There’s no shortage of dangerous party drugs circulating in America, and Ketamine is one more substance that’s risen in popularity recently. With origins in medicine as an anesthetic and sedative, it becomes a serious threat when abused for recreational purposes. Let’s introduce you to some of the common dangers of Ketamine, help you recognize the warning signs of its abuse, and guide you or someone you love to treatment.
Ketamine is a dangerous substance that is becoming increasingly popular among party-goers. The drug is a powerful anesthetic, and its effects on the body are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. When abused, Ketamine can lead to serious physical and mental health issues, making it a major risk for anyone engaging in substance use. For women in need of treatment for Ketamine abuse, Hannah’s House offers a gender-specific program, complete with evidence-based therapies and mental health intervention when depression, anxiety, or trauma coincide with substance use.
What is Ketamine?
If you’ve heard the names “K” or “Special K”, they refer to the power sedative and anesthetic called Ketamine. The drug is typically injected, snorted, or consumed orally as a liquid or powder. In its similarity to PCP, it can produce dissociative effects, including disorientation, confusion, changes in sensory perceptions, hallucinations, and feelings of detachment from self and the environment. Special K also produces feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
How Does Ketamine Affect the Body?
Physically, Ketamine can cause nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, constipation, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. It also alters perception and can lead to a dissociative state where a person may feel detached from their body and environment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there were more than 33,000 hospitalizations related to Ketamine abuse in 2019.
How Does Ketamine Affect Mental Health?
Ketamine can have serious implications on mental health. It can lead to long-term memory problems, extreme anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. People with existing mental health issues may experience worsening of symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or trauma. The increasing severity of symptoms may show up as flashbacks, memory loss, disorientation, impaired judgment, aggression, and psychosis.
What Are the Main Dangers of Ketamine Use?
Ketamine abuse can have life-threatening consequences. While not everyone who uses Special K will experience the most severe risks, the potential side effects should never be ignored. It’s highly addictive, and long-term use can lead to increased tolerance.
Main Dangers of Ketamine Use
- Anxiety
- Death
- Depression
- Cognitive impairment
- Increase in suicidal thoughts
- Long-term cognitive decline
- Memory loss
- Increased heart rate
- Organ damage
- Overdose
- Permanent bladder and kidney problems
What Are the Signs of Ketamine Abuse?
If you suspect a loved one is abusing Ketamine, look for physical signs of it. They may appear as excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, hallucinations, paranoia, and an inability to concentrate or remember things. Behavioral changes may produce clues, too. They include social isolation, changes in relationships, irritability and mood swings, drastic changes in eating habits, and erratic sleep patterns.
What’s Unique About Ketamine Use among Women?
Recent studies show that Ketamine use is becoming more prevalent among women. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 2018 that approximately 5.8% of 12th-grade girls reported using ketamine in the past year, up from 3.9% in 2008. Overall, women appear to prefer to snort or inject the drug rather than ingesting it. Reasons for the increase in its use by women could be related to the view of Ketamine as a stress reducer and mood enhancer. As women have a higher rate of co-occurring mental health disorders, the drug may be used to self-medicate when symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma feel unbearable.
Hannah’s House Offers Ketamine Treatment for Women
Hannah’s House provides treatment specifically for women with a variety of substance use disorders, including Ketamine use. In a program here, we help women with a history of Ketamine abuse learn how to end their harmful relationship with this drug. We guide them through ways to avoid relapse and focus on their health and well-being instead. From medically-supervised detox to therapeutic services, we can equip a woman with the knowledge and skills to successfully return to her daily living at home and work, while aided by involvement with some form of continuing care and support. We also introduce alternative treatments, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga as additional ways to manage cravings and promote emotional wellness.
Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For more information about the stages of alcoholism in women or to learn about our programs, call us today: 561.841.1272.
