Acquire a comprehensive overview of ketamine – a substance that has transitioned from a clinical anesthetic to a widely discussed recreational drug and emerging therapeutic tool. Medically, it serves as an anesthetic and shows promise in treating treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. Recreationally, users seek its euphoric, dissociative “K-hole” experiences, sensory distortions, and temporary escape from reality. Short-term impacts include euphoria, detachment from body and environment, hallucinations, impaired coordination, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, and risks of injury due to reduced pain perception. Long-term and chronic use can incur severe physical consequences such as ketamine-associated cystitis (bladder damage that can lead to surgical intervention), “K-cramps”, nasal damage from snorting, cognitive impairments, mood disorders, anxiety, depression and psychological dependence Attendees will gain a balanced, evidence-based understanding of its pharmacology, rising popularity, profound effects on users, and the unique challenges it poses for recovery support.

Learning Objectives