Ketamine Addiction: Results from a Survey in Problematic Users and Service Providers.

Hintergrund und Fragestellung: Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic traditionally used in surgery and more recently in psychiatric care, has gained recreational popularity due to its euphoric, hallucinogenic, and dissociative properties. The escalating prevalence of ketamine abuse has prompted concerns regarding the recognition of dependence, the availability of effective treatment options, and the comparably little understanding of ketamine use disorder compared to other substances.

Methoden/Erläuterung des Versorgungsprojektes: We conducted a survey reaching over 500 individuals who identify as having problematic ketamine use, with approximately 20% of respondents being treatment-seeking. This survey was distributed online via social media as well as via addiction treatment service providers and aims to reveal attitudes and motivations to use ketamine, consumption patterns, physical and psychological symptoms of problematic ketamine use, and perceptions of available addiction treatment options.

Ergebnisse/Erfahrungen, Erwartungen: Preliminary results underscore an urgent need for the medical community and addiction treatment services to recognise and address ketamine use disorder more effectively. Our findings indicate a significant gap in the awareness and understanding of ketamine’s addictive potential, both among users and healthcare providers. Respondents highlighted a lack of education surrounding the risks of ketamine use and pointed to the inadequacy of current treatment options.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: There is a clear necessity for the development of comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to the specific needs of individuals struggling with ketamine use disorder. By raising awareness and advocating for research-driven treatment strategies, this study aims to pave the way for more effective interventions, ultimately improving success rates in treating ketamine dependence.

Offenlegung von Interessenskonflikten sowie Förderungen: Ich und die Koautorinnen und Koautoren erklären, dass während der letzten 3 Jahre keine wirtschaftlichen Vorteile oder persönlichen Verbindungen bestanden, welche die Arbeit zum eingereichten Abstract beeinflusst haben könnten.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 September 2024