Ketamine usage on the rise as a popular illicit substance.
In the current social landscape, Ketamine - initially developed as an anesthetic - has emerged as a common party drug, especially appealing to the younger generation. several factors contribute to its widespread use.
The Allure of Ketamine
varieties, the substance's popularity surged, superseding usage rates from a few years ago [1]. The appealing aspects of Ketamine, according to Felix Betzler of the Charité in Berlin, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy, include its ease of access, reasonably low cost, and the effects it delivers [2]. Its presence in pop culture, as seen in songs like "Special K" by Placebo, "Space Kitten" by The Polish Ambassador, and "Get Ready for the K-Hole!" by Kissy Sell Out, further adds to its appeal [1].
powerful factors
Accessibility
- Affordability: Compared to numerous other substances, Ketamine is relatively cheap, making it more obtainable for cash-strapped youth [3][2].
- Ease of procurement: Despite its classification as a controlled substance, the supply of Ketamine remains relatively easy to acquire, often outside of proper medical settings [3][2].
- Versatility: Ketamine comes in various forms, including powder, liquid, and tablets, allowing for various ingestion methods [5].
Perceived Advantages
- Recreational Impact: At recreational doses, Ketamine induces euphoria and dissociative states, which are enticing to those seeking escape from stress or reality [3][5].
- Self-Medication: Some youth employ Ketamine to self-medicate for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD, often without realizing the potential long-term risks [4][1].
- Shift in Usage Patterns: There appears to be a movement from occasional club or party use to more frequent, at-home use for relaxation or escapism [4].
Socio-Cultural and Market Influences
- Social Normalization: Increased visibility and prevalence among peers can encourage usage within social groups [5].
- Media and Online Networks: Discussions and shared experiences in online forums and social media can boost curiosity and reduce perceived risks [3].
- Insufficient Public Awareness: The public's understanding of the risks and long-term harms associated with Ketamine remains scant, fostering misconceptions about its safety [3][4].
Health Dangers and Outcomes
Although they don't directly drive its popularity, the lack of awareness about the following risks may indirectly promote increased use:- Physical Health Concerns: Ketamine abuse is linked to significant urological, neurological, gastrointestinal, and kidney issues, including severe bladder pain and, in extreme cases, the requirement for surgical intervention [2][4].- Mental Health Issues: Prolonged use can result in memory impairment, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and addiction [4][3].- Addiction and Treatment: The number of young people seeking treatment for ketamine addiction has increased substantially, highlighting that dependence and unfavorable health outcomes are on the rise [3][4].
Conclusion
Several factors explain the increasing trend in recreational ketamine use among the younger generation: accessibility, perceived benefits, and socio-cultural influences [3][5]. However, it's essential to recognize the risks and potential harms associated with its use [2][4].
References:
- Betzler, F. (2019). Ketamine is the fourth most commonly used club drug in Berlin. ntv.de
- Schäfer, I., & Betzler, F. (2023). The Dark Side of Ketamine: Minority Report of Clinical Practitioners on the Treatment and Care of Recreational Users. Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 90(5), 337–344.
- Morgan, C., HINE, R., Tanner, A., Reid, D., & White, J. (2022). The Ketamine Consumption Disorder models: Early warning signs and the role of self-medication. Addiction, 117, 1971–1981.
- Tan, M. K., Tan, C. L., & Boon H. H. (2021). Rethinking recreational use of ketamine: A systematic review of its harms and risks. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 82(11), e14818.
- Hung, W. K. L., Young, A. W., Lau, T. K. H., & Hung, S. W. M. (2019). Factors contributing to the popularity of recreational ketamine use in Asian countries: Systematic Review and Qualitative Content Analysis ofthe Published Literature. Addiction, 114(9), 1646–1654.
The European Union could consider implementing stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of Ketamine, limiting its accessibility and potential for misuse among the youth. To counter its increasing popularity, science could be leveraged to develop and promote evidence-based health-and-wellness therapies-and-treatments for mental-health issues, shifting the focus away from harmful substances like Ketamine.
