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Drugs A-Z

- Info & Advice on Drugs In Scotland

Ketamine

Category: Hallucinogen

Also known as: K, Special K, Vitamin K, ket

What it looks like and how it's taken: Usually comes in the form of a white powder (sometimes in tablet form, sold as ecstasy) or a liquid. Can be swallowed, inhaled or injected.

Immediate effects: A powerful anaesthetic used on humans and animals, it can produce 'out of body' experiences, numbness and hallucinations.

Risks:

  • Short term: Can cause problems with vision, loss of coordination, and frightening hallucinations that require assistance and reassurance from others. it's particularly dangerous if used in combination with depressants such as alcohol or heroin. It can make some mental health problems worse.
  • Long term: Prolonged use can cause disorientation and detachment from reality but the long-term effects are not well understood.

Legal status: Possession is not controlled by misuse of drugs legislation, but sale or supply is illegal under the Medicines Act.

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