Ketamine
Slang
K, Special K, Horse, Kit kat, Jet
How it is taken
Orally
Snorted
Injected
Common effects
- feeling detached from the body
- mild hallucinations
- tranquillity and feeling 'spaced out'
- numbness
- heavy sedation or loss of consciousness
- lack of coordination
- distorted body image
What it is
Ketamine is a short acting general anaesthetic, which is used for medical and veterinary purposes. It is termed a 'disassociative', which means that it impedes the brain's sensory connection to the body.
The effects of ketamine vary depending on how much is taken and how it is taken. Users who inject ketamine can be unconscious before they can remove the needle. Effects normally wear off about 90 minutes after taking the drug if it is snorted, but can last up to four hours if eaten.
Some people find the experience enjoyable and spiritual, while others find the loss of control over themselves and their body off-putting. Heavier doses of ketamine can lead to a near-death experience.
Short-term effects
Using greater amounts of ketamine can cause muscle rigidity, headaches, nausea, confusion and disorientation, twitching, slurred speech, blurred vision and hallucinations.
The comedown can leave the user feeling muscle aches and a reluctance to physically exert themselves.
Because ketamine takes someone 'inside their own head', a user's mental state can be affected. There is a risk of making negative mental states worse. Depression or paranoia, can remain even after the trip wears off.
Long-term effects
Little is known about the long-term effects of ketamine, although there are some reports of LSD-type flashbacks and a negative effect on short term memory.
Dependence, addiction and overdose risk
There is no conclusive evidence that either supports or disproves whether people can become physically addicted to ketamine. However, ketamine can be habit forming for some people who use it regularly.
Tolerance can develop quickly, meaning more of the drug is needed to get high. Chronic use can cause development of a very high, almost permanent, tolerance to the drug.
The New Zealand context
The recreational use of ketamine is relatively low in New Zealand, according to minutes from the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs. The Committee recognised a "small but definite" market for ketamine and recommended that it be scheduled as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. On 26 February 2008, Associate Minister for Health, Hon Jim Anderton, announced Cabinet had approved the reclassification of ketamine to Class C under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This will take effect as soon as Parliament approves.
The street price of ketamine can vary between $100 and $160 per gram.
In 2003, 0.8 percent of the New Zealand population had tried ketamine, with 0.2 percent having used within the previous year
The law and penalties
Currently ketamine is legislated under the Medicines Act 1981. This Act limits the availability of substances that can be used as medicines, and imposes penalties for misuse of these drugs.
Safe use
It is best to avoid mixing ketamine with any other drugs. The sedative effect can combine with other drugs and lead to unconsciousness, choking and vomiting. It may also increase the overdose potential of other drugs.
Combining ketamine with stimulants, such as methamphetamine, can create extra pressure on the heart.
Injecting ketamine can be dangerous because the user can be unconscious before they can remove the needle.
Don't use ketamine if you are feeling mentally unwell, such as depressed or anxious. The mind-trip of ketamine can be unpleasant if the user is in an unhappy or fragile state of mind.
How to get help
There are a number of treatment organisations that can help. If you feel that you or anyone you know needs help, then you can call these services in strict confidence.
If you are faced with an emergency, call 111 immediately.
To talk to someone about your or someone else's drug use, call the Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797
You can also get contact details for your local alcohol and other drug counsellor or treatment provider by calling the helpline or by visiting www.addictionshelp.org.nz .
Links
www.cads.org.nz/sorted/ketamine.asp Ketamine information from the CADS (Community Alcohol and Drugs Service) 'Sorted' safe partying guide.
www.fast-times.co.nz/drugs/ketamine/index.html
Minutes from a meeting of the New Zealand Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs, which discusses ketamine use and possible classifications.
http://www.shore.ac.nz/projects/Meth%20Bulletin.pdf A report from SHORE into methamphetamine and other illicit drug trends in New Zealand, published 2005, which contains some information about ketamine use in New Zealand.
