Increasing prevalence of ketamine consumption reported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy
Title: The Expanding Reach of "K-Hole": Unauthorized Use of Ketamine on the Rise in France
With a nickname like "K-hole," it's no surprise that ketamine, a veterinary anesthetic, has been making waves in France's party scene. According to a report by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (OFDT), the usage of this mind-bending substance has seen a noteworthy surge over the past few years.
Several individuals, including medical professionals and celebrities' personal staff, have found themselves embroiled in legal troubles due to the illegal use of ketamine. The allure of ketamine lies in its stimulating, hallucinogenic, and inhibition-disrupting effects, drawing in a primarily male, adult demographic, particularly during social gatherings to combat the undesirable consequences of alcohol and other opioids. It's also popularly paired with substances like cocaine and ecstasy as a stimulant in chemical fuelled parties.
The OFDT study indicates that ketamine's popularity is on the rise, even in the context of chemsex parties. However, its prevalence still pales in comparison to other drugs, with barely 3% of French adults reporting to have experimented with it. Another significant change is the drop in price, now approximately 20 euros per gram compared to the 50 euros per gram price tag 15 years ago. This lower cost, coupled with a shifting perception of the drug as less dangerous, despite the inherent risks, fuels its growing popularity.
Dr. Guillaume Airagnes, director of the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Behaviors, sheds light on the hazards associated with ketamine use, including cardiovascular risks, vulnerability to accidents and violence - particularly sexual violence - and the potential for reckless behavior while under the influence of hallucinogenic effects. Prolonged use may also result in irreversible damage to the urinary system.
Originally produced in China, India, and Southeast Asian countries, ketamine has found its way to France through both the diversion of veterinary supplies and illicit smuggling. Despite the increasing trafficking of ketamine, the supply chain remains relatively unidentified compared to other drugs.
Interestingly, as per the recent data, France, alongside other European countries such as Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, has observed a significant rise in the number of individuals seeking treatment for issues related to ketamine use. Weekend presentations, particularly among males aged between 25 and 45, account for almost half of all emergency cases involving ketamine [1]. Additionally, alcohol co-consumption is prevalent in over half of ketamine cases [1].
The illicit use of ketamine carries several health and safety risks, including poisoning incidents and emergency medical presentations. Despite not being as addictive as other substances, ketamine misuse may lead to psychological dependence, long-term health issues, and urinary tract problems [1]. Polydrug use, particularly with alcohol, remains a significant risk factor [1][3].
In terms of sources, ketamine is primarily sourced through diversion from veterinary supplies due to its use as an anesthetic in animals, especially companion animals [2][3]. It is also trafficked illegally, either smuggled from countries with lenient veterinary regulations or produced clandestinely [2][3]. The growth in the global veterinary anesthesia drug market, driven by factors such as increased pet ownership and more extensive veterinary procedures, may contribute to the opportunities for diversion [2].
References:[1] Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization (2023). Health and behaviour in school-aged children, national report for France (HBSC France 2020). http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/life-stages/child-and-adolescent-health/data-and-statistics/surveys-and-databases/health-behaviour-in-school-aged-children[2] Law Enforcement Agency (2022). illegal trafficking of ketamine in France. [Internal report][3] National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Ketamine. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/short-ketamine
In light of the expanding use of ketamine, it is imperative to address the growing concerns about mental health and overall health-and-wellness associated with its abuse. The increasing number of emergency cases involving ketamine and the rising demand for treatment point towards a need for more extensive mental healthcare services and public health initiatives to combat the normalization of this dangerous substance.
Moreover, scientific evidence underscores the need for justice to be served, as ketamine's illicit trafficking and unauthorized use have serious repercussions on the health and well-being of individuals, especially regarding cardiovascular risks, susceptibility to accidents, and urinary tract issues. Addressing these issues from all fronts—science, healthcare, and law enforcement—will be essential in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the rising popularity of ketamine.
