Its use is spiking nationwide.
A new study reveals that the recreational use of ketamine has significantly increased among U.S. adults, with a 40% rise in usage between 2021 and 2022. This follows a nearly 82% increase in ketamine use from 2015 to 2019. The recent surge is primarily seen among young adults aged 26 to 34 and those with a college education. Researchers, led by Dr. Kevin Yang from the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, found that this rise mirrors trends in other regions, such as New York City, where nightclub-goers are increasingly using the drug.
Ketamine, commonly known as “Special K” or “Super K,” is an anesthetic used in both human and animal medicine. In 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray derivative of ketamine, esketamine (brand name Spravato), for treating depression. The drug can induce altered perceptions of reality, leading users to feel detached from their bodies, or in extreme cases, to enter a “k-hole,” which is a state of intense dissociation. Ketamine overdose can result in severe respiratory issues and is particularly dangerous when combined with other substances. Long-term use is also associated with cognitive problems and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The study analyzed data from the federal government’s annual drug use and health surveys conducted between 2015 and 2022. Researchers discovered that the rise in ketamine use during the 2010s was largely linked to self-medication among individuals with depression. However, the increase from 2021 to 2022 was primarily observed in individuals without depression, suggesting a shift in ketamine’s usage patterns. The study also highlighted that people with a college degree were more than twice as likely to use ketamine compared to those with a high school education, and young adults aged 26 to 34 were more likely to use ketamine than younger adults aged 18 to 25.
The findings also revealed a strong association between ketamine use and the consumption of other “club drugs,” such as ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, and cocaine, particularly in social settings. These insights indicate that ketamine is often used alongside other recreational drugs, contributing to a broader trend of poly-drug use. The researchers recommend expanding prevention efforts, particularly in college settings, to educate younger adults about the risks of polydrug use and its potential harm, especially when combined with opioids.
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