Dangers of Mixing Ketamine and Alcohol
![Reframe App Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d10433104bca13abce2c13/6524611f0bc6ca7db5aea21b_logo.webp)
It’s Friday, and you’re out with friends at the club. You all order drinks and make your way to the dance floor. Everyone’s having fun, and your friends really want to match the energy of the club. So they ask if you want to take ketamine, a “party drug” that’s popular for its dissociative effects. But you’ve been drinking, so you wonder if mixing alcohol and ketamine is a good idea.
What are the potential ketamine and alcohol interactions? To understand the dangers of mixing ketamine and alcohol, let’s explore the effects of each of these substances on our body.
Ketamine was first developed to help with surgeries and pain relief. It’s known for its ability to induce dissociative anesthesia, making patients feel detached from their pain and environment. Over time, its use expanded beyond anesthesia to treat various conditions, including depression and chronic pain. At the same time, its recreational use surged and it became associated with club culture for its energy-boosting and mind-altering effects.
In its pure form, ketamine exists as a white powder or a clear liquid and is often taken by swallowing, snorting, or injecting. It’s popularly known by a variety of street names like "Special K" or "K."
When we take ketamine, it quickly dissolves into our bloodstream and goes to the brain. Despite its hallucinogenic properties, ketamine is different from traditional hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin. Instead of binding to serotonin receptors, ketamine primarily targets the glutamate system, specifically NMDA receptors in the brain. It acts as an antagonist to NMDA receptors, blocking the transmission of glutamate, a neurotransmitter important for learning, memory, and mood regulation.
This interference is what causes a dissociative state, wherein our perceptions of sight and sound are distorted. It creates a strange feeling in which things don't seem real, and we might see or hear things that aren't there, leading to a sense of detachment from reality. This dissociation, or “out-of-body” feeling, is why ketamine is sometimes referred to as a "dissociative anesthetic."
The effects of ketamine on our body depend on different factors:
Our ketamine experience can vary drastically depending on how much we take. Lower amounts might induce a “dreaming” feeling, while higher doses could lead to intense hallucinations and a feeling of being completely disconnected from reality. Common symptoms range from physical to psychological:
Ketamine may also cause the following unwanted side effects.
Side effects like unconsciousness, amnesia, or immobility might be signs of ketamine overdose and require urgent medical attention.
Medications (either over-the-counter or prescription) might interact with ketamine with their side effects exacerbated or their efficacy compromised. They can make ketamine use more dangerous. Please exercise caution!
Ketamine's impact extends beyond its immediate, short-term effects. Prolonged use can lead to several long-term health issues.
According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 3 million people in the U.S. (aged 12 or older) reported using ketamine at least once in their lifetime. This percentage reflects the growing trend of recreational use. Ketamine abuse is more commonly reported among young adults aged 18 to 25, since they are often exposed to party environments where recreational drug use is prevalent.
Research suggests a correlation between ketamine misuse and mental health disorders: a person with a history of mental health issues is at a higher risk of abusing substances like ketamine. More recently, ketamine has received public attention as a novel treatment for certain psychiatric disorders. While the results are promising, ketamine therapy is still being studied and positive results depend on careful monitoring and guidance from a trained psychiatric professional.
Recognizing the symptoms of ketamine and alcohol misuse — in ourselves and in friends or loved ones — is important for early intervention:
When ketamine is mixed with alcohol, the risks of danger escalate dramatically. Alcohol, a depressant, can amplify ketamine's sedative effects, leading to dangerous levels of respiratory depression. Using both in combination can have many harmful effects.
Recognizing the symptoms of ketamine and alcohol abuse is important for early intervention.
Alcohol with ketamine also increases the risk of overdose due to alcohol’s sedative effects on the body. Look for these signs of potential ketamine/alcohol overdose.
If you or your loved ones are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 or reach out to your healthcare professional right away. Polysubstance abuse makes these effects more dangerous, leading to potential death. The probability of surviving an overdose involving both ketamine and alcohol is influenced by how much you took, your age, your health, and other factors.
Substance abuse is a serious problem, but there are other ways you can work on reclaiming your well-being and live a substance-free life. Read on to find out more!
Effective treatment for ketamine and alcohol abuse requires a comprehensive approach that factors in both parts of the equation. Let’s look at some treatment tools.
Treatment should be tailored to each individual’s specific needs, the severity of their substance use disorder, the presence of co-occurring conditions, and their personal circumstances. Professional help is critical in overcoming ketamine abuse and reclaiming a healthy, substance-free life.
Now that we understand the risks associated with mixing ketamine and alcohol, we can make informed, responsible choices to ensure our safety and the well-being of those around us. Remember: a night of fun should never compromise our health or future. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s help create a culture of awareness and responsibility!
1. What is ketamine, and why is it risky to mix with alcohol?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in both medical and recreational contexts. Mixing it with alcohol is risky because it amplifies the sedative effects, leading to severe respiratory depression, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of accidents.
2. What are the short-term effects of using ketamine?
Short-term effects include altered perception, dissociation, hallucinations, changes in sensory perception, short-term amnesia, and, in high doses, a state called the "K-hole."
3. Can using ketamine and alcohol together affect my mental health?
Yes, combining these substances can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to heightened psychological distress, anxiety, and potential exacerbation of existing mental health conditions.
4. What are some long-term effects of ketamine abuse?
Long-term effects include cognitive impairment, urinary tract and bladder issues, gastrointestinal distress, mental health problems, and the risk of dependency and tolerance.
5. How can I recognize if someone is abusing ketamine and alcohol?
Look for signs like increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, neglect of responsibilities, risky behavior, relationship problems, physical health issues, and deterioration in mental health.
6. What treatments are available for ketamine abuse?
Treatments include medically supervised detoxification, behavioral therapies like CBT, medication-assisted treatment for co-occurring disorders, support groups, addressing co-occurring mental health disorders, making lifestyle changes, and family therapy.
7. How can I protect myself and others from the dangers of mixing ketamine and alcohol?
Educate yourself and others about the risks, monitor substance consumption, avoid mixing substances, have a safety plan when going out, seek professional help if needed, be a responsible friend, and stay informed about local resources.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.