How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?

Ketamine’s presence in the body isn’t the same for everyone. While its immediate effects wear off within a few hours, the drug itself can remain detectable for much longer. Different tests have different detection windows, and factors like metabolism and body composition play a big role in elimination.

Here’s a general breakdown of how long ketamine stays in your system based on common drug tests:

• Ketamine pee test (urine test): Detects ketamine for 3-5 days after use.
• Blood test: Detects ketamine for 1-2 days but is less commonly used.
• Saliva test: Can detect ketamine within 24 hours, though rarely administered.
• Hair test: Can show ketamine use for up to 90 days, making it the most extended detection method.

Because ketamine exits the bloodstream quickly, urine and hair tests are the most reliable options for detection. However, repeated use can prolong the detection window, making it harder to predict how long ketamine will stay in your body.

What Factors Affect How Long Ketamine Stays in Your System?

No two people metabolize ketamine at the same rate. Several biological and lifestyle factors determine how long ketamine remains detectable in drug tests. If you’re wondering why some people test positive for ketamine longer than others, these are the main influences:

• Dosage & frequency – High doses and frequent use make the drug harder to eliminate.
• Metabolism & body mass – Those with faster metabolisms or lower body mass process ketamine more quickly.
• Overall health & hydration – A healthy liver and kidneys help clear ketamine faster.
• Polydrug use – Mixing ketamine with other substances can slow down elimination and increase adverse effects.

If you use ketamine regularly, it may stay in your system longer than standard estimates suggest. The best way to clear ketamine from your body is to stop using it and allow time for your system to process it naturally.

Does Ketamine Show Up on a Drug Test?

Not all drug tests automatically screen for ketamine, but some advanced tests can detect it. If you’re undergoing a ketamine test, the method used will determine how long ketamine stays detectable in your system.

Here’s how different drug tests identify ketamine:

• Ketamine urine test (pee test): The most common method, detecting the drug for 3-5 days.
• Ketamine blood test: Detects use within 1-2 days, usually for medical evaluations.
• Saliva test: Can detect ketamine within 24 hours but is less frequently used.
• Hair test: The most extended detection window, showing use for up to 90 days.

Since standard employment drug tests typically don’t check for ketamine, testing is more common in medical, legal, and rehab settings. If you suspect you’ll be tested, knowing the detection times for different methods can help you understand your risk of a positive result.

The Long-Term Effects of Ketamine Abuse

While some people worry about passing a ketamine drug test, the real concern is what long-term ketamine use does to the body and mind. Regular use can lead to severe physical and mental health issues, some of which may be permanent.

Physical Health Risks

• Bladder and kidney damage – Ketamine is known to cause ketamine bladder syndrome, which leads to pain and urinary problems.
• Heart rate & blood pressure issues – Ketamine can cause irregular heart rate and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
• Liver damage – Chronic use may lead to liver toxicity and dysfunction.

Mental Health Concerns

• Memory loss & cognitive impairment – Long-term ketamine use is linked to poor concentration and forgetfulness.
• Increased risk of depression & anxiety – While some use ketamine for its antidepressant effects, overuse can worsen mental health in the long run.
• Psychological dependence – Many users develop a reliance on ketamine’s dissociative effects, leading to substance use disorders.

Ketamine might not be as physically addictive as opioids, but its psychological grip can be just as damaging. If ketamine use is interfering with daily life, professional treatment can help prevent further harm.

What to Do If You’re Struggling with Ketamine Use

If ketamine use has taken control of your life, the best step forward is professional treatment. Detoxing alone can be risky, as withdrawal symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and fatigue often lead to relapse. A structured rehab program provides the medical and emotional support needed to break free from addiction safely.

At The Hope House, our comprehensive ketamine addiction treatment includes:

• Medical detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms
• Personalized therapy to address the root causes of addiction
• Relapse prevention planning to help you build long-term sobriety

Our experienced team helps clients not only cleanse their bodies of ketamine but also develop the tools needed for lasting recovery. Through evidence-based care, we address both the physical and psychological effects of ketamine use, ensuring a strong foundation for healing.

You don’t have to do this alone—real help is available, and a healthier future is within reach.

Struggling with Ketamine Use? The Hope House Can Help

Ketamine addiction can take control of your life before you even realize it. If you’re stuck in a cycle of use, withdrawal, and cravings, you don’t have to face it alone. Real help is available, and lasting recovery is possible.

At The Hope House, we provide luxury, evidence-based addiction treatment tailored to your needs. With medical detox, one-on-one therapy, and relapse prevention strategies, our expert team will help you safely detox and rebuild your life.

Your recovery starts today. Call us now at (480)-448-6087 or email contact@thehopehouse.com to take the first step toward a healthier future.