NCJ Number
183800
Date Published
1999
Length
106 pages
Annotation
This book describes the recreational and spiritual use of ketamine, which causes bizarre experiences unlike any other psychedelic drug, along with the history of ketamine use and the distinction between myth and reality regarding its effects.
Abstract
Ketamine -- also called K, Special K, Ket, and Kit Kat -- has been around for over 30 years, but was relatively unknown to the general public until the 1990's, when it was deemed one of the date-rape drugs. Ketamine was patented in 1966 by Parke-Davis for use as an anesthetic in humans and animals. Early studies of ketamine's effects revealed dreams, "trips," and a sense of well-being after using it. Hospital staff who participated in these early experimental trials carried word of "K's" recreational potential into the community. Ketamine is a synthetic drug (arylcyclohexylamine, of the same group as PCP) and is legal when used medically in a licensed facility by a licensed medical doctor; it is illegal when used recreationally; even simple possession of ketamine is a crime. After an initial period of dizziness and disorientation, users begin to experience different levels of being, visit alternate realities, observe unusual "patterns," and receive revelations of future events. These illuminating visions can become quite intense and, at times, frightening. Specific effects will vary with the individual user. Three chapters of this book describe the experiments of various "explorers" who have documented their own and others use of Ketamine. Other chapters address dosage and use, as well as the importance of carefully choosing and structuring the environment in which ketamine is used, given the possibility of unconsciousness and the inability to respond rationally to "real" people and events. Other dangers from ketamine use are also identified and discussed. The concluding chapter details laws that pertain to Ketamine.