Unveiling the Resurgence of Ketamine: More Popular Than Ever Before
Ketamine's use as an illicit substance is on the rise.
Ketamine, initially developed as an anesthetic, is no longer confined to medical settings. Partygoers are increasingly drawn to this substance, but is it as harmless as it seems?
As reported, celebrities like Matthew Perry and Elon Musk have publicly acknowledged their use of Ketamine. This substance, available since the 1960s, has seen a significant surge in popularity not only in high-profile circles but also in the club scene. In fact, a study by Charité in Berlin revealed that it ranked as the fourth most commonly used club drug six years ago, and the trend has been steadily rising since, according to Felix Betzler.
What fuels this trend? Ease of access, practical pricing, and the eerie effect it produces are key factors, says Betzler, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. The endorsement from pop culture reinforces this as well. Take for instance songs like "Special K" by Placebo, "Space Kitten" by The Polish Ambassador, and "Get Ready for the K-Hole!" by Kissy Sell Out.
Celebrity influence also plays a significant role. In a 2024 interview, Musk revealed that he took a small amount of Ketamine every two weeks as a means to escape from psychological ruts. However, following a critical media report, Musk claimed he had since stopped using the substance.
Interestingly, Ketamine is being extensively studied in clinical trials for its potential in treating depression. Esketamine, a Ketamine derivative, is already authorized for the emergency treatment of therapy-resistant depression in the EU and USA, administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision. The perceived safety of Ketamine when used in a medical context further contributes to its growing popularity.
The Origin and Uses of Ketamine
The active compound in Ketamine is synthetically produced and was first developed in the US in 1962 as a new anesthetic. It was tested on American soldiers during the Vietnam War and then introduced into human and veterinary medicine. Today, due to its side effects – hallucinations and near-death experiences – it is rarely used as an anesthetic, but it is still utilized by rescue services as a painkiller.
In the recreational context, Ketamine is typically consumed as a white powder, usually snorted. The effect lasts for one to two hours. As a party drug, Ketamine is sought after for its euphoric and dissociative effects, which are unwanted in an anesthetic. As the dosage increases, the environment's perception – such as colors and sounds – becomes significantly altered. People may experience feelings of detachment from their own bodies or a blurring of self, known as the K-Hole in its strongest form.
Misconceptions and Consequences
Many users underestimate the harm associated with Ketamine, experts claim. The perception that it is safe due to its medical usage can lead to a trivialization of the risks. In a British study, a substantial portion of consumers with a Ketamine use disorder reported becoming aware of the addiction threats only after their use had spiraled out of control.
The most common pattern of use is occasional leisure or party consumption, but the psychological desire to consume it repeatedly can be intense, especially for those seeking to escape distressing feelings. Because Ketamine is also used in the context of therapies, many use it as a way to self-medicate psychological issues, which can lead to dependence.
Ketamine addiction is linked to numerous health issues, including severe bladder and kidney damage, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and potential mental health disorders. There is also a risk of overdose and accidents due to its impact on the respiratory center.
To ensure safety, it's essential to undergo controlled clinical environments when experimenting with Ketamine, warns Ingo Schäfer, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research at the University of Hamburg. "Self-experimentation is never a good idea with psychedelics."
Healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies are growing increasingly concerned about the misuse of Ketamine, emphasizing the importance of education on its dangers.
- Drugs
- Addiction
- The European Union and the United States have authorized Esketamine, a Ketamine derivative, for the emergency treatment of therapy-resistant depression, a testament to its growing acceptance in the health-and-wellness and mental-health sectors within the European Union.
- Despite its potential therapeutic benefits, the misuse of Ketamine as a recreational drug in nightclubs and parties contributes to significant health issues such as bladder and kidney damage, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and potential mental health disorders, thereby creating a sharp contrast between the science of Ketamine and its detrimental consequences when misused, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and education about the substance within the European Union.
