Understanding Ketamine Effects, Street Names, and Abuse
Ketamine is an anesthetic that is typically used on animals. It has also been used for pain control, especially in burn therapy and for wounded soldiers. Unfortunately, due to its hallucinogenic effects, ketamine has the potential to cause a club drug addiction.
There are many different street names for ketamine, including Special K—but what exactly is this “Special K” drug? And how does it affect your mind and body? Here, we discuss ketamine uses and side effects as well as Special K drug slang to be aware of.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is considered a dissociative anesthetic. It was initially developed in the 1960s as a replacement option for PCP, which had severe side effects on patients. It’s tasteless and odorless, which makes it easy to be taken (and sold) in pill form, but the drug is often taken intravenously.
It’s sometimes referred to as a “horse tranquilizer drug,” but that’s a bit of a myth. It is a powerful anesthetic, but it’s not a tranquilizer. With that being said, this label should give you some idea of just how strong the side effects of taking Special K can be.
What Are the Side Effects of Ketamine?
Ketamine has become such a popular club drug because it tends to give people a high that offers a floating or “detached” sensation. It often creates a dreamlike state. Unfortunately, that has also made it a popular date-rape drug—it can be difficult to move when you’re in the middle of the high.1,2
It can also cause memory loss, which makes it difficult for victims of the drug to recall what may have happened to them. Obviously, this adds another level of danger to the drug. Because it’s a clear, tasteless powder or liquid, it’s easy to slip into a drink.1,2
Other negative ketamine side effects include:2
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Numbness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
Some users can also experience extreme respiratory issues, which could become fatal if not treated immediately.2
Long-term effects can include short or long-term memory loss, as well as other potentially irreversible issues with the brain.2 More long-term acute effects of ketamine aren’t completely known, due to a lack of research.
Users who take high doses of ketamine often call their experience the “K-hole,” described as an out-of-body experience. In this state, they may not be able to speak or move their body.2
Ketamine Street Names
Ketamine is known by numerous street names that can vary by region and culture. Understanding these aliases is crucial for recognizing the presence of the drug, especially in informal or illegal contexts. Here are some of the most common Special K drug slang street names for ketamine:
- Special K: The most common nickname, derived from its initial “K.”
- K: A straightforward, abbreviated form frequently used.
- Cat Valium: This name, though misleading (as ketamine is chemically unrelated to Valium), refers to its use in veterinary medicine.
- Kit Kat: A variation that may be used to downplay the seriousness of the drug.
- Super Acid: Used to emphasize its potent effects, though ketamine is not an acid.
- Super C: Another term that highlights its potency.
- Vitamin: Sometimes misleadingly used to imply health benefits.
- Jet: May refer to the intense, rapid onset of its effects.
- Purple: Often linked to a specific form or branding of the drug.
Each of these names can appear in different contexts, from casual conversations to more hidden discussions in clubs or parties. Being aware of these terms can aid in identifying discussions about drug use and potential abuse situations.
Recognizing them is a step towards understanding the broader implications of Special K’s role in substance abuse.
Ketamine Abuse Treatment From Yellowstone Recovery
Special K can be addictive, thanks to the dreamlike state it puts people in. While it’s often used by club-goers, it’s a popular street drug that can be used by anyone wanting to experience the effects of a hallucinogen. It can even lead to the use of stronger hallucinogenic drugs like PCP.
It’s also easy to overdose on, which can cause respiratory and cardiac issues, as well as dangerous psychotropic effects.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a ketamine addiction, it’s important to seek out treatment as soon as possible. At Yellowstone Recovery, we can help you on your journey to stop the abuse of club drugs and help you find freedom from addiction.
Please contact us today if you’re ready to fight back against ketamine addiction.
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