Ketamine addiction has side effects that are more than just harmful; they can be deadly as well.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in veterinary science but has become more commonly a drug of abuse. Considered a club drug like GHB and Rohypnol, this drug is frequently used at rave parties and nightclubs by teens and young adults. Users snort or inject intramuscularly. They smoke it with other substances such as marijuana. Below are more interesting and disturbing facts about ketamine addiction.
Ketamine Side Effects
Ketamine side effects include distorted perception, numbness and paralysis, and feelings of detachment. When used in higher doses, hallucinations and dream-like states can occur. These are the effects those who abuse this substance seek. The misuse of this substance, however, can produce long-term effects as well as can be fatal when abused. These side effects may include significant changes in physical and mental processing including amnesia, impaired motor function, and respiratory problems. Anxiety, rage, and paranoia can also occur, resulting in the user harming others or inflicting injury on themselves. Often the abuser is unaware they are injuring themselves or others, similar to a reaction from PCP, or Angel Dust.
Adverse Effects of Ketamine Addiction
As there are few absolutes when dealing with medicine, ketamine addiction side effects vary with each person. Used as an analgesic for a host of ailments, most notably for clients who may be asthmatic or possess chronically obstructed airway diseases. Also used for clients who have gone through traumatic experiences, bipolar disorders, cancer patients, and major depression, its effectiveness in the treatment of various ailments render side effects not only extensive but also debilitating.
- Delirium
- Pain at the Injection Site
- Dizziness
- Hypertension
- Nightmares
- Blurred Vision
- Illusions
- Distorted Hearing
- Euphoria
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Tachycardia
- Blunted Affect
- Memory Lapse or Judgement Impairment
- Hyper Salivation
- Alteration of Body Image
While the preceding list is by no means the entire list of adverse effects a client may experience, it is true that all of the preceding is from short-term usage and can only further harm a client with prolonged use. Its absorbability through topical, intramuscular, oral, and intravenous passages provide a greater chance of misuse regardless of intent. Memory loss in varying degrees through chronic use of Ketamine include short-term memory, visual memory, and also verbal.
Though it may be possible for a reversal of any damage acquired by discontinuing use, the risks of impaired neural networks far outweigh any gains a client may seek. Documentation supports claims of urinary tract irritation through Ketamine dependency. No matter the clients reasoning, the side effects may lead to severely altered states and should only be administered by professionals.
Research on Ketamine Addiction Side Effects is Underway
When using this substance, the abuser may display slurred speech or become ill and vomit. Flashbacks and hallucinations are other long-term side effects. Other reported side effects are damage to memory and vision. Disruptions in consciousness have been correlated to other mental health diagnoses such as depression. A report in 2000 claimed research on Ketamine abusers revealed memory impairment and mild schizophrenia after use. Research on its side effects is underway, but studies have shown long-term effects when improperly used.
Avoiding the Long-Term Effects
With treatment, the deadly effects from long-term use of drugs can be prevented. Our professional team is ready to put you in the safe zone and get your life back on the right track. If you want to avoid the effects to your body from drugs and fully recover, please get in touch with our rehabilitation staff today.
Facts About Ketamine Addiction
Many people have heard of the drug Ketamine, but are entirely unfamiliar with the many Ketamine facts that are important to know when taking or thinking about taking this drug.
Ketamine is a drug commonly used in human and occasionally veterinary medicine. In pharmacology circles, Ketamine is typically classified as an NMDA receptor antagonist. However, Ketamine facts show that it is often used as a sedative for anesthesia and has also proven to be effective in treating depression when combined with bipolar disorder.
It is Similar to Phencyclidine
Unfortunately, Ketamine has also been growing in popularity as a recreational drug due to its similarity to Phencyclidine, or PCP, and its ability to induce a state of “dissociative anesthesia.” Dissociative anesthesia can be loosely defined anesthesia that is recognized by amnesia and analgesia with no (or at least minimal) change to person’s respiratory function. The person who has fallen into this state does not appear as though anything is wrong as they can follow simple directions. However, they are unable to process information. Dissociative amnesia can also be accompanied by disorientation, excitement and confused or delirious behavior.
As noted, knowledge of these Ketamine facts can be hugely beneficial for anyone that may come into contact with this drug.
For more information about Ketamine addiction or treatment options, please contact us today.