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Ketamine Linked to Memory Loss

Researchers find that use of the popular club drug ketamine can have long-term negative effects.

It's no surprise that every time adventurous partygoers experiment with a new drug, using it for something other than its intended purpose, problems arise. Most recently, scientists have found a link between the frequent use of ketamine and memory problems.

The study performed at the University College London and published in the Addiction Journal, showed that frequent ketamine use resulted in poor performance in tasks such as recalling names, conversations and patterns, the BBC reported.

Ketamine hydrochloride was originally created as an anesthetic for human and veterinary use, but it became popular in clubs as an alternative to ecstasy. Also called "Special K," the drug belongs to a group classified as "dissociative anesthetics" that includes PCP and nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas). The drug usually comes in liquid form but is then cooked into a white powder that users snort. The drug can also be injected into muscle (never a vein, setting it apart from other IV drugs like heroin) for a quicker, more intense high.

Ketamine Trip

When a low dose is taken, it provides a mild, dreamy effect, while higher doses produce a hallucinogenic effect, making many users feel disconnected from their bodies. An extreme ketamine trip is often referred to as falling in a "K-hole," something that has been compared with a near-death experience.

Negative effects can include numbness in extremities and extreme difficulty moving the body at all. Neuroses and mental disorders can result from frequent use and a psychological dependence can occur. Nausea and increased heart rate are also common, while lower doses depress breathing and consciousness, making ketamine extremely dangerous when combined with alcohol, Valium or other depressants.

Ketamine usage continues to increase faster than other drugs in the UK, especially among the younger demographic, according to the experts. Despite the dangers, it has become a popular mainstream club drug and shows no sign of disappearing from the scene.

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• The Long-Term Effects of LSD
• PCP Abuse Fact Sheet
• A Fact Sheet on Inhalant Abuse
• A Fact Sheet on Stimulant Abuse
• Ecstasy Abuse Fact Sheet
• LSD Abuse Fact Sheet
• Dissociative Drug Abuse Fact Sheet
• Ketamine Linked to Memory Loss
• Ecstasy & PTSD
• Ketamine Abuse Continues
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