The Appeal and Risks of Ketamine Abuse, Particularly Among Younger Populations
Ketamine's usage is on the rise as a recreational drug.
From an anesthetic to a party drug, ketamine has gained significant notoriety - but at what cost? With celebrities like Matthew Perry and Elon Musk cited as users, it's no surprise the substance has gained popularity. But is this drug as harmless as it seems?
According to Felix Betzler of the Charité in Berlin, ketamine, once the fourth most common club drug, has seen a surge in popularity. In interviews, Musk has credited ketamine for aiding in overcoming dark psychological moments, but concerns linger about its long-term effects on health.
The drug's current popularity can be attributed to factors such as its easy availability, relatively low price, and the euphoric and dissociative effects it produces. Even the songs "Special K" by Placebo, "Space Kitten" by The Polish Ambassador, and "Get Ready for the K-Hole!" by Kissy Sell Out reflect its influence in pop culture.
Modern Thrills, Timeless ConsequencesThe celebrity factor isn't the only issue. Ketamine is being tested in numerous clinical studies for its potential effect on depression. Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, is already approved in the EU and USA for emergency treatment of therapy-resistant depression, administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision. Its perceived safety as a medication further adds to its allure.
The Cheery Pill?Ketamine is synthetically produced and was first developed in the USA in 1962 as a new anesthetic. Due to undesired side effects like hallucinations and near-death experiences, it's rarely used in anesthesia today, but rescue services use it as a painkiller. The drug is usually snorted as a white powder, offering a one to two-hour high.
The substance's appeal comes from its euphoric and dissociative effects, which can significantly alter one's perception of colors, sounds, and even cause a feeling of detachment from one's body or self-dissolution, often referred to as the K-Hole.
Hidden DangersDespite its established medical use, users often underestimate its harm due to its therapeutic context. In fact, ketamine addiction is associated with numerous physical health problems and psychological consequences. In a British study, many consumers developing a ketamine use disorder only became aware of the addiction risk when their ketamine use had already escalated out of control[5].
The most common pattern of use is occasional recreational consumption, but the desire to use it again, often to escape distressing feelings, can be immense[5]. Ketamine can lead to more impulsive behavior, decreased judgment, and self-control, with possible consequences such as aggressive confrontations or accidents[5]. In particular, mixed use with other drugs may result in life-threatening conditions such as respiratory arrest or loss of consciousness[2].
An Age-Old WarningRecreational ketamine use, particularly among younger individuals, carries significant risks and potential for serious long-term effects[1][2][4][5]. Long-term cognitive impacts, mood and personality changes, and even psychotic symptoms may occur[5]. Physical health problems, including damage to the bladder, headaches, and a reduced sense of smell, are also possible[1][5].
Addiction and withdrawal symptoms can last up to six days[1]. Further concerns include increased risk with polydrug use and insufficient public awareness[4]. Conversely, ketamine administered in controlled clinical settings shows few long-term side effects, highlighting the dangers specific to unregulated, recreational consumption[3].
In summary, recreational ketamine use, particularly among younger individuals, can lead to serious cognitive, psychological, and physical health problems, risk of dependence, and harm from combined drug use, with potential for lasting damage even without very high doses[1][2][4][5]. Increasing awareness and preventive measures are critical given its rising popularity[1][2][4][5].
[1] [https://www.addiction.org/journal/10/12/Increasing-Rates-of-Ketamine-Use-in-the-UK-Implications-for-Preventive-Health-and-Treatment-Services][2] [https://psychopharmacology.bmj.com/content/early/2018/11/05/bpsp.2018.0336][3] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4887623/][4] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7903432/][5] [https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03824-9]
The European Union has approved Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, for emergency treatment of therapy-resistant depression.Science continues to explore the potential benefits of ketamine in the health-and-wellness sphere, particularly in mental-health therapies-and-treatments.
