Not Such a Party When Your Bladder is Gone: Dangers of Party Drug Ketamine Released

Not Such a Party When Your Bladder is Gone: Dangers of Party Drug Ketamine Released

When used in veterinarian and doctor’s offices, Ketamine is a useful ingredient in Anesthesia. However, when sold on the street as a means to get high, it is incredibly dangerous. Evaporated to form a powder in illicit use, this drug is most often obtained, (stolen) from veterinarian offices. Due to the drug’s ability to produce dream-like states and hallucinations; Ketamine has become popular in young populations, specifically within populations of young people who regularly attend “raves”. However, as individuals have their bladders removed as a result of using this drug, the cost of Ketamine induced fun may be much higher than ever expected.

Ketamine is also known as the “drug rape” drug because it is odorless, tasteless and can be added to the beverages of unsuspecting sexual assault victims. While Ketamine has been classified as a dangerous “drug rape” drug for many years, the level of seriousness of health effects were unknown until recently. Users as young as twenty have recently gotten their bladders removed as a result of Ketamine abuse.

Based on newfound knowledge of the level of danger Ketamine presents to the public, there has been talk about reclassification of the drug. Currently, Ketamine is a class C substance. As a new era of users, (often “ravers”) take large quantities of this drug on a daily basis; an unexpected harm to the human bladder has been revealed. The level of bladder toxicity as a result of Ketamine abuse is higher in comparison to most other drugs within class C. 

If you are concerned that your child or someone else you know may be using Ketamine or another “drug rape” or “party” drug such as Ecstasy; there are several signs that you may look for:

·         Lack of Coordination: “Party drugs”, such as Ketamine and Ecstasy, cause lack of coordination. Note if the suspected user appears to have difficulty in completing both large and fine motor tasks.

·         Depression and/or Mood Swings: Both Ketamine and Ecstasy cause psychological withdrawal symptoms and disturbances of the chemicals within the brain. Such withdrawal and or disturbances can cause depression and mood swings. Make note if the suspected user is unusually sad or quickly agitated.

·         Frequent Rave, Club or Party Attendance- Drugs like Ketamine and Ecstasy are associated with “party scenes”. Note if the suspected user attends raves, clubs or parties on a frequent basis or more than they did before use was suspected. 

·         Slowed Breathing- Note slowed breathing of a suspected Ketamine or Ecstasy user, as this is a common side effect of such drugs.

·         Uncharacteristically Sexual Behavior/Sexual Victimization- As Ketamine is also known as the “drug rape” drug, it has been associated with risky sexual behavior which may or may not be remembered after the fact. Watch for such behaviors in a suspected user, as this may not only be a sign of potential drug use but also a sign of a sexual crime.

If you need assistance in hosting an intervention for an individual addicted to Ketamine or another drug, or if you are struggling with addiction yourself; we are here to help. Self-empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord NH specializes in addiction counseling. We are here to provide an empathetic and non-judgmental ear in times of need. We also offer a number of other services to include; individual and group counseling, support groups, evaluations and presentations for parents, educators and workplaces on the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. For more information, please contact Lori Magoon at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com. You can also visit our website at selfempowermentnh.com.