Ketamine is sometimes used in controlled medical settings, but long-term or repeated use outside of supervision can have significant effects on the brain and body.

As ketamine misuse has grown, so has an awareness of the potential ketamine misuse risks on both brain and body.

This article will take a look at some of the long-term risks associated with ketamine use and explain them clearly…

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that is legitimately used in both human and veterinary medicine. It was first introduced into clinical practise for humans in the 1960s and is also sometimes used as an ‘off-label’ treatment for severe or chronic pain – although it is not currently licensed for such use in the UK.

Ketamine is also increasingly used as a recreational drug, largely due to its dissociative effects. These makes the mind feel detached from the body and environment. It can alter perceptions of time and space is sometimes associated with hallucinations. Some users report that it makes them feel ‘dream-like’ or relaxed. But there can also be less pleasant short-term effects, such as anxiety and confusion.

Ketamine is currently controlled as a Class B substance in the UK, which means the maximum penalty for supplying and producing the drug can be up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

What Does Ketamine Do to Your Brain and Body Long-Term?

As well as some of the short-term effects mentioned above, some users may experience ketamine side effects in the long term. These can include serious mental and physical effects.

Ketamine affects neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly the chemical messenger known as glutamate, which plays a key role in cognitive functions in the brain. Repeated use of ketamine can begin to affect how the brain functions over time, with a number of potential effects.

Chronic or heavy users may be more prone to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. Repeated use of ketamine can also have a physical impact, particularly on the bladder and urinary tract.

Long-Term Effects on the Brain

The exact changes that long-term ketamine use can have on the brain is not fully understood, but the drug has been linked with both structural and functional changes.

Ketamine effects on brain function can include:

  • Memory issues
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes (including anxiety and depression)
  • Dissociation
  • Psychological dependence

Long-Term Effects on the Body

The long-term effects of ketamine are not restricted to the brain and psychological issues. Ketamine has also been linked to physical effects, including:

  • Bladder damage: ‘Ketamine bladder’, also known as ketamine urinary tract syndrome is a well-documented potential side effect of repeated ketamine use. This can lead to a frequent need to pee, incontinence, and severe pain. It can be very serious and the damage can be permanent.
  • Liver strain: Long-term ketamine abuse has also been associated with damage to the liver, which is a vital organ for filtering the blood, metabolising nutrients and detoxifying harmful substances from the body.
  • Digestive issues: Chronic and heavy ketamine can cause serious digestive issues, most notably intense abdominal pain and cramps that are often referred to as ‘K-cramps’. The mechanisms behind K-cramps are not fully understood, but this is a common side-effect among users.
  • Cardiovascular strain: Ketamine can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, which can in turn increase the risk of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and increase the overall risk of heart issues.
  • General physical health: Issues can include fatigue, injuries and increased stress. Additionally, the method of taking ketamine can also have an impact. For example, snorting the drug can damage the nasal passage and sinus cavities, while injecting can lead to vein damage and an increased risk of infection.

The Mental Health Impact

Ketamine does have legitimate medical uses and is even being investigated as an experimental treatment for depression that has proven resistant to other forms of treatment.

It is important to understand, however, that medical ketamine is only used under strict control, with measured doses and patients constantly monitored for potential side effects.

Ketamine misuse – which includes recreational use and attempts to self-medicate that can do far more harm than good – can have serious consequences for mental health, including:

  • Increased anxiety
  • Depression or lowered mood
  • Emotional instability and mood swings
  • Detachment

One issue particularly associated with ketamine is a form of extreme dissociation often known as a ‘K-hole’. Some people actively seek this out, but some can find it extremely distressing and potentially traumatising. It can sometimes lead to long-term anxiety and flashbacks.

The Very Real Risk of Dependence

Ketamine is not generally considered to be physically addictive in the same way as drugs such as alcohol and opioids, which can produce severe physical withdrawal symptoms.

It can be very psychologically addictive, however. Users can also develop a tolerance as they adapt to the drug. Essentially, this means they need to use more and more for the same effect, which can lead to a vicious cycle of increasing abuse.

When to Be Concerned

There are a number of signs to look out for in yourself or others that could indicate a problem and a potential need for addiction treatment options.

These can include:

  • Frequent use of the drug
  • Increasing the frequency or dosage of ketamine
  • Thinking constantly about using or obtaining ketamine
  • Trying and failing to stop or cut down
  • Continuing to use despite negative consequences
  • Declining mental health
  • Physical symptoms such as developing bladder problems

Getting Help and Support

The good news is that help is always available if you reach out. This could include a wide range of proven drug treatment therapies or a full rehab programme.

If you’re concerned about ketamine use, exploring support for ketamine misuse can help you to understand your options.

Our Final Thoughts

So, is ketamine dangerous long-term? It is often considered to be a relatively harmless party drug, but there is a growing weight of evidence to show that repeated or heavy ketamine use can have serious consequences.

Long-term ketamine use can affect both the brain and body, and the effects can build up over time. Help is always available, though, and recovery is possible with the right support in place.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: May 12, 2026

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.