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What is Ketamine? Special K Drug, Street Names & Side Effects

What Is Special K Drug?

Special K, also known as ketamine, is a dissociative anesthetic drug that has been in use for both medical and recreational purposes since the 1960s. It was first developed as a veterinary tranquilizer, but its use expanded to include human anesthesia in the 1970s. In the 1980s, the Special K drug became increasingly popular among club-goers and was used recreationally as a party drug due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

Special K drug names on the streets can be:

  • K.
  • Ket.
  • Ketamine.
  • Vitamin K.
  • K-hole.

Special K refers to the breakfast cereal and was popularized during the 1980s club scene (Special K Drug 80s). Special K drug slang may also include terms like “K-hole,” which is the intense dissociative state users experience when taking large doses of the drug.

The Special K drug blocks a specific receptor in the brain responsible for transmitting pain signals. Low doses can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perceptions. However, higher doses can cause profound dissociation, delirium, and even loss of consciousness.

While Special K drugs are used in legitimate medical settings, their recreational use can be dangerous and even deadly. The drug can cause various side effects, including nausea, vomiting, confusion, and memory loss. At high doses, it can cause respiratory depression and even lead to a coma.

Special K drug abuse can also lead to long-term health problems, including bladder, kidney, and liver damage. It can also cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other psychiatric disorders.

Despite the risks, Special K drugs remain popular among club-goers and party enthusiasts. In recent years, the drug has also gained attention as a potential treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. However, more research is needed to understand its therapeutic potential fully.

In summary, the Special K drug is a dissociative anesthetic used for medical and recreational purposes since the 1960s. Its recreational use became popular in the 1980s club scene and is still used today, despite the many risks and side effects associated with its use.

Special K Drug For Depression

Special K drug, also known as ketamine, is an anesthetic drug that has shown promise as a treatment for depression. While it is not currently FDA-approved for this use, ketamine has been used off-label by some doctors to treat patients with severe depression who have not responded to other treatments.

Ketamine blocks a specific receptor type called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. This receptor is believed to play a role in developing depression and other mood disorders. By blocking this receptor, ketamine can rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours or days, unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working.

In 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray version of ketamine called esketamine for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine is administered under medical supervision in a healthcare provider’s office or clinic. Due to its potential for abuse and misuse, it is only available through a restricted program called the REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.

Ketamine is a promising option for people with severe depression who have not responded to other treatments. However, its use is not without risks. Side effects of ketamine use can include dissociation, hallucinations, confusion, and increased blood pressure. Long-term use of ketamine can also cause damage to the bladder, kidneys, and liver.

It is important to note that while ketamine has shown promise as a treatment for depression, it is not a first-line treatment and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is also inappropriate for everyone, and doctors must carefully evaluate each patient’s circumstances before prescribing ketamine.

In summary, Special K drug or ketamine has shown promise as a treatment for depression, but it is not FDA-approved. Esketamine, a nasal spray of ketamine, has been approved for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression.

Its use is restricted due to its potential for abuse and misuse, and it should only be used under medical supervision. While ketamine is considered a promising option for some people with depression, it is not without risks and should only be used after other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Special K drug, also known as ketamine, is a dissociative anesthetic drug used for medical and recreational purposes since the 1960s.

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  1. What Drug Is Special K & Whats Special K Drug?

    Special K is a street name for the drug ketamine. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is used in human and veterinary medicine. It is also used illicitly as a recreational drug.

  2. What is Special K street drug? Drug Special K Meaning

    Special K street drug is a slang term used to refer to ketamine. It is a powerful anesthetic drug used medically for surgical procedures and pain management. However, it is also used illicitly as a recreational drug due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

  3. What is Special K made of drug?

    Special K, or ketamine, is a synthetic compound chemically related to PCP (phencyclidine), another dissociative anesthetic drug. It is typically sold as a white powder or a clear liquid that can be injected, snorted, or smoked.

  4. What is the drug Special K?

    The drug Special K refers to ketamine, which is a dissociative anesthetic drug that is used medically for surgical procedures and pain management. It is also used illicitly as a recreational drug due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

  5. What is Special K drug Stranger Things?

    In the TV series Stranger Things, Eleven is given a drug called “Special K.” However, it is important to note that the drug portrayed in the show is not ketamine but rather a fictional drug created for the purpose of the show.

  6. What drug is called Special K?

    The drug called Special K is a slang term for ketamine. It is a powerful anesthetic drug used medically for surgical procedures and pain management. However, it is also used illicitly as a recreational drug due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

Ketamine Drug Facts

Ketamine Overview

Ketamine is a medication that is primarily used for anesthesia and pain relief. It is a dissociative anesthetic, which can cause feelings of detachment from reality, as well as profound sedation and analgesia.

Ketamine is also used illicitly as a recreational drug due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. In recent years, it has shown promise as a treatment for depression, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed. However, its use for this purpose is not yet FDA-approved and should only be administered under medical supervision.

Ketamine can have various side effects, including dissociation, hallucinations, confusion, and increased blood pressure. It can also cause damage to the bladder, kidneys, and liver with long-term use.


Side Effects of Ketamine

Using ketamine can cause several side effects, including dissociation, hallucinations, confusion, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased intracranial pressure, respiratory depression, bladder dysfunction, kidney damage, and liver damage.

