It was first used on human subjects during the Vietnam war but due to its hallucinogenic qualities and the tendency to increase heart rate and blood pressure, it is rarely used as a primary human anaesthetic today, but is still in common use for minor surgeries. It has been used as a dissociative drug and also for the treatment of addiction.

However, according to an article published today on MinnPost.com, Ketamine, also known as ‘Special K’, ‘green’, ‘K’, ‘cat Valium’, ‘jet’, ‘super acid’, has grown from being a ‘clubbing drug’ to a primary drug of choice in many areas of the world. The MinnPost reports that it is now the primary drug of choice in Hong Kong, second in Singapore, fifth in China and growing in use in Europe and North America. Several countries have made it illegal to be in possession as a result.

It has gained in appeal because it is significantly cheaper than many drugs and the chemical ingredients for its production are easily available over the internet. There is a misconception that it is safer than other drugs but abuse can lead to severe bladder and kidney problems.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Ketamine comes in a clear liquid or an off-white powder form. It can be injected, smoked, or ingested by snorting or swallowing and “Use of the drug can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, and long-term memory and cognitive difficulties. Due to its dissociative effect, it is reportedly used as a date-rape drug.” It also can result in impaired motor function and potentially fatal respiratory problems. Large doses may lead to oxygen starvation of the brain and muscles and death may occur at high doses. Like PCP, flashbacks can occur a year after use.

There has been an increase in the number of veterinary clinics being robbed specifically for their Ketamine stock.

Users describe the effects as “out of body” or “near death” experiences. The effects can last from a half-hour to two hours, but 24-48 hours are required for the user to be completely “normal” again. It is considered an addictive psychedelic.

Because of the drug’s potential to produce states in which the individual feels invulnerable and numbed to pain, accompanied with an exaggerated sense of strength, users are at the same risk associated with the “bad trips” linked to LSD. Higher doses can lead to seizures and there is a risk of passing out and asphyxiating due to vomiting.

Ketamine will cause a positive PCP on a Urine Tox Screen. But detection is difficult because it is rapidly metabolised by the body.

Ketamine, being such an essential drug in the medical arsenal, is going to remain a part of our society. Its growing use as a recreational drug needs to be recognised. And because it is so easily delivered via drinks or smoking materials to unsuspecting persons, it can lead to dangerous and deadly results.

issuesdaily staff article

http://www.minnpost.com/globalpost/2009/05/22/9024/the_globalization_of_special_k

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketamine

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/ketamine_factsheet.html

http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/drug_info_ketamine.asp

issuesdaily staff article