Addiction To Special K

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an illegal drug which when abused may create physical and psychological dependence in the user. This hallucinogen has effects similar to PCP. Effects include hallucinations, identity confusion and the inability to pay attention. Drug rehab at a drug treatment center is often recommended to those struggling with ketamine addiction. Veterinarians often use this drug as a tranquilizer for animals, but it is also used for medical purposes in humans as well.

When under the influence of ketamine, the body maintains a “high” for up to 2 hours. Effects of this drug however, may still impact the body for up to 24 hours. This dissociative anesthetic has been known to be used as an aid in date rape as it is both tasteless and odorless. Also, effects of this drug often include amnesia. Drug use can be very dangerous, for those suffering from drug addiction, treatment for drug abuse is often very beneficial and should be considered for recovery.

Street names for this drug include:

  • Special K
  • K
  • Super acid
  • Kit kat
  • Vitamin K
  • Jet
  • Honey oil
  • Purple
  • Cat Valium

How is Ketamine Used?

Ketamine can either come in white powder form or as a clear liquid. In its liquid form, it is often contained in pharmaceutical bottles. It can be taken in numerous ways including consumption in liquid form, injection, snorting or smoking after mixing it with other substances. The process of injection is often performed intramuscularly.

If snorted the effects of this drug begin in about 5 or 15 minutes, if swallowed, effects take about 10 or 20 minutes to set in, and if injected the effects of ketamine take place in less than 4 minutes. Frequent ketamine use most often leads to dependence, in these cases attending a drug and alcohol rehab center is recommended in order to prevent any serious side effects of ketamine use.

High school and college age students are probably the largest groups which use this substance. At many dance clubs or raves, ketamine is used. Oftentimes ketamine is mixed with other drugs which may include cocaine or ecstasy. Death is rare among ketamine users, but much higher if the drug is mixed with other substances.

Signs & Symptoms of Ketamine

Common symptoms of ketamine use include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Poor vision
  • Amnesia
  • Strange heart rate patterns
  • Nausea
  • Identity confusion
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Numbness
  • Out of body experiences
  • Delirium
  • Rash
  • Confusion of time
  • Depression
  • Poor coordination
  • Seizures
  • Realistic dreams

Effects of Ketamine

Effects of long-term ketamine use include:

  • Permanent memory loss
  • Anxiety
  • Respiratory complications
  • Neuroses
  • Inability to pay attention
  • Poor learning ability
  • Night terrors
  • Mental disorders
  • PTSD
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Flashbacks
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

When ketamine is used frequently tolerance is built up to this drug. Such tolerance creates physical and psychological dependence. In chronic cases of ketamine dependency, effects of the drug take from several months to a few years to wear off completely. In order to prevent serious consequences of ketamine use, drug rehab at a treatment for drug abuse center is recommended. By attending drug treatment, hope and recovery are possible.

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.