Ketamine hydrochloride is a dissociative anaesthetic that is sometimes used in medical and veterinary settings. Dissociative anaesthetics can make a person feel as though they are detached from reality. Street names - Special K, K, Ket, Kitkat, super K
Ketamine is a white crystalline powder that can be made into tablets or pills, or dissolved in liquid. Ketamine is usually swallowed, snorted or injected. It is also sometimes smoked with other substances such as cannabis or tobacco.
Effects
The effects of ketmine include:
- Thought disorders
- Out of body experiences
- Aphrodisiac effects
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Chest pain
- Hypertension
- Temporary paralysis
- Bad trips
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Coma
Tolerance and dependence
Tolerance to ketamine can develop very quickly, with people needing more and more to achieve the same euphoric and psychedelic effects.
There is evidence that people who regularly use ketamine can develop a psychological dependence. People who are psychologically dependent on ketamine experience cravings. They may feel compelled to use ketamine to function effectively or feel good in certain situations-such as at a dance parties and raves.
Treatment options
Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person's circumstances, and usually involves a combination of counselling, group therapy, medication and supervised detox/withdrawal.
Source of information: DrugInfo Clearinghouse - Australian Drug Foundation
Worried About Someone Else?
It may be difficult to know what to do if you are worried that someone is using ketamine. Helping someone who is not ready to change their behaviour may be challenging, particularly when the decision for them to get help is ultimately theirs.
If you approach the person you are concerned about there are several things you may want to consider before doing so.
Be informed - Gather information about the drug and its effects so you can see the signs that someone has been using ketamine. It will also help if the person you are trying to assist knows that you understand the effects of the drug and what they might be experiencing.
Discuss cocaine use openly - Try and ascertain if the person has a pyhsical addicition to ketmaine or is using it on a recreational basis. Try not to discuss your concerns whilst the person is affected by the drug or is ‘coming down'.
Let the person you are concerned about know that you are open to listening to them without being judgmental.
Speak to a counsellor yourself first - Sometimes it is sensible to seek help and advice yourself if someone's drug-related behaviour due to a drug problem is impacting on your life.
Reference: Reach Out! website
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