To achieve a state of euphoria, people with drug addiction may take a variety of drugs. One of the most readily available substances is ketamine. This substance is relatively inexpensive and can be easily obtained from drug dealers, unscrupulous doctors and veterinarians. Like any other drug, ketamine is dangerous both when used once and in the long term.
In this article, we will explain how such a drug works and what risks a person who uses ketamine recreationally may face.
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What is ketamine and how it is used
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that works by inhibiting NMDA receptors by blocking ion channels. That is why it has found wide application in veterinary medicine and medicine as anesthesia in surgical interventions and as an anesthetic for emergency cases.
A peculiarity of the mechanism of action of ketamine is that it simultaneously depresses the neurons of the associative zone and stimulates the limbic system. Therefore, a person who has taken the drug looks awake, but does not react to sensory stimuli: sounds, light, mechanical impact on the body.
The dangers of ketamine use
The recreational use of ketamine has increased dramatically over the past three decades. This is due to the dissociative and hallucinogenic effects it produces at doses of 1.5-4 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Statistics show that about one in ten people in the world uses ketamine as a drug. In the United States, about 3 million people have tried the substance at least once.
Ketamine abuse leads to the development of addiction on a mental and physical level. When this happens, it is difficult for a person to stop taking the substance on their own. In such cases, it is recommended to seek help as early as possible from a clinic that offers ketamine addiction treatment. With the help of modern medicine, it is possible to effectively manage painful withdrawal symptoms and teach the addicted person to fight the temptation to use drugs on their own.
Risk of addiction
Regular use of ketamine leads to the development of persistent dependence by 3-4 weeks after the first dose. For this purpose, it is enough to take the drug 1-3 times a week. With each subsequent dose tolerance increases, it is necessary to use more and more of the drug to get the same sensations.
If the addict consciously refuses the dose, then in 1-2 days he experiences debilitating withdrawal symptoms:
- discomfort, inability to concentrate on any one thing;
- muscle aches;
- trouble sleeping;
- anxiety;
- excessive sweating;
- heart palpitations.
This condition can last for 7-10 days. In the middle of this interval, the symptoms are particularly severe, which, if treated on its own, may lead to a relapse.
Effects on internal organs
The bladder and urinary tract are the most severely affected of the internal organs. Prolonged abuse of ketamine can lead to organic damage, which subsequently results in the need for expensive treatment.
The drug is usually administered intramuscularly. This results in the formation of bruising on the skin. Intravenous administration is also practiced and carries a high risk of blood infections. Oral consumption leads to gastrointestinal diseases, while inhalation harms the lungs and mucous membranes.
But an even greater danger to the human body is impaired motor function and lethargy, which are often the cause of injuries. Ketamine addicts have been involved in traffic accidents due to their lack of quick reactions, posing a danger to themselves and others.
Effects on the psyche
Ketamine makes a person unpredictable, because after taking it, his perception of reality is distorted and he feels like in a dream. The resulting hallucinations and psychosis can lead to irreversible consequences. For example, a person may throw himself out of a window, jump off a bridge or throw himself under a car.
Long-term use affects cognitive abilities. Over time, a person becomes distracted, suffers from memory lapses, is unable to build logical chains, and has a low level of critical thinking.
Risk of overdose
Uncontrolled use of ketamine can lead to overdose. The risk is higher the longer the history of drug abuse. This is due to the development of tolerance to the drug. Also, as early as 2-3 years, people with addiction combine different substances or switch to heavier drugs, which further increases the risk of overdose. Vomiting, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, muscle hypertonicity, and increased salivation may occur.
In a severe overdose, respiratory depression, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances may occur. The number of 911 calls for ketamine overdoses has increased in recent years. This is due to the increasing popularity of the drug and the many impurities it may contain.