Journey through the K-hole: phenomenological aspects of ketamine use.
L Muetzelfeldt, Sunjeev K. Kamboj, H Rees, J Taylor, C J A Morgan, Hv Curran
Drug and Alcohol Dependence March 19, 2008 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.01.024 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | 30 frequent ketamine users, 30 infrequent recreational users, and 30 ex-users abstinent for at least 3 months |
| Topics | Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Humans Substance-related disorders Attitude Mental disorders Health status Adult Female Surveys and questionnaires Illicit drugs |
| Key findings | Frequent ketamine users reported escalating use, with a mean six-fold dose increase from initiation to current use and most using until supplies ran out. Frequent users were more concerned about physical health problems such as K-cramps and cystitis, while ex-users were more concerned about mental health problems. The authors argue these dependence patterns and specific health issues should be recognized by substance misuse services. |
Abstract
Although recreational use of the dissociative anaesthetic drug ketamine is currently increasing, little is known about the phenomenological aspects of its use. We therefore designed a structured interview to examine initiation experiences, positive and negative effects of ketamine use, and concerns about the drug and its long-term effects. Ninety participants (30 frequent users, 30 infrequent 'recreational' users and 30 ex-users who had abstained from use for at least 3 months) were interviewed and reported drug use was verified by hair sample analysis. The most appealing aspects of ketamine for two-thirds of users were "melting into the surrounding", "visual hallucinations", "out-of-body experiences" and "giggliness". Unappealing effects for half of users were "memory loss" and "decreased sociability". Frequent ketamine users expressed more concerns than other groups about long-term effects on physical health problems, especially K-cramps and cystitis, whereas ex-users were more concerned about mental health problems. Addictive/dependent patterns of behaviour were also a concern: the majority of frequent users reported using the drug without stopping until supplies ran out and the mean increase in dosage in this group was six-fold from initiation to current use. We have identified specific health issues which seem uniquely related to ketamine use. Additionally, the dependence on ketamine frequently reported by users may be a cause for concern as its popularity grows and substance misuse services should be made aware of this when clients present in the future.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on ketamine, most cited first.
Citations in the library
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- Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolite Pharmacology: Insights into Therapeutic Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews June 26, 2018
- Ketamine use: a review Addiction July 21, 2011
- Rapid‐acting antidepressant ketamine, its metabolites and other candidates: A historical overview and future perspective Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences June 19, 2019
- A REVIEW OF KETAMINE ABUSE AND DIVERSION Depression and Anxiety August 1, 2016
- Clinical applications of hallucinogens: A review. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology August 1, 2016
and 64 more in the library
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