Ketamine Abuse
Ketamine is a general dissociative anaesthetic for human and veterinary use. Its hydrochloride salt is sold as Ketanest®, Ketaset®, and Ketalar®. Pharmacologically it is very similar to other dissociative anesthetics such as tiletamine and phencyclidine (PCP Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 in an attempt to find a safer anaesthetic alternative to PCP, which was more likely to cause hallucinations and seizures. The drug was first used on American soldiers during the Vietnam War, but is often avoided now because it can cause unpleasant out-of-body experiences. It is still used widely in veterinary medicine, and for select human applications.
Ketamine’s “unpleasant” side effects prompted its first psychedelic use in 1965. The drug was used in psychiatric and other academic research through the 1970s, culminating in 1978 with the publishing of John Lilly’s The Scientist, a book documenting the author’s ketamine, LSD, and isolation tank experiments. The incidence of recreational ketamine use increased through the end of the century, especially in the context of raves and other parties. The increase in illicit use prompted ketamine’s placement in Schedule III of the United States Controlled Substance Act in August 1999. In the United Kingdom, it became outlawed and labelled a Class C drug on January 1, 2006.[
Street terms for Ketamine: jet, super acid, Special “K”, green, K, cat Valium1
What does Ketamine look like?
“Ketamine comes in a clear liquid and a white or off-white powder form.
How is Ketamine used?
” Ketamine is a tranquilizer most commonly used on animals.
” The liquid form can be injected, consumed in drinks, or added to smokable materials.
” The powder form can be used for injection when dissolved.2 ” In certain areas, Ketamine is being injected intramuscularly
Who uses Ketamine?
” Ketamine, along with the other “club drugs,” has become popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and “raves.”
How does Ketamine get into the United States?
” Marketed as a dissociative general anesthetic for human and veterinary use, the only known source of Ketamine is via diversion of pharmaceutical products.
” Recent press reports indicate that a significant number of veterinary clinics are being robbed specifically for their Ketamine stock.
” DEA reporting indicates that a major source of Ketamine in the United States is product diverted from pharmacies in Mexico.
How much does Ketamine cost?
” Prices average $20 to $25 per dosage unit.
What are some consequences of Ketamine use?
” Higher doses produce an effect referred to as “K-Hole,” an “out of body,” or “near-death” experience.
” Use of the drug can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, and long-term memory and cognitive difficulties. Due to its dissociative effect, it is reportedly used as a date-rape drug