17 Facts about Ketamine Addiction

Familiarizing Yourself with Ketamine Addiction

In 1999, the US added ketamine to the list of controlled substances. Ketamine is categorized as a dissociative anesthetic. This drug is used in liquid or powdered form as an anesthetic – normally on animals. This drug can be consumed in numerous ways, making it especially addictive. Ketamine addiction is real and nothing to laugh at. San Antonio Drug Treatment Centers can help you locate a treatment facility.

17 Facts About Ketamine Addiction

1. Ketamine can be snorted, injected, dissolved in liquid (to drink), or it can be added to joints and cigarettes.
2. When consumed in high doses, the user may experience an out of body or near death experience referred to as "K-Hole."
3. Short- and long-term effects include nausea and vomiting, increased blood pressure and heartrate, depression, hallucinations, amnesia, numbness, and potentially fatal issues with breathing.
4. Is ketamine addictive? People who use ketamine develop a craving for the drug and may eventually become addicted.
5. Ketamine creates a dream-like and detached state and the user will not be able to move about normally. Because of this, ketamine is used as a date rape drug.
6. Brand names for ketamine include Ketaset, Ketalar, Ketalar SV, Ketanest, and Ketanest S.
7. Street slang for Ketamine includes Green, Super Acid, K, Super C, Cat Valium, Jet, and Special K.
8. Ketamine is a combination of depressant, stimulant, hallucinogenic, and analgesic properties.
9. During the Vietnam War, ketamine was used as a field anesthetic by the US Army.
10. The effects of ketamine typically last for about an hour. After that, the individual will feel depressed or anxious and perhaps suffer from memory loss.
11. Ketamine abuse may lead to the individual to become lost in the false reality that is the "K-world." The hallucinations can feel so real and enjoyable that they may feel more meaningful than the real world.
12. Ketamine addiction may lead to severe abdominal pain when they come off this drug. Some describe this feeling as having hot knives stabbed into your kidneys. As such, these people who suffer from "K-cramps," may turn to opioids to relieve the pain.
13. Canada made ketamine a Schedule I drug in 2005.
14. In Hong Kong, the prevalence of ketamine has surpassed that of ecstasy as far as recreational drugs are concerned.
15. When taking ketamine, the effects are influenced by the individuals' mood and environment (like LSD and other hallucinogens). Some people may have a fantastic experience while others may experience nightmarish effects.
16. Ketamine abuse may lead to ketamine bladder syndrome. Long-term use of this substance can damage the bladder, cause ulcers and fibrosis (which is the stiffening of the bladder walls). Pelvic pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine are all symptoms of ketamine bladder syndrome.
17. Ketamine has potential as an anti-depressant. Studies have shown that ketamine can relieve depression in some people within two hours. Additionally, it continues to work for up to a week

To ensure your recovery from ketamine addiction, you may want to enter a detox program followed by rehab. In a rehab facility, you will learn coping mechanisms for how to avoid triggers and remain sober for life.

If you or a loved one are suffering from ketamine addiction or wondering, "is ketamine addictive," please call San Antonio Drug Treatment Centers at 8778041531. The staff there can help you review your treatment options and to locate a rehab facility that will suit your individual needs.

Sources:

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/prescription/ketamine.html

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/drugs-inc/articles/drugs-inc-facts-ketamine/