What is Ketamine?
Although ketamine is most often known to be an anesthetic for animals in veterinary medicine it is still used as a general anesthetic in children and adults. Ketamine falls into a category of drugs called dissociative anesthetics which simply means that it separates perception from sensation. Other similar drugs that are commonly known that fall into this category are PCP and nitrous oxide. Other street names for ketamine include cat valium, special K and Vitamin K.
What are the forms of ketamine?
Ketamine is manufactured as an injectable liquid, however in illegal use it is evaporated to turn into a powder form. It can then be snorted or swallowed. Ketamine is also odorless and tasteless, so it can be added to beverages without being aware of it, and it also induces amnesia. Because of this the drug is sometimes given to innocent victims and used to perform sexual acts. Ketamine is also referred to as drug rape or date rape.
What does using ketamine feel like?
It is reported that ketamine causes a dreamlike sensation and produces a hallucinogenic effect in which the person using the drug will feel very far away from the body. It has also been compared to a near death experience where some feel it is a pleasant experience where others may describe it as a terrifying “high.
Who uses ketamine?
Unfortunately there is known abuse of this drug especially among teens and young adults at nightclubs and bars, thus known as a club drug. Many may not see ketamine as one of the known addictive drugs, however according to the Monitoring the Future Survey the use of ketamine has not changed significantly from 2006 to 2007 the survey reported that ketamine was used by 1.0 percent of 8th-graders, 0.8 percent of 10th-graders, and 1.3 percent of 12th-graders in 2007.
What are the effects of ketamine?
Low dose of ketamine can increase the heart rate, however at higher doses it will depress consciousness and slow down breathing. This is extremely dangerous when combined with alcohol or other drugs such as valium. Frequent use of this drug can lead to psychiatric and mental disorders.
With all this being reported there are now known reports that ketamine abuse is also linked to causing damage to the lower urinary tract including the kidneys. According to Reuters Health ketamine abuse is now illustrating a new syndrome which includes inflammation of the bladder or contraction of the bladder which in turn can lead to irreversible secondary kidney damage.
Message about ketamine…
It is an extremely dangerous drug when not used in the legal form. It can cause a tremendous psychological dependence, therefore making it a very addictive drug especially among the young adults. Be aware that it does exist in different forms and that it is known as a club or date drug. If you have teens at home warn them about this drug and what to look for and be weary when out with friends. Be careful!
Resources:
http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/Drug_guide/Ketamine
http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html
