In the past, the substances used by the masses were well-known. For example, one popular drug in the 80s was cocaine. However, as times change, trends change. That includes what substances people are using. One drug that is becoming more of a trend now, especially among young adults, is ketamine.
People using this drug often do so at clubs, raves, and what are known as K-hole parties. Unfortunately, ketamine use is not only dangerous itself; it is also often accompanied by other high-risk behaviors. Fortunately, NorthStar Transitions can help young adults recover from ketamine addiction.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. It is frequently used in short-term procedures because of its anesthetic properties.
Sadly, it is also misused for recreational purposes due to its dissociative effects. Unfortunately, ketamine is also used to perpetrate sexual assault. This is because, in addition to its dissociative and sedative properties, it can cause confusion and memory loss.
Recreational users of ketamine often use it for its dissociative properties. Psychedelic and dissociative drugs like ketamine cause people to feel detached from reality. This can be a desirable state, especially for people who have unresolved trauma or who don't have healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.
Psychedelic and dissociative drug use can be habit-forming and addictive. Long-term use can have adverse consequences and even lead to death.
Even one use of recreational drug use can be dangerous. There is no sure way to predict how your body will react to a substance. Additionally, the use of mind-altering substances also increases your risk of other dangerous behaviors. People who use these drugs put themselves and those around them at risk.
With rising popularity as a “club drug," ketamine is used by some young adults and even high schoolers. Most of these individuals are recreationally using ketamine for the short-term effects it provides. Unfortunately, these short-term effects can quickly become dangerous.
Ketamine can cause you to experience:
With any substance, long-term use can cause many concerning effects. Ketamine is no exception.
According to the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration (DOJ and DEA), some individuals report experiencing Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) weeks after initial ketamine use.
This disorder causes people to re-experience altered states of perception even when it has been a long time since they have used a dissociative drug. People with HPPD can experience severe distress in their daily lives and may be more at risk of uncontrollable or dangerous behaviors.
HPPD is rare but can occur. People with a history of psychological and substance use problems are at greater risk. However, it can develop even after only one instance of exposure to a triggering drug.
Other potential long-term effects of ketamine include:
According to the DOJ and DEA, some slang for experience related to using ketamine includes k-land and k-hole. K-land refers to an experience that is “mellow and colorful." K-hole is when a person takes so much of this substance, they experience a high so intense it can be described as an “out-of-body” or “near-death” experience.
During a K-hole, people experience intense hallucinations that are typically temporary. However, there is a risk that a person can experience continued dissociative and even psychotic symptoms.
A K-hole party consists of people who use this amount of ketamine together. This environment can be fatal due to the likelihood of an overdose. With a lack of sober individuals, getting the appropriate help is almost impossible.
We should be worried about young adults who engage in dangerous behaviors, such as attending K-hole parties. Since the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for thinking through the consequences of actions, does not finish developing until age 25 in most people, young adults may be especially at risk for dangerous behavior. They may tend to take risks and ask questions later. This attitude regarding drug use can be lethal, especially when ketamine is involved.
The best way to combat these dangers is by having open and honest conversations with young people. We must be willing to discuss the risks of recreational drug use. Additionally, we should address the risk factors that may make someone more prone to using substances. We should encourage treatment for mental health disorders, healing from trauma, and healthy coping mechanisms for stress.
If you or a loved one develops a ketamine addiction, recovery is possible. Our young adult recovery program offers 9 hours of group therapy and one hour of individual therapy weekly, as well as routine drug testing, medication management, and treatment for co-occurring disorders. We also offer experiential therapy that helps clients implement what they learn during treatment into real life.
NorthStar Transitions can help anyone struggling with ketamine addiction. Contact us to learn more about our programs or admissions process and begin your recovery journey today.
As times change, so do trends. Unfortunately, that includes what substances are commonly used by young adults. One substance that has become increasingly common in the past decades is ketamine. This “club drug” has become popular due to its dissociative properties. It is also used to perpetrate sexual assault crimes. With any drug, recreational use can be dangerous. Unfortunately, ketamine can cause many chronic and long-term problems even after only one initial use. That includes ongoing dissociation and psychotic symptoms. This makes it a particularly dangerous substance. To prevent these effects and further damage associated with ketamine use, NorthStar Transitions encourages you to seek treatment. Call (303) 558-6400 to begin your healing journey today.
