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Commonly Known As: Special K, K, Ket, Ketamine, Vitamin K, Kit
Kat, Cat Valium, Super C. The experience is often referred to as K-hole,
K-land, tripping, or baby food.
Access to Drug: Ketamine is only available to Physicians and
Veterinarians and can be bought from anyone who has connections with
someone who has access to medical supplies. Ketamine is often distributed
at parties and raves. It is marketed commercially as Ketalar or Ketaset
but because it is a Schedule III , Ketamine is illegal to possess without
a license or prescription.
Scientific Name: Ketamine Hydrochloride. It is similar in molecular
structure to PCP (phencyclidine). It is a non-barbiturate, rapid acting,
disassociative anesthetic.
Interesting Facts: Ketamine was initially synthesized in 1962
as an alternative to PCP as an anethestic because of it’s lower
suppression rate of breathing. By the late 70’s, recreational
users had become interested in the drug due to reports of visions while
under the influence; by 1995, the DEA added Ketamine to its list of
club drugs stemming from abuse.
Methods of Use: Ketamine is a liquid that comes in small pharmaceutical
bottles. It is injected intramuscularly, cooked into a white powder
and snorted/smoked, packed into gel caps or pill form and swallowed,
or mixed into drinks. Legally, Ketamine is used primarily by veterinarians
and also for pediatric burn cases, some dentistry, and has been used
in experimental psychotherapy. It is rarely used in combination with
alcohol or other drugs.
Common Effects When Intoxicated: Effects range from mild dreamy
states at low doses, stumbling, clumsy robotic movements, delayed or
reduced sensations, vertigo and increased sociability. Higher doses
produce nausea, extreme difficulty moving, numbness in the extremities,
feelings of disassociation from the body, and black outs. There is slurred
or blocked speech and an exaggerated sense of strength. Some users have
reported near death experiences and/or compelling out of body visions.
Duration of Intoxication: Intoxication develops within minutes
if injected and up to 20 minutes if swallowed. It lasts for approximately
one to three hours with lingering sensations of feeling light, and nauseous
for up to six hours.
Withdrawal: Withdrawal is similar to a hangover with a headache,
some nausea and fatigue. The withdrawal lasts about a day.
Effects of Long Term Use: Long term effects include brain damage,
disruptions in consciousness, paranoia, and other mental disorders.
The effects of chronic use of Ketamine may take several months to two
years to wear off completely. Flashbacks have been reported for as long
as a year after use.
Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction: Ketamine is highly addictive,
both psychologically and physically. Because the body develops tolerance,
more of the drug is required to achieve the same effects. It is not
uncommon for users to dose more than once a day.
Associated Risks: People under the influence of Ketamine are
impervious to pain, including injuries sustained by rough activities
which can cause injury/death to themselves or others. Large doses can
produce vomiting and convulsions and may lead to oxygen starvation to
the brain and muscles.
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