Ketamine (special K, vitamin K, K)

Description

Ketamine is an anaesthetic drug with painkilling and psychedelic properties. It is very similar to the anaesthetic drugs used by vets when they operate on animals. Ketamine is an off-white to white-brown powder which is often pressed into tablets.

Administration

In powder form ketamine is inhaled up the nose. Tablets are ingested.

Associated Equipment

The powder form is normally inhaled through a tube which may be purpose designed. Alternatively straws and empty ballpoint refills may be used.

Degree of Addiction

Psychological addiction:     moderate
Environmental addiction:    moderate
Physical addiction:               none to slight
Body tolerance:                     slight

Influence and Symptoms

Ketamine is a hallucinogenic which makes users feel that their mind has been separated from their body. These out of body and hallucinatory experiences can last for up to three hours, during which time the user may be unable to move much, if at all, and can feel dizzy. Like LSD the drug's effects are influenced by the user's mood and environment. Experiences can be very alarming.

Because the drug numbs pain, users can seriously injure themselves without realising it. The drug carries a risk of heart failure and breathing problems and is extremely dangerous if mixed with alcohol and other drugs.