A new study finds a dramatic increase in the number of adults using ketamine for recreational purposes. Ketamine is a medical anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects.
Recreational use of the drug ketamine is increasing dramatically in adults, raising serious health concerns.
Ketamine was originally developed as a medical anesthetic but has shown promise in clinical trials for treating chronic pain and depression.
Now a new study finds recreational use of the hallucinogen is surging — 81.8% from 2015-2019 and 40% from 2021-2022 — and the reasons why may be changing.
A review of the latest data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found adults with depression were 80% more likely to have used ketamine 2015-2019.
But from 2021-2022, ketamine use only increased among those without depression.
College-educated adults and people in their late 20s and early 30s were more likely to use the hallucinogen, as well as those who also used ecstasy/MDMA, GHB, and cocaine.
The authors say these findings highlight the need for prevention outreach to colleges where young adults may be at heightened risk. They also suggest education campaigns on the dangers of mixing other substances, particularly opioids.
Sources: Journal of Affective Disorders, National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Author Affiliations: University of California San Diego
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