Patterns of use and harms associated with non-medical ketamine use.
OBJECTIVE
To (1) identify current patterns of non-medical ketamine use; and (2) identify potential harms associated with non-medical ketamine use.


METHODS
Cross sectional survey of lifetime ketamine users.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews took place in public and private settings in Sydney Australia.


METHODS
One Hundred ketamine users.


METHODS
Self-reported experiences with and attitudes towards ketamine use.


RESULTS
Ketamine appeared to be added to an already extensive drug use repertoire of a well-educated and informed sample. Many users reported regularly experiencing effects such as an inability to speak, blurred vision, lack of co-ordination and increased body temperature, which resulted in some either reducing their dose or stopping use.


CONCLUSIONS
Many users had experienced significant negative effects, such that some had either reduced their dose or stopped use altogether and expressed concerns over some others. This study reinforces the need to develop harm minimisation campaigns that match the experiences and attitudes of their target group through careful needs assessment and appropriate evaluation.
Dillon
Paul
P
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, 2052 Sydney, NSW, Australia. p.dillon@unsw.edu.au
Copeland
Jan
J
Jansen
Karl
K
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007649:Ketamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007649:Ketamine