Ketamine

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine (ket, K, special K) is a short acting, dissociative anaesthetic used recreationally and in human and veterinary medicine. Usually snorted via small bumps, effects of ketamine can be felt within 5-20mins and last up for 45-60mins. Ketamine analogues may have more intense effects and last longer than standard ket.

Desired effects can include: 

• Floating sensations
• Stimulation
• Disinhibition
• Relaxation
• Pain relief
• Euphoria
• Feelings of detachment from the body
• Psychedelic effects
• K-hole (for some)

 

Undesired effects can include:  

• Slurred or slow speech
• Disorientation
• Lack of coordination / motor control
• Dissociation
• Inability to communicate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• K-hole

 

Ketamine harm reduction: 

• Start Low and go slow- Ket varies in strength from bag to bag and everyone's tolerance is different.
• Access drug checking services if available.
• A normal dose is a bump- measured via small spoons or a clean key, not lines.
• Ket stacks, so keep track of your bumps and tell a friend when you're dosing.
• Ket can make you wobbly, it's best to be sitting down and in a safe environment.
• Avoid swimming or having a bath when using ket.
• Label your bags! No one wants an accidental K-hole.
• Avoid sharing spoons, keys, notes or straws. Clean your equipment to reduce bacteria.
• Protect your nostrils! Rinse with Saline before and after bumps, switch nostril for each dose and always crush your bag well.
• Never use ketamine if you have a UTI- Ket can cause ketamine bladder syndrome.
• Avoid mixing ket with alcohol and other depressants like benzos and GHB.
• A K-hole may be on its way if you feel: Nauseas, unsteady, dizzy, confused or the need to lie down. If you feel any of these symptoms, tell someone, get somewhere safe where you can sit or lie down and make sure someone stays with you.
• Avoid using alone and always get help if you or a friend is unwell.

 

What is a K-hole? 

A k-hole is a slang term for a specific experience that can occur from a high dose of ket. As ket can cause people to feel disconnected from their body and lose bodily control, in higher doses it can cause complete dissociation between mind and body. Some people intend to k-hole, while others accidentally k-hole from taking too much. For some, the K-hole is a pleasurable experience, while others may find it frightening and not enjoy the experience.

 

A person in a K-hole may: 

• Have difficulty talking, moving and organising thoughts.
• Have an out of body experience.
• Feel time is warped.
• Appear zoned out or unconscious.
• Be able to hear you but not understand what you're saying and be unable to respond.
• Be staring straight through / past you.
• Be standing or even walking but are uncoordinated.
• Appear stuck, holding their body and face in the same position.

 

Supporting someone in a K-hole: 

You cant always tell if someone in a k-hole is distressed or not. Some people enjoy it, but for others is can be overwhelming, scary or distressing. While k-holes are not dangerous in itself, a k-hole is risky for injuries! It can also be psychologically challenging for some people during and after.

• Make sure they're in a safe place, sitting or lying down.
• Reduce stimulation such as loud noise or lighting where possible.
• Talk in a calm and gentle voice but don't expect them to respond.
• If they are panicked, reassure them that they are safe and that the experience will end.

Don't be afraid to seek medical help if you are concerned, you won't get in trouble!