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction.

Avoiding relapse after recovery from ketamine and alcohol

The path to a lasting recovery from ketamine and alcohol addiction can be a difficult one, but the right advice and support system at Primrose Lodge can help those in recovery avoid relapse.

The key is in establishing a solid foundation of healthy habits that counterbalance unhealthy thought processes or tendencies associated with alcohol and ketamine use. Having patience and surrounding yourself with a commitment to one’s own healing is vital to avoiding relapse after recovery from ketamine and alcohol addiction.

Even after you have completed your programme at Primrose Lodge, we will always be connected and you will be part of our family.