Ketamine Abuse and Treatment

Ketamine is usually used medically as an animal tranquilizer. In the early 70’s, it was approved by the FDA for human use and was used as a general anesthetic. However, it was abused so commonly that in the 90’s it became strictly regulated for human use, and is now mainly used on animals. Usually used with other “club drugs”, ketamine has the PCP-like effect of distorting the user’s sense of sight and sound. It causes the user to feel separate to the environment around them and makes them feel detached from themselves. Street names for ketamine include: Special k, special la coke, cat, cat valium, jet, super c, super acid, green, cat killer, ket, and kit kat. Using ketamine is sometimes called “kitty flipping”, and achieving an out of body or near death experience with ketamine is called a “k-hole”.

Abuse

Users abuse ketamine in several different ways. The most common are:

• Injection
• Mixed with alcohol
• Snorted
• Laced into tobacco or marijuana cigarettes

By popping pills Because ketamine doesn’t usually come in a powder or pill form, drug dealers who steal this drug from vet clinics or buy it from other sources have to process it further to make it into a powder. Ketamine is usually taken in a club or rave setting. Other drugs that ravers often abuse are: GHB, ecstasy, MDMA, cocaine, ephedrine, methcathinone, LSD, methamphetamine, and magic mushrooms. Many abusers of these drugs are working to achieve a change in their personal perceptions. Ketamine is sometimes used as a date-rape drug, because it can cause a user to feel like they can’t move. Other effects of ketamine are: 

• Feeling like you are out of your own body
• Thinking you are dead
• Change in perceptions
• Hallucinations
• Feeling detached from the environment around you
• Nausea
• Unusual thoughts
• Paranoia
• Severe Confusion
• Slowed heart rate
• Slowed breathing
• Convulsions
• Insomnia

Death from overdose Frequent or long-term use can also cause permanent brain damage, flashbacks, impaired motor functions, and can cause ulcers to form in the bladder. The Drug Enforcement Agency categorizes ketamine as a Schedule III drug. This means that use of ketamine can cause physical or psychological dependence. So, abusers of ketamine can become addicted and feel the need to use this drug even beyond the party scene.

Treatment

The most common place where ketamine is abused is at a rave or club. This means that prevention is a viable option. There are groups who put on “clean” raves or dances. This is a place where the kids can become involved in dancing and expressing themselves without drugs or alcohol. Additionally, drug education is always an effective means of prevention. The more you know about drugs, the more likely you are to make an educated decision. Finally, treating addiction to ketamine is best done in an inpatient rehab program. The withdrawal symptoms can include: 

• Erratic behavior
• Double vision
• Hearing loss
• Rapid breathing
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Chills
• Sweating
• Exhaustion
• Irregular heartbeat
• Decreased appetite
• Loss of motor control

Craving for the drug Because of the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, it’s better to withdraw from this drug under the supervision of a caring and competent rehab. At A Forever Recover, we use holistic methods of withdrawal. We also utilize therapy methods which help the individual find the deep-rooted reason behind their drug abuse and addiction. 

Sources: 

www.cesar.umd.edu

www.drugabuse.gov

www.nlm.nih.gov