Introduction
Have you ever wondered what ketamine is and why people use it? Ketamine is a drug that can be used by doctors as an anaesthetic, but it can also be misused as a recreational drug.
In this blog, I will explain what ketamine is, what it looks like, its effects, the laws around it in New Zealand, and ways teenagers can make safe decisions around drugs.
1. what is the drug called?
The drug I have chosen is ketamine.
Ketamine is a dissociative drug. This means it can make a person feel separated from their body or surroundings.
3.Names it has
Ketamine has a few different names, including:
- K
- Ket
- Special K
- Kit Kat
4.What is ketamine
Ketamine is a drug that affects the brain and nervous system.Doctors can use it as an anaesthetic, which means it can make people less aware of pain and what is happening around them.
However, when ketamine is used without medical supervision,it can be dangerous. It can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, movement and awareness.
5.what does ketamine look like
Ketamine can come in different forms.
It can be found as:
- A white or off-white powder
- A liquid
- Pills or tablets
It just remember that you cannot always tell what an illegal drug contains just by looking at it.
6.How is ketamine used?
Ketamine can be given by medical professionals when it is being used as a medicine. When it is misused, people may take it in different ways, including swallowing, snorting or injecting it. Using ketamine without medical supervision can be dangerous because people may not know exactly what they are taking or how strong it is.
7.Why might teenagers use it?
There are lots of reasons why teenagers might try drugs. Three possible reasons are:
Peer pressure
A teenager might try a drug because their friends are doing it and they don’t want to feel left out.
Curiosity
Someone might be curious about what taking a drug feels like after hearing about it from friends or social media.
Stress or problems
Some people might use drugs because they are trying to escape from stress, difficult feelings or problems in their lives.
8.What are the positives and negatives?
positive effects
Ketamine is what Doctors can use as an anaesthetic and for pain relief.
They use it in controlled medical situations where doctors can monitor the person.
it is different from using ketamine for fun.
Short-term negative effects
Ketamine can cause:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Poor coordination
- Hallucinations
- Feeling disconnected from reality
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety or panic
- Problems with movement
someone who has taken ketamine may not be able to think or move normally. This could increase their chance of getting hurt.
Long-term negative effects
Regular or heavy ketamine use can cause problems such as:
- Memory problems
- Problems concentrating
- Mood changes
- Dependence
- Problems with the bladder
- Pain when urinating
- Liver and kidney problems
One serious problem linked to heavy ketamine use is damage to the bladder.
9.
Ketamine is a Class C controlled drug in New Zealand.
There are several laws that apply to ketamine.
Law 1 – Possession
It is illegal to unlawfully possess a controlled drug such as ketamine.
Law 2 – Supplying or selling
It is illegal to supply, sell or deal in controlled drugs.
Law 3 – Drug driving
Driving after taking drugs can be dangerous and illegal. Ketamine is included in New Zealand’s drug-driving testing system.
The exact punishment depends on the offence and the circumstances or it could be a big fine
10.How can teenagers stay safe around ketamine?
There are several things teenagers can do to protect themselves.
Say no
You don’t have to take a drug just because someone else is doing it.
You could simply say:
“No thanks, I don’t want to.”
Stay with people you trust
Spend time with friends who respect your choices and won’t pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do.
Have an exit plan
If you are somewhere where drugs are being used, have a way to leave or contact a trusted adult.
Talk to someone
If you are worried about drugs or someone is pressuring you, talk to a parent, teacher, counsellor or another trusted adult.
Don’t drive after taking drugs
Drugs can affect your reaction time, coordination and judgement.
We can think about hauora using Te Whare Tapa Whā.
Taha tinana – Physical wellbeing
Ketamine can affect your body by causing dizziness, poor coordination and other physical problems.
Taha hinengaro – Mental and emotional wellbeing
Ketamine can affect your thoughts and feelings and can cause confusion, anxiety or hallucinations.
Taha whānau – Relationships
Drug use can cause problems with friends, family and other relationships.
Taha wairua – Values and beliefs
Making safe decisions can help you feel confident about yourself and stay true to your values.
Conclusion
Ketamine is a drug that has important medical uses, but using it recreationally can be dangerous.
It can cause short-term effects such as confusion, dizziness and hallucinations. Regular or heavy use can also cause serious health problems.
In New Zealand, ketamine is a Class C controlled drug, and there are laws about possessing, supplying and driving while affected by drugs.
The most important thing I learned is that it is okay to say no. Looking after your hauora and making your own decisions is more important than giving in to peer pressure.
Sources
- Health New Zealand – Ketamine
- New Zealand Police – Illicit Drugs, Offences and Penalties
- New Zealand Legislation – Misuse of Drugs Act
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation – Ketamine
11.Decision-Making Scenario
The situation
It is the start of interval. Your friend texts you and asks you to meet them at the back of the field to use ketamine with them.
| Option | Consequences | Feelings | Why? |
| 1. Go and use ketamine. | I could become confused, sick or lose control of my movements. I could also get into trouble at school. | I might feel excited at first but could later feel worried, sick or regretful. | This could harm my physical and mental wellbeing. |
| 2. Go but say no to the ketamine. | I wouldn’t take the drug, but my friend might pressure me to change my mind. | I might feel awkward but also proud that I said no. | It is safer than taking the drug, but I could still be around an unsafe situation. |
| 3. Say no and stay at school. | I avoid taking ketamine and stay away from the situation. | I might feel nervous at first but relieved afterwards. | This is the safest option for my hauora because I am protecting myself from the risks of the drug. |
My Decision
I would choose option 3.
I would tell my friend that I don’t want to take ketamine and stay at school. I could also tell a trusted adult if I was worried about my friend. I think this is best for my hauora because it protects my physical health, mental health, relationships and future.