Keystone Laboratory administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 4th to honor and observe Labor Day. We will resume our normal business hours on Tuesday, September 5th.

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: The Truth About Ketamine

July 21, 2023

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine, initially developed as an anesthetic and analgesic medication, is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. In medical settings, it has proven effective for inducing anesthesia, especially in emergency situations or for patients with certain medical conditions. However, in recent years, the recreational use of ketamine has become increasingly prevalent, leading to growing concerns about its potential dangers.

While ketamine’s medical applications have been well-studied and monitored, its off-label use as a party drug and hallucinogen poses significant health risks.

The Statistics of Ketamine Use

Over the past two decades, ketamine abuse has been on a worrisome rise. While it does serve valuable medical purposes, its misuse for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects has led to an alarming increase in abuse rates. The recreational use of ketamine, often referred to as “Special K” or “cat Valium,” has become a prevalent issue, exposing countless individuals to its dangers.

According to a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, approximately 11% of the world population used ketamine in 2018. The highest rates of recreational ketamine use and abuse are concentrated in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like China, India, and Thailand. In these regions, ketamine is often referred to as “K” and is popularly used in social settings, such as clubs and parties.

Hong Kong, in particular, witnessed a surge in ketamine abuse from 2007 to 2010, with the drug ranking as the second-most popular substance of abuse. During this period, an alarming 9% of all fatal drug and alcohol-related single-car crashes were attributed to ketamine use, highlighting its devastating consequences.

Ketamine Abuse in the United States

The United States has not been immune to the rise in ketamine abuse. In 2020, about 1.1 million Americans experimented with hallucinogenic drugs like ketamine for the first time, a trend that raises concerns about potential long-term effects. Besides ketamine, other hallucinogenic drugs, including LSD, PCP, and MDMA, have also seen increased use.

While ketamine abuse remains relatively low compared to other substances, a reported 3 million Americans between the ages of 12 and 25 had tried ketamine in their lifetime as of 2015. Additionally, ketamine is most commonly abused by individuals aged 16 to 25, with the average age of a ketamine abuser being around 31.

Alarmingly, ketamine has also gained notoriety as a date rape drug due to its sedative and memory-altering effects. This sinister use of the drug poses significant risks to personal safety and highlights the urgent need for public awareness and education.

The Need for Lab Testing

The purity and quality of illicit ketamine vary widely in the unregulated market, making it essential to rely on accurate lab testing. Keystone Laboratories Inc.’s advanced drug testing techniques are crucial in identifying and quantifying ketamine in various samples, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions regarding its use.

Hidden Dangers of Ketamine

Ketamine users often have underlying issues of substance abuse, making it challenging to ascertain the exact number of people with a ketamine-related substance use disorder. Nevertheless, ketamine abuse, particularly in high doses, significantly increases the risk of developing an addiction. Repeated and prolonged use of ketamine can lead to tolerance, dependence, and a host of physical and psychological side effects.

Those who develop an addiction to ketamine may experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use. Some of these symptoms include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, intense cravings, sweating, chills, loss of appetite, and mood swings.

Physical Effects:

Short-term Risks: Ketamine’s intoxicating effects can include impaired motor function, confusion, and altered perceptions, leading to accidents or injuries. Users may experience a sense of detachment from their body and surroundings, putting themselves and others at risk in hazardous situations.
Long-term Health Hazards: Chronic ketamine use may result in severe bladder and urinary tract damage, leading to a painful condition known as “ketamine bladder syndrome.” This debilitating condition can significantly impact a user’s quality of life and require medical intervention and treatment.

Psychological Impact:

Dissociative States: Ketamine’s dissociative properties can lead to feelings of detachment from reality, increased sensory distortion, and a sense of disconnection from one’s own thoughts and emotions. This altered mental state can lead to erratic and unpredictable behaviors, putting users in dangerous situations.
Hallucinations and Psychosis: Some users may experience vivid hallucinations and even temporary psychosis, leading to irrational and potentially harmful actions. These episodes can be distressing and may have lasting effects on an individual’s mental health.
Real-Life Impact: Stories of individuals who have struggled with the psychological consequences of ketamine abuse underscore the severity of these risks. Many users report significant distress and long-lasting emotional effects, which can have a profound impact on their mental well-being and relationships.

