Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Dependence and addiction

Ketamine can be habit forming for some people who use it regularly. This is called psychological dependence, and means that some users will crave ketamine, feeling they need it to function effectively and feel comfortable in certain situations, for example when attending a dance party.

Tolerance can develop quickly, meaning more of the drug is needed to get high and users will often find themselves rapidly increasing their dose over time.

Overdose

Taking too much ketamine will increase the immediate negative effects.  A severe overdose could result in dangerously slowed breathing, convulsions, coma, seizures and death from respiratory failure. See our How to get help section for advice on what to do if someone overdoses on ketamine.