Going to a party or an event should never be a frightening time for people. After all, you just want to escape from a hectic workplace or have a good time with your friends and loved ones. Nevertheless, thousands of men and women fall pretty to deadly crimes, including sexual assault and rape, while attending public venues (most infamously nightclubs and raves). Club drugs like ecstasy, meth, and rohypnol are some common names that might come to mind, but did you know that some people will use cat tranquilizers? If you feel confused, you might recognize this name instead: ketamine. Let’s take a closer look at this mind-altering drug and see why it has earned the title of “date rape drug.”
Cat Valium
Widely used since the 1970s, ketamine is a short-acting anesthetic and mind-altering chemical that is given to humans and animals before medical procedures. Some common brands include Ketalar, Ketaset, Vetamine, and Ketamine Hydrochloric Injection. Doctors will typically dispatch the drug at extremely low doses, which induce sensations of calmness, relaxation, and immovability. Higher doses can produce effects like amnesia, hallucinations, and erratic thoughts. Medical experts have stated that ketamine is not as potent as PCH and is a faster-acting anesthetic, clearing out of a person’s system at a much faster rate than other agents.
On the street and in clubs, the story takes a different turn. Once consumed (sometimes in dangerous amounts), users will experience frightening hallucinations, memory loss, and flashbacks and can potentially lose consciousness. Due to the sensation of helplessness induced by the drug, ketamine is popular amongst people with criminal intent, particularly those wanting to commit rape and assault.
Street named for ketamine include Special K, Cat Valium, Kit Kat, K, Super Acid, Jet, and Vitamin K.
Who Uses Ketamine?
Sadly, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that teenagers and young adults are the most frequent users of this drug. Seven years ago, the 2011 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study produced the following statistics about annual use:
- 8th graders: 0.8%
- 10th graders: 1.2%
- 12th graders: 1.7%
Meanwhile, the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) found that 220 exposures to ketamine had taken place in the same year (2011). Thankfully, no deaths were reported.
Always remember that mind-altering drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction and substance abuse troubles today.
