Ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has become a buzzword in mental health treatments. Celebrities like Elon Musk claim its micro dosing benefits depression, while others like the late actor Matthew Perry reportedly tried it. However, growing recreational use of ketamine has raised concerns worldwide, especially in the UK.
Dan, a 26-year-old from the UK, shared his journey of ketamine addiction. What started as a casual recreational activity turned into a daily habit. He used ketamine to cope with his mental health and as a “self-medicating” tool. But the effects were devastating. Dan reported severe side effects like urinating blood, intense stomach pain, memory loss, and the worsening of his mental health.
In the year ending March 2023, a record 299,000 people aged 16–59 in the UK reported ketamine use. This spike has led the UK government to consider reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug, imposing stricter penalties.
Elon Musk, however, has openly supported controlled ketamine use. In a CNN interview, he shared that micro dosing ketamine under a doctor’s guidance helped stabilize his depressive episodes. He takes a small dose every other week to manage his mental health.
Dan’s experience highlights the fine line between medical and recreational use of ketamine. While some advocate for its therapeutic benefits, others warn about the potential risks of addiction and misuse.
The debate continues as experts and governments weigh the benefits of controlled use against the risks of recreational abuse.
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