Dramatic Rise in Ketamine Seizures: Recreational Use Increasing
The illicit use of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic often abused for its hallucinogenic effects, is on the rise in the United States. A recent analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry revealed a 349% increase in the number of ketamine seizures by law enforcement agencies between 2017 and 2022. The total weight of ketamine seized saw an even more staggering increase, rising by 1,116.4% during the same period.
The NDEWS Study on Ketamine Seizures
The study, led by Dr. Joseph Palamar, Deputy Director of the National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS), included data from NDEWS Scientific Advisory Group member Tom Carr, and was co-authored by NDEWS Director Dr. Linda Cottler, among others.
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Increase in Illegal Ketamine
According to the NDEWS analysis, the number of ketamine seizures has been on a steady incline. Law enforcement agencies reported a 349% increase in the number of seizures of this illicit substance over a five-year period from 2017 to 2022.
This increase is not only in terms of the number of seizures. The total weight of ketamine seized also shot up dramatically, increasing by 1,116.4% over the same period. This indicates a surge in the availability and distribution of the drug in the black market.
The Dangers of Illicit Ketamine
The authors of the study express their concerns over the rise of nonmedical use of illicit ketamine. They suggest that recreational users are at a high risk of encountering an adulterated and potentially harmful version of the drug.
Illicit ketamine, unlike its medical counterpart, often comes with a host of unknown and potentially lethal adulterants. This increases the risk of harmful or even fatal reactions, especially when combined with other substances or taken in large amounts.
The Need for Increased Awareness and Regulation
This alarming increase in ketamine seizures underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and regulation. Those specializing in drug enforcement have been encountering ketamine on its own, but also mixed with fentanyl where it is used as a booster sometimes.
Authorities, healthcare providers, and communities must work together to address this growing issue. Education about the risks associated with illicit ketamine use, alongside efforts to curb its availability, will be paramount in managing this public health crisis.
The rise in ketamine seizures is a clear indicator of the escalating problem. It's a wakeup call for everyone - the medical community, law enforcement agencies, policy-makers, and society as a whole - to take immediate action against the illicit use of ketamine.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q: Why is there an increase in seizures of illicit ketamine?
A: There has been an increase in seizures of illicit ketamine due to an increase in exposure to the illegal drug, as well as an increase in drug enforcement throughout the United States.
Q: What is the risk of using ketamine?
A: The risk of using ketamine recreationally or obtaining it illegally today is that it may increase the risk of overdose from ketamine alone, and there is a risk that it contains other harmful substances.
Q: Is ketamine safe when obtained from a medical professional?
A: Ketamine alone is low risk when obtained from a medical professional for appropriate treatment. However, using the drug recreationally or obtaining it illegally today is not pharmaceutical ketamine and carries higher risks.
Q: What is the connection between pop-up clinics prescribing ketamine online and the increase of the drug's recreational use?
A: Pop-up clinics prescribing ketamine online have contributed to the increase of the drug's recreational use by making it more accessible to people who use the drug outside of medical supervision or proper treatment.
Q: Is it safe to use telemedicine for obtaining pharmaceutical ketamine?
A: Patients who use telemedicine for obtaining pharmaceutical ketamine for appropriate treatment can safely do so under the guidance of a licensed medical professional.
Q: How much has the amount of seizures of illicit ketamine increased in recent years?
A: There has been a dramatic rise in seizures of illicit ketamine from 2017 to 2022, indicating an increase in the drug's availability and use.
Q: What is the difference between pharmaceutical and illegally obtained ketamine?
A: Ketamine obtained through legitimate medical channels is pharmaceutical ketamine and is often used as an anesthetic or for depression treatment. Illegally obtained ketamine today is not pharmaceutical, carries higher risks, and may be laced with other harmful substances.
Q: How can people who use ketamine report illegal activity related to the drug?
A: People who use ketamine can report illegal activity related to the drug to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or local law enforcement agencies.
Q: How much ketamine has been seized in the United States?
A: There has been an increase of ketamine seized in the U.S. in recent years, including illegal powder, indicating an increase in the drug's availability and use.