Recreational Ketamine Use among Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: Demographics, Motivations, and Polysubstance Use.
Substance use & misuse – May 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Nearly 1 in 3 people with opioid use disorder report using ketamine, with many attempting self-treatment for withdrawal symptoms and mental health concerns. Urban males are more likely to use ketamine, often alongside other substances like marijuana and alcohol. While some users seek therapeutic effects, others pursue recreational experiences. The findings highlight complex relationships between ketamine and opioid use, with both potential risks and self-medication patterns emerging.
Abstract
Data show that recreational ketamine use appears to be increasing. This study aimed to understand how ketamine fits into broader polysubstance use in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Survey data were collected from a sample of treatment-seeking individuals with OUD in March 2022. Of 301 respondents, 28.6% reported lifetime ketamine use. Ketamine use was more frequently reported among males (61.9% vs. 37%; p < 0.001) and less frequently reported among individuals in rural locations (33.6% vs 15.7%; p < 0.002). Most respondents (70.9%) used ketamine to achieve a desired psychoactive effect, and 46.4% used to self-treat a physical or mental health problem, including mental distress symptoms and mitigating opioid withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Polysubstance use involving ketamine was prevalent (70.7%) and included marijuana (64.9%), alcohol (61.4%), cocaine (36.8%), MDMA (36.8%), hallucinogens (31.6%), prescription opioids (29.8%), and illicit opioids (29.8%). Negative experiences while using ketamine were reported by 32.1% and included central nervous system complications and mental distress. Among this sample of individuals with OUD, motivations for ketamine use are varied and polysubstance use is common. Such behaviors, even when attempting to self-treat OUD or other health problems may place individuals at risk for psychiatric or physical health conditions, including overdose or death.