What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is an anesthetic tranquilizer which depresses the central nervous system. It was approved for both human and animal use during medical procedures in the 1970s. About 90 percent of the Ketamine legally sold today is intended for veterinary use. Classified as a Schedule III substance, it is illegal to possess without a license or prescription. Abuse of Ketamine became popular in the 1980s.
What are the Street Names for Ketamine?
Street or slang names include breakfast cereal, cat valium, K, ket, new ecstasy, psychedelic heroin special K, super acid, super C and vitamin K.
How is Ketamine Taken?
Ketamine is available in tablet, powder and liquid form. Ketamine is most often used in liquid form but can also be consumed as a powder packaged either in "baggies" (small bags) or caplets. The liquid form of Ketamine can be injected into muscles, mixed into drinks, or added to smoking materials. The powder form can also be added to drinks, taken orally or ingested through the nose, smoked (injected into cigarettes or "joints"), or dissolved and then injected.
How Does Ketamine Affect the User?
The effects of Ketamine may vary depending on the dose, body size and chemistry of the user, and whether or not it is combined with other drugs. Users of Ketamine report experiencing a dream-like state and hallucinations. In high doses, Ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems. Ketamine is a potent sedative; when injected into the muscles the user can lose control of motor functions even before finishing the injection. Effects begin anywhere from two to 40 minutes after administration and usually last about one to six hours. Some reports say that it can take almost 48 hours before the user feels normal again.
Physical Effects: (similar to PCP).
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Difficulty speaking
Loss of muscle control
Trouble breathing
Paralysis
Nausea and/or vomiting
Hallucinations
Distortion of time and place
Amnesia
Inability to feel pain
What are the Long Term Effects of Ketamine Abuse?
In addition to the risk of injury or death as a result of accidents, violence, or overdose, Ketamine abuse can cause or worsen many physical and mental disorders. Negative effects include:
Addiction
Paranoia
Feelings of invincibility (not able to be hurt)
Because users tend to build up a tolerance to Ketamine over time, higher dosages are needed to maintain the 'high' or 'out of body' or 'near death' experience users try to achieve. This makes the risk of overdose or death increasingly likely.
Flashbacks are commonly reported by users. Reliving experiences had while on Ketamine can occur even up to a year after use.
Ketamine as a "Date Rape" Drug
Ketamine, like GHB and Rohypnol, has a reputation as a date rape drug. These drugs are easily slipped into someone's drink, making the victim easily persuaded and physically weak, or entirely unconscious, leaving them vulnerable to rape, assault or burglary.
Note: Never to accept a drink from someone (even a friend) that has been opened, or left unattended — even if it is just a soda or water.
If you think you have been a victim of date rape, go immediately to the emergency room and request a drug test and a rape evaluation. Time is important since the drugs do not stay in the system for a long period of time and are usually not included in standard drug tests. An HIV test is also advisable.
Treatment Options
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, email Phoenix House at drughelp@phoenixhouse.org to find out more about our treatment programs, ask for a referral or get a professional assessment. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.
