Ketamine is a hospital-grade anesthetic used by doctors and veterinarians that has gained popularity since the 1980s as a “club drug” for its psychedelic, euphoric effects, particularly in the club and rave scene.
Ketamine abuse is a serious issue in the United States, but many people are still unfamiliar with this drug. In this post, we’ll tell you more about ketamine and its effects, and we’ll look at some of the dangers of the drug.
Ketamine Facts
Ketamine, also known as “special K” or “vitamin K,” is usually purchased in the form of a white powder or clear, odorless liquid. Abusers take the drug in a variety of ways. The powdered form is sometimes added to cigarettes and joints, and both the powder and liquid can be mixed into a beverage. Some people snort ketamine powder or press it into a tablet that also contains MDMA; others inject the liquid form of the drug directly into their veins.
Although anyone can develop a problem with ketamine abuse, teens and young adults make up the majority of abusers. One study indicated that this age group represented almost 75 percent of ketamine-related emergency room visits. Ketamine has also gained notoriety as a date rape drug due to its ability to be slipped into drinks and its dream-like effects that often render a user unable to move.
Physical and Psychological Effects
Even a low dose of ketamine can produce an intense experience that usually lasts an hour. The drug’s effects are similar to those of PCP, and abusers may experience a sense of floating and dissociation from their surroundings. Hallucinations are common, and the drug often causes amnesia.
Higher doses of ketamine produce a trance-like state known as a “K-hole.” Users achieve a K-hole when they reach the point of being almost completely sedated; they are often unable to communicate or move and describe this state as an out-of-body or near-death experience.
Risks and Side Effects
Over time, abusers build up a tolerance to ketamine and experience physical and psychological cravings for the drug.
People who have developed a tolerance for the substance are likely to binge on it, taking excessive amounts in a short time. High doses of the drug can cause serious health effects, including difficulty breathing, delirium, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Mixing ketamine with alcohol is extremely dangerous, and it can result in coma or even death. With long-term use, the drug can lead to impaired cognitive abilities, terrifying flashbacks and bladder problems.
Ketamine has serious risks and consequences. The risk of harm from casual use is high, and the trance-like effects of the drug leave users vulnerable to dangerous experiences. If you’ve been struggling with a ketamine problem, you don’t have to let this drug control your future.
A supervised detox program can make the early days of ketamine withdrawal easier to manage, and the therapies and treatments involved in rehabilitation will teach you how to handle cravings and live a drug-free life.
