The study reveals the painful reality of ketamine addiction

Ketamine The growing popularity was created by a paradox. Although some doctors are hailed as a breakthrough psychiatric treatment, he also increases addiction and It’s a pity for human health. To better understand the experience of people in ketamin and how to best operate it in treatment, We survey Hundreds of people who identify as struggling with ketamine addiction.

Ketamine gains recognition as a promising, rapidly acting intervention for many mental health conditions. Three clinical trials are currently underway for operate with people with alcohol problems. Nasal spray based on ketamine, spravato, has also been approved as an independent therapy for resistant depression on treatment,

But for others, especially recreational users at the age of 20, the operate of ketamine can lead More damage than healing.

Once seen as a medicine on the stock exchange, ketamine – also known as “K” – has already entered the mainstream, gaining popularity as Drug nightlife AND Reports on widespread use in Hollywood. But with its growth, warnings came: a few raucous deaths, including the actor Matthew Perry and drag artist Viviennecaused public fears.

Ketamine medical It is an adjustable drug used in hospitals and clinics under vocational supervision. Illegal ketamine, often used recreation, is not regulated, can be contaminated and bears a higher risk of overdose, addiction and Health complications Due to unknown cleanliness and threatening operate.

To better understand the experience of ketamine addiction and lend a hand in the improved surgery, our research team at the University of Exeter and the University College London conducted a survey in the case of 274 people with self -identified addiction to ketamine from Europe, North America and Australia **. We believe results Offer the most in -depth current data.

While ketamine is chemically clear From opioids, some users specify that its emotional and social number as equally destructive. One of the participants described it as “heroin generations”.

This clear characteristics emphasize the growing number of people looking for treatment – not only addiction, but also for physical health complications, which can be after gigantic, long -term operate.

Sixty percent of respondents Middle problems reported -a side effect known among long -term ketamine users, but rarely discussed outside Specialized circles. Many also described Intensive psychological symptoms Such as desires, low mood, anxiety and irritability.

While these experiences probably reflect heavier users than the average recreational consumer, emphasize the sedate damage that dependent people feel.

Disturbing statistics

A disturbing, more than a third of our respondents have never been looking for treatment. Among those who had only 36% were satisfied with the care received. One person noticed: “I think they have to study drugs or options that fight K, K kidneys and ketamine cramps. Ketamine can make your life much shorter.”

The repetitive subject of the survey reaction was the frustration of a lack of awareness – among peers, teachers, healthcare providers and even addiction specialists – about the risk of ketamine.

“Nobody even understands what ketamine is or what he does,” said one of the participants. They added: “It should not be our task to explain science. You should teach it. People must be educated. There is much less information compared to drugs such as cocaine.”

Most participants met ketamin for the first time in recreational conditions. Only four participants met him for the first time, mainly in the United States, where ketamin therapy at home is becoming more and more common. However, Great Britain limits the operate of ketamine to clinical supervision.

Most importantly, the doses reported by the participants were much higher than the doses used in medical conditions. The development of quick tolerance and escalational operate was regular problems.

Modern treatment strategies

To support people struggling with ketamine addiction, our findings indicate the urgent need for novel treatment strategies. They include pharmacological options to solve physical complications such as “K cramps” (severe abdominal pain often described as excruciating) and better understanding of how ketamine causes damage to the bladder and kidney.

It is equally necessary to improve education – both for society and for healthcare professionals – about the risk of using ketamine and reality of addiction. We hope that our survey offers a platform for people with experience that can be heard, and their voices in shaping future research, clinical care and public health messages.

Read more: ketamine: What do you need to know about the growing drug problem of Great Britain

This survey takes place at the key moment of the evolving history of Ketamine. In response to the growing recreational operate and recent fatalities, the government of Great Britain Apparently, considering reclassification Ketamine as a class A drug. However, when ketamine was reclassified from class C to class B in 2014, operate among 16-24-year-olds increased by 231%suggesting that more severe penalties do little to limit demand.

Instead of relying on penalties, we must focus on expanding access to treatment, reducing the stigma and investing in prevention. Our study shows the urgent need for further research on what makes ketamine addicted, how to prevent its physical damage and, most importantly, how to lend a hand people regain and regain their lives.