Drug Education Parent Booklet

For more information see positivechoices.org.au Drugs & Alcohol: What You Need to Know 25 WHAT IS IT? Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride) is a white powder, usually sold in ‘bumps’ or grams. A ‘bump’ is a small amount of powder, usually snorted through a small glass nasal inhaler called a bumper. Ketamine can also be swallowed, smoked, or injected. Ketamine is commonly used by veterinarians to sedate animals such as horses. As with all drugs sold in powder form, ketamine may also be sold ‘cut’ (mixed) with other white powder substances which may or may not be harmful – people using this drug can never be 100% sure of what they’re taking. Ketamine is also known as K, ket, Special K, Vitamin K, or horse tranquiliser. IMMEDIATE LONG TERM ● Increased heart rate and body temperature ● Drowsiness ● Feeling of euphoria (a ‘high’) ● Loss of coordination ● Slurred speech ● Feeling dizzy or faint ● Confusion and disorientation ● Numbness and a feeling of paralysis ● Nausea and vomiting ● Anxiety and panic attacks ● Hallucinations (e.g. seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) ● Paranoia and psychosis* ● An experience known as the ‘K-hole’ which is the feeling of being trapped in a state of detachment. This can be extremely frightening ● Overdose ● Dependence* ● Problems with memory, attention, and decision-making ● Mental health problems ● Ulcerative cystitis-symptoms include frequent and painful urination, cramps and involuntary urination ● Intense abdominal pains known as ‘K-cramps’ ● Kidney problems EFFECTS OF KETAMINE If snorted or ‘bumped’, ketamine takes effect within 5-10 minutes (longer if swallowed). Its effects can last for a couple of hours. Effects of ketamine vary, but may include: † Names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. * See Glossary on page 36 “LISTING THE EFFECTS GIVES ME AN IDEA OF WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND WHAT I SHOULD DO IF SOMEONE IS IN TROUBLE.” - EMMA † , 15 KETAMINE