Is Ketamine an Opioid? Understanding Its Role in Addiction and Mental Health Treatment

Is ketamine an opioid? If you or someone you love is dealing with addiction or mental health struggles, this question might cause genuine concern. With ketamine showing up in both medical treatments and substance misuse cases, it’s easy to feel unsure about its safety and purpose. 

The fear of choosing the wrong treatment path is valid, and you're not alone in having this concern. That’s why we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explain what ketamine is, how it’s used, and whether it poses a risk for addiction so that you can feel more confident about your recovery journey.

Understanding what ketamine is—and what it isn’t—can help clear up confusion about its role in both medicine and addiction treatment.

A Brief History: From Anesthetic to Mental Health Tool

Ketamine was first developed in the 1960s as a fast-acting surgical anesthetic, commonly used in emergency and battlefield settings. Its ability to provide pain relief without depressing breathing made it a valuable tool in trauma care. In recent decades, researchers discovered its unique effects on mood and brain function, leading to its off-label use in treating depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.

How Ketamine Works: NMDA Receptor Antagonist Vs. Opioid Mechanism

Unlike opioids, which attach to opioid receptors to relieve pain and produce euphoria, ketamine blocks NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating mood, memory, and pain perception. By disrupting these pathways, ketamine may help “reset” neural circuits in individuals with severe depression or other mental health disorders.

Legal Classification and Medical Oversight

Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has accepted medical uses but also a moderate potential for abuse. At The Edge Treatment Center, we ensure any therapeutic use of ketamine occurs under strict medical supervision, with safety and recovery as our top priorities.

Ketamine’s effects can sometimes mimic those of opioids, leading to misunderstandings about how the drug works.

Overlapping Effects: Euphoria and Pain Relief

Ketamine can cause sensations like euphoria, sedation, and pain relief—effects that are also associated with opioid use. These similarities can make it easy to assume ketamine functions the same way as opioids, mainly when used in mental health or pain management settings.

The Opioid System Connection

While ketamine primarily acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, some studies suggest it may partially involve the brain’s opioid system. Research from Stanford University found that blocking opioid receptors appeared to blunt ketamine’s antidepressant effects. 

This has led some scientists to believe that its mood-lifting properties may be indirectly tied to opioid-related pathways, even though ketamine itself doesn’t act on opioid receptors in the same way as traditional opioids.

Ketamine Is Not An Opioid

Despite these overlaps, ketamine is not classified as an opioid. It does not share the same chemical structure, mechanism of action, or addiction profile. At The Edge Treatment Center, we educate our clients on this distinction to help them feel informed and empowered when considering treatment options.

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Ketamine has gained attention in recent years for its fast-acting relief in cases where traditional treatments fall short, especially in mental health care.

FDA-Approved Use: Esketamine for Depression

In 2019, the FDA approved esketamine (marketed as Spravato®), a derivative of ketamine, for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression. Administered as a nasal spray under strict medical supervision, esketamine offers rapid symptom relief in patients who haven’t responded to other antidepressants. It’s typically used in combination with oral antidepressants and has helped reshape how clinicians view acute depression and suicidal ideation treatment.

Off-Label Uses: PTSD, Chronic Pain, and Substance Use Disorders

Beyond depression, ketamine is being explored off-label for several conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain syndromes, and even substance use disorders (SUDs). 

Early studies show promise in how ketamine may help “reset” neural pathways, making patients more receptive to behavioral therapies and less likely to relapse. While ketamine doesn’t “cure” addiction, it may reduce cravings and support emotional healing when paired with comprehensive treatment.

Medical Supervision Is Essential

Despite its potential, ketamine is not without risk. Unsupervised or recreational use can lead to dependence, dissociation, and other side effects. That’s why at The Edge Treatment Center, we only consider ketamine as part of a carefully monitored, personalized treatment plan. 

Our clinical team evaluates each client’s unique history and needs before recommending any intervention, ensuring safety, support, and the best possible outcomes on the path to recovery.

While ketamine shows promise in mental health treatment, it also carries risks, mainly when misused or used without medical supervision.

Common Side Effects and Health Concerns

Ketamine use can lead to a range of side effects, including dissociation, where individuals feel detached from their body or surroundings. Other possible effects include increased blood pressure, nausea, blurred vision, and urinary tract issues, particularly with frequent or high-dose use. Some people may experience confusion, agitation, or hallucinations. These effects are typically short-lived in clinical settings but can be dangerous in uncontrolled environments.

Psychological Dependence Vs. Physical Addiction

Ketamine is not physically addictive in the same way as opioids or alcohol, but it can still lead to psychological dependence, especially with repeated, recreational, or unsupervised use. 

The drug’s euphoric and dissociative effects may cause some users to seek out the experience repeatedly, increasing the risk of misuse. This is why ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance, reflecting its potential for abuse despite its medical value.

How We Ensure Safety at The Edge Treatment Center

At The Edge Treatment Center, your safety is our top priority. If ketamine is considered as part of your care, it is only administered under strict medical oversight. We conduct thorough screenings, monitor for side effects, and integrate their use with evidence-based therapies. Our goal is to support your recovery safely, responsibly, and effectively—never to introduce new risks along the way.

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Choosing the right treatment center is essential, especially when addressing substance use, psychological dependence, or considering therapies like ketamine.

Personalized Treatment Plans

At The Edge Treatment Center, we design individualized treatment plans that reflect your unique needs, history, and recovery goals. Whether you’re seeking help for ketamine dependence or another substance use disorder, we ensure your care is focused, flexible, and personal.

Comprehensive Support for Ketamine Dependence

If you’re struggling with ketamine misuse or dependence, our team provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. This may include medical detox (if needed), therapy for underlying mental health conditions, behavioral counseling, and relapse prevention. We take a dual diagnosis approach, addressing both substance use and co-occurring disorders for long-term recovery.

Safe Integration of Ketamine in Treatment (If Applicable)

In some instances, ketamine—especially esketamine—may be part of a supervised treatment plan for conditions like treatment-resistant depression. If recommended, we ensure strict medical oversight, using ketamine only as part of a larger therapeutic strategy that includes talk therapy, medication management, and emotional support.

A Commitment to Your Long-Term Recovery

From your first assessment through aftercare, we’re committed to safety, science-backed care, and compassionate support. The Edge Treatment Center offers a trusted, secure place to heal—whether you're overcoming dependence or exploring new treatment options in recovery.

Understanding whether ketamine is an opioid is just one part of a much bigger picture—your health, your safety, and your recovery. While ketamine isn’t classified as an opioid, its effects and risks still require thoughtful care and professional guidance. 

At The Edge Treatment Center, we offer personalized, evidence-based treatment for those facing substance use, including ketamine dependence. Whether you’re struggling yourself or concerned about a loved one, we’re here to help you take the next step toward lasting recovery. Reach out today—healing starts with the proper support.

We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

CALL US: 844-620-3343

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