KETAMINE

Ketamine is a short-acting but powerful general anaesthetic which has been used for operating on humans and animals. It has powerful hallucinogenic qualities. Ketamine first appeared on the streets in the States in the 70s.


ID: Green, K, special K, super K, vitamin k

Appearance and use

Legally produced ketamine comes in liquid form which is injected. The illegally produced version usually comes as a grainy white powder which is snorted or bought as a tablet.

Purity

Legally produced Ketamine will be pure. But illegally produced tablets are commonly found with ephedrine added. Sometimes these are passed off as ecstasy.

The effects

  • Ketamine can cause perceptual changes like LSD, in addition to its effects on reducing bodily sensation. Users can trip for up to an hour and may feel after-effects for some hours.
  • It can give the user an 'out of body' experience.
  • Some users say it feels like their mind and body have been separated.
  • In some cases, users may be physically incapable of moving while under the influence.

Chances of getting hooked

You can become psychologically but not physically dependent on Ketamine.

The risks

  • Because you don't feel any pain when you're on ketamine, you're in danger of injuring yourself badly and having no idea you've done it.
  • High doses, especially with other depressant drugs like alcohol, can dangerously supress breathing and heart function.
  • Ketamine is very dangerous when it is mixed with other drugs or even alcohol, for example it can lead to unconsciousness with depressant drugs or alcohol. It can also cause high blood pressure, which can be particularly dangerous with drugs like Ecstasy or amphetamines.
  • It can cause panic attacks, depression and in large doses can exaggerate pre-existing mental health problems such as schizophrenia.
  • If high enough doses are taken, the anaesthetic effect can result in death from inhaling vomit.

The law

Ketamine is a prescription only medicine. You could be prosecuted for supplying it and that includes giving it to friends.

Fact: Passing drugs among friends is supplying in the eyes of the law.

Fact: A drug conviction could stand between you and your ideal job.