Ketamine's growing popularity amidst rising concerns
Ketamine's usage continues to spike, serving as a popular illicit substance.
Once a medical anesthetic, Ketamine is now a common party drug. From celebrities like Matthew Perry and Elon Musk to the club scene, this substance's allure is hard to ignore. But claims of its harmlessness are questionable, as several factors contribute to its popularity and potential dangers.
A study in Berlin found that Ketamine was the fourth most commonly used club drug six years ago, and its popularity has only grown since. According to Felix Betzler of the Charité in Berlin, the factors include easy access, a relatively low price, and the experience it offers. Its presence in pop culture, including songs like "Special K" by Placebo, also reinforces its appeal.
The Ketamine craze continues with celebrity endorsements. Musk touts the drug for helping him escape dark psychological holes, while Perry's frequent usage was reported before his death. The substance has been in circulation for decades, gaining popularity not only in celebrity circles but also in the club scene. Yet, is Ketamine as harmless as it seems?
Ketamine is currently being tested in numerous clinical studies for its effectiveness in treating depression. Esketamine, a derivative, is already approved in the EU and US as a nasal spray for therapy-resistant depression under medical supervision. This perceived safety when used as a medication may contribute to its rising popularity.
Unraveling Ketamine's origins
The active ingredient in Ketamine is synthetically produced and was first developed in the USA in 1962 as a new anesthetic. It was tested on American soldiers during the Vietnam War and later established in human and veterinary medicine. Despite its side effects like hallucinations and near-death experiences, it is rarely used as an anesthetic today but is still used as a painkiller by rescue services.
As a party drug, Ketamine is consumed as a white powder, with its effects lasting for one to two hours. Under its influence, the environment, including colors and sounds, is significantly altered, leading to feelings of detachment and a "K-hole."
Ketamine's shadow side
Ketamine's ease of availability, relative affordability, and desirable effects have contributed to its popularity. However, users often underestimate its risks due to its established medical use. "Whenever a substance is also used for therapeutic purposes, it can reduce awareness of the problem," says Betzler. This trivialized perspective may lead to misuse, as reported in a British study.
The most common pattern of consumption is occasional use at parties or for leisure. While Ketamine does not cause physical dependence like heroin or fentanyl, psychologically, the desire to consume it again can be immense. "Often, it's about escaping distressing feelings," explains Schäfer.
Because Ketamine is also used in the context of accompanied therapies, many people use it as self-medication for psychological problems. This, in turn, may lead to dependence. Schäfer advises those considering ketamine therapy to seek expert guidance rather than experimenting on their own.
Not just bladder problems: Ketamine's long-term risks
Ketamine dependence is linked to a wide range of physical health problems and psychological consequences. In a study involving 274 people, many reported bladder or nasal problems, abdominal cramps, and other complications. A ketamine bladder can develop in a matter of weeks with heavy use, leading to incontinence and, in extreme cases, requiring the bladder's removal.
Long-term use can also cause significant cognitive impairments such as concentration and memory disorders. Depressive symptoms may be exacerbated, or psychoses may be triggered, especially in people with a predisposition. Under its influence, impulsive behavior, reduced judgment, and increased risk-taking can occur, leading to aggressive confrontations, accidents, or life-threatening conditions such as respiratory arrest or loss of consciousness, particularly with mixed consumption of other drugs.
Ketamine is not the harmless drug it seems. Its use, especially among the young, carries significant long-term risks and effects to both their physical and mental wellbeing. Increased awareness and professional help for addiction or mental health issues are crucial in minimizing harm.
The European Union has approved Esketamine, a derivative of Ketamine, as a nasal spray for therapy-resistant depression under medical supervision, contributing to the growing belief of its safety. However, the long-term use of Ketamine, a popular club drug, poses significant risks to the health-and-wellness and mental-health of its users, particularly among the young population. Despite its promising use in science, it is essential to approach its consumption with caution due to its potential dangers and the need for expert guidance.
