Ketamine is considered a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, meaning that it distorts the user’s perception of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment from the one’s self or their environment.

Ketamine has anesthetic properties that have been used in both veterinary and human medicine. It is classified as a Schedule III drug under the Federal Controlled Substances Act and is known to be habit-forming and psychologically addictive.

Ketamine abuse has increased, significantly. Along with its anesthetic benefits, it appeals to illicit users for its ability to produce visual distortions, illusions, and hallucinations that are enhanced by environmental stimuli. Its dissociative properties make the user feel disconnected and not in control.

The longevity of a “ketamine trip” is approximately two hours, but the intensity of the trip is based on the dosage consumed. The illegal street names include Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat, Cat Killer, Cat Valium, Super Acid, Super C, and more. Over the last few years, it has come to be known as a “Club drug” and is commonly encountered at raves, and nightclub scenes.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Ketamine Abuse on My Teenager?

Methods of Ketamine Abuse

Ketamine, has become popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and “raves.” It is manufactured commercially as a powder or liquid. Powdered ketamine can be formed from pharmaceutical ketamine by evaporating the liquid using hot plates, warming trays, or microwave ovens This process results in the formation of crystals, which are then ground into powder and may be cut into lines, known as bumps, and snorted. It can also be smoked with marijuana or in cigarettes. Liquid ketamine is can be injected or mixed into drinks. Ketamine is often abused in combination with MDMA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, or cocaine.

10 Signs and Symptoms of Ketamine Abuse

Physical dependence is unlikely but abusers are allured to the psychedelic and hallucinogenic nature of ketamine and this makes it easy to become psychologically dependent. Anytime a person uses ketamine without a legitimately, legal, medical cause, they are abusing ketamine.

10 common signs and symptoms of ketamine Abuse are:

Ketamine abuse can cause depression and anxiety.

1. Immobilization
2. Hallucinations or sensory distortions
3. Depression
4. Anxiety
5. Euphoria
6. Schizophrenia type behavior
7. Amnesia or Memory Loss
8. Confusion
9. Rapid eye movement
10. Speech difficulty or illogical speech

With continued ketamine abuse, there is a real concern for the mental stability of the user. Some unwanted symptoms such as memory loss, schizophrenia type behavior, depression, anxiety, or confusion may last longer than a year.

If you or someone you love is abusing ketamine, call 800-915-1270 (Who Answers?) today to find treatment help.