Ketamine / Question
Published: April 26, 2006
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Why do people use ketamine
Signed: Why Do People Use Ketamine?
Dear Why Do People Use Ketamine?,
Ketamine hydrochloride (“Special K” or “K”) was originally created for use as a human anesthetic. It is still widely used by veterinarians as an animal tranquilizer, and can be used for select human applications. Ketamine belongs to a class of drugs called “dissociative anesthetics,” which separate perception from sensation. Other drugs in this category include PCP, DXM and nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”).
Ketamine is also used illegally as a psychoactive drug, particularly by teens and adults at dance clubs and “raves,” in order to alter mood and behavior. At lower doses it can have a mild, dreamy feeling accompanied by numbness in the extremities, as well as a feeling of being slightly outside one’s body. Higher doses produce a hallucinogenic effect, and may cause the user to feel very far away from their body – which can feel very frightening for some people.
Possible negative consequences of Ketamine use include:
- Delirium, amnesia, depression, and long-term memory loss.
- Depresses consciousness and breathing, and can be even more dangerous when combined with downers like alcohol, Valium or GHB.
- Frequent use can cause disruptions in consciousness and lead to various types of mental disorders.
- Ketamine can cause a tremendous psychological dependence.
- Ketamine is illegal and possession can result in long prison terms.
If you are abusing Ketamine, or know of a friend who is using Ketamine, FX recommends substance abuse treatment for the drug abuser. Any concerns about drug abuse can be discussed with a primary care physician or a mental health professional. If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.