Sings and Symptoms of Ketamine Abuse

  • Behavioral changes, such as increased aggression or withdrawal from social activities.
  • Changes in appearance, such as neglecting personal hygiene or grooming.
  • Dizziness, difficulty walking, or unsteady gait.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Impaired coordination or balance.
  • Mood swings or personality changes.
  • Paranoia or delusional thinking.
  • Persistent or severe confusion.
  • Slurred speech or difficulty communicating.
  • Tremors or seizures.
  • Use of drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, needles, or pipes.

It is important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the method of administration. If you suspect someone is abusing ketamine, seeking help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist is important.

Ketamine Abuse Statistics

Ketamine is a powerful dissociative anesthetic that is primarily used in medical settings. However, it is also commonly abused for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. Ketamine abuse can lead to various physical and psychological health problems, including addiction, cognitive impairment, and organ damage. In this section, we will explore the prevalence of ketamine abuse in the United States by examining ketamine abuse statistics.


An estimated 7.8 million people aged 12 or older used illicit drugs in the past year, and 0.4% reported using ketamine in the past year.

Source: NSDUH

The number of ketamine seizures by law enforcement has increased significantly in recent years. In 2018, the DEA reported seizing 684 kilograms of ketamine, compared to 215 kilograms in 2017.

Source: DEA

In 2020, there were 3,663 emergency department visits related to ketamine use. This represents a 53% increase from the previous year and a 277% increase from 2016.

Source: SAMHSA


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Special K Drug Side Effects

Ketamine, or Special K, is a powerful dissociative anesthetic drug typically used in veterinary medicine and human medicine for anesthesia, pain relief, and sedation.

Ketamine, or Special K, is a powerful dissociative anesthetic drug typically used in veterinary medicine and human medicine for anesthesia, pain relief, and sedation.

However, it can cause various dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects when used recreationally. Here are some of the most common Special K drug side effects:

Physical side effects:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Dizziness and loss of balance.
  • Muscle stiffness and rigidity.
  • High blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Rapid breathing and shallow breathing.
  • Blurred vision and dilated pupils.
  • Slurred speech and impaired coordination.
  • Seizures and convulsions.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Psychological side effects:

  • Feelings of detachment from reality.
  • Distorted perception of time and space.
  • Hallucinations and delusions.
  • Panic attacks and anxiety.
  • Agitation and confusion.
  • Depersonalization and derealization.
  • Paranoia and fear.
  • Flashbacks and persistent perceptual disturbances.
  • Psychosis and delirium.

Long-term side effects:

  • Cognitive impairment and memory problems.
  • Learning and attention deficits.
  • Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.
  • Addiction and dependence.
  • Withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, insomnia, and mood swings.
  • Damage to the bladder and urinary tract, including inflammation, pain, and difficulty urinating.
  • Kidney damage and failure.
  • Respiratory problems and lung damage.
  • Cardiovascular problems, including heart failure and stroke.

It is important to note that the severity and frequency of these Special K drug side effects may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s age, weight, dosage, frequency of use, and physical and mental health history. Furthermore, combining Special K with other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids, can increase the risk of these side effects and lead to more dangerous and potentially fatal outcomes. If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine addiction or abuse, seek professional help immediately.

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What Is Drugs Inc Special K?

“Drugs Inc.” is a documentary TV series exploring illegal drug trafficking and use. One of the series episodes is titled “Special K” and focuses on the illicit use of ketamine.

The episode delves into the production, distribution, and use of ketamine (special.K Drug), its effects on users, and the law enforcement efforts to combat its use. The documentary highlights the growing trend of ketamine abuse in the United States, particularly among young people, and the dangers associated with the drug.

The episode shows how ketamine is illegally obtained, with some individuals acquiring the drug through veterinary clinics or online sources. It also features interviews with individuals who have struggled with ketamine addiction and their experiences of the drug’s effects on their lives.

Combining Special K with other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids, can increase the risk of these side effects and lead to more dangerous and potentially fatal outcomes.

The documentary explores the ways in which ketamine is used recreationally, including its use as a club drug and its popularity among ravers and party-goers. It also examines the potential risks associated with ketamine use, including physical and psychological side effects such as respiratory depression, seizures, and hallucinations.

Overall, the “Drugs Inc.” episode “Special K” sheds light on the illicit use of ketamine and the challenges that law enforcement officials and healthcare providers face in addressing the growing problem of ketamine abuse in the United States.

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We Level Up Special K Drug Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up detox center today.

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Prescription Drug Abuse & Special K Drug Informative Video

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Sources
  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Ketamine DrugFacts: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/ketamine
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Ketamine: What You Need to Know: https://www.samhsa.gov/ketamine
  3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Ketamine: https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ketamine
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Ketamine: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750029.html
  5. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Ketamine: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-new-treatment-resistant-depression-drug-spravato-esketamine-nasal-spray
  6. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Ketamine for Depression: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/ketamine-depression
  7. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Ketamine and the Opioid Crisis: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/opioid-crisis-and-response/other-substances/ketamine/index.html
  8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Ketamine Abuse: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458540/
  9. Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) – Ketamine: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/drug-facts/ketamine/
  10. National Library of Medicine (NLM) – Ketamine Hydrochloride: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682136.html


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