Overdose and Addiction

Overdose Risk: Ketamine overdose can be life-threatening, leading to respiratory depression, seizures, and cardiac complications. In emergency situations, prompt medical attention is critical to saving lives. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), ketamine overdose cases have been increasing steadily in recent years.
Addictive Nature: Ketamine has the potential to create psychological dependence, leading users to develop a compulsion to seek out and use the drug. Breaking free from ketamine addiction can be challenging, requiring professional support and treatment. According to The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified ketamine as a Schedule III substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction.

Statistics on Ketamine Dangers

According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report, ketamine-related emergency department visits in the United States increased by 79% from 2004 to 2014.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2021, more than 15% of young adults in the U.S. admitted to using ketamine recreationally at least once in their lifetime.
In 2020, 1.1 million Americans tried a hallucinogen for the first time, including ketamine. Other hallucinogenic drugs include LSD, PCP, and MDMA.
Recreational use of ketamine may involve snorting the white powder form or injecting the liquid form of it.
As of 2015, a reported 3 million Americans had tried ketamine in their lifetime (between the ages of 12 and 25).
Overall, ketamine abuse in the U.S. remains low, as 1% or less of the population abuses ketamine, according to New York University.
The highest percentage of recreational ketamine use in the U.S. was reported in 2019 at 0.9%.

Lab Testing Methods for Ketamine

Keystone Laboratories Inc. employs state-of-the-art testing methods, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These advanced techniques allow for accurate identification and quantification of ketamine in various samples, ensuring reliable results.

Benefits of Regular Lab Testing

Early Detection and Intervention: Frequent lab testing can help identify ketamine use at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention and harm reduction. Early detection can also prevent the escalation of substance abuse and promote a healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown that early intervention in substance use disorders improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of serious health consequences.
Monitoring Purity Levels: Regular testing assists in assessing the purity of ketamine, mitigating the risk of potential contaminants or adulterants. Knowing the exact composition of the substance allows users to make informed decisions about its potential dangers. Research by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has emphasized the importance of drug testing services in detecting adulterated substances and reducing the risk of harm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ketamine

How can lab testing help with ketamine safety?

Lab testing, like the services provided by Keystone Laboratories Inc., plays a crucial role in identifying and quantifying ketamine in various samples. Accurate testing helps users assess the purity and potential contaminants of the substance, enabling informed decision-making and reducing the risk of harm.

What are the long-term health consequences of ketamine use?

Chronic ketamine use can lead to significant bladder and urinary tract damage, resulting in a painful and debilitating condition known as “ketamine bladder syndrome.” The condition may require medical intervention and long-term management.

What should I do if someone I know is struggling with ketamine abuse?

If you suspect someone you know is struggling with ketamine abuse, it is essential to approach them with empathy and understanding. Encourage them to seek professional help and consider contacting a healthcare provider or addiction treatment center.

Are there resources available for addiction treatment and support?

Yes, there are numerous resources available for addiction treatment and support. Keystone Laboratories Inc. can provide guidance and direct individuals to appropriate addiction treatment resources. Additionally, organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Helpline for Substance Abuse provide valuable support and information.

Work With A Trusted Toxicology Expert

Keystone Laboratories, a CAP-accredited North Carolina licensed laboratory and CLIA-licensed lab, is committed to helping you make important decisions that impact the safety and health of your patients with greater confidence. Clients in 48 states can get prescription drug and substance abuse recovery monitoring, specialized testing, workplace drug testing, screening, and program management services from Keystone. Contact Keystone Laboratories today to receive the industry-leading laboratory testing services!

844-551-2857