Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a recent interview revealed to a journalist that he uses ketamine. He told the journalist that it helps him run Tesla and SpaceX and added that he takes the drug under supervision.
Let’s have a look at what is ketamine.
Ketamine, originally developed as an anaesthetic, has garnered attention in recent years for its varied uses beyond the operating room. While it remains a valuable tool in medical settings, its recreational use and potential for abuse have also raised concerns.
Understanding the complexities of ketamine is crucial to grasp its full impact on individuals and society.
What is ketamine
Ketamine is a potent dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic properties. It was first synthesised in the 1960s and quickly gained popularity as a surgical anaesthetic due to its rapid onset and relatively short duration of action.
It works primarily by blocking the transmission of signals between the conscious mind and the sensory organs, inducing a trance-like state.
Medical uses
In medical settings, ketamine continues to serve as a valuable tool for anaesthesia, particularly in emergency and veterinary medicine. Additionally, its unique properties have led to its exploration in treating various psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ketamine infusion therapy, administered under medical supervision, has shown promising results in rapidly alleviating symptoms in treatment-resistant patients.
Recreational use
The drug is sometimes abused for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. Commonly referred to as “Special K” or simply “K,” it is often snorted, injected, or ingested orally. Recreational users seek its euphoric and psychedelic effects, which can include altered perceptions of time and space, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment from reality.
Effects of ketamine
Ketamine affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of physiological and psychological effects. Physically, it can cause sedation, numbness and impaired motor function. Mentally, users may experience dissociation, altered sensory perception, and changes in mood. In high doses, ketamine can induce a state known as the “K-hole,” characterized by profound dissociation and hallucinations.
Risks and side effects
While the drug is generally considered safe when used under medical supervision, recreational use carries significant risks.
Chronic abuse can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Long-term use may also result in cognitive impairment, bladder dysfunction, and other health complications.
Moreover, the illicit production and distribution of ketamine pose additional dangers, as purity and dosage levels are often uncertain.
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