Social - Stigma associated with ketamine use?

[ironmics]

Around here, no one knows what ketamine is, SWIM has been wanting to try it and has been open about it, but no one knows what it is or where to get it. This is somewhat who doesn't live in Eugene by the way.

[rupert]

Originally Posted by ironmics

Around here, no one knows what ketamine is, SWIM has been wanting to try it and has been open about it, but no one knows what it is or where to get it. This is somewhat who doesn't live in Eugene by the way.

I'm not sure how long it's "been around for" , but I had never heard of it until ...hmmm 2001 or 02 and since then increasingly more. I could imagine that it getting popular fairly recently could come witha a "fear of the newcomer" reaction, adding to the stigma. (All of a sudden there were some headlines in the newspaper scandalising it.)
It's just a thought, it might have been big for years, just that I never knew that kind of people.

[PingoTango]

Ketamine has been floating around since the 1960s (google John C. Lilly), but has until very recently been relatively obscure as a recreational drug.

Recently it became popular on the rave scene, due in part to it's novelty of effect, low price and the fact that no chemistry knowledge is required to knock up a batch of snortable powder from easily obtainable pharmaceutical or veterinary grade liquid ketamine - these factors make it a popular alternative to MDMA, the quality of which has plummeted since the early days of the scene in the late 80s/early 90s, in pill form at least.

[Masa]

wait fo ra few actors and pop stars to get nicked doing it then it will get some cool points : )

[enquirewithin]

Pete Doherty has managed to get nicked for it (amongst other drugs), but that probably does nothing for it's reputation.

A problem with ketamine is that it can be very psychologically addictive and, with careless use, can lead to accidents (basically falling over or drowning). To the ignorant, it can feel like it's killing you, although fatal overdosing is almost unheard of.

Keeping it out the spotlight is good. In southern China, it is very popular as a club drug, snorted in small amounts. It doesn't seem to cause serious social problems used that way.

[fonogoodreason]

to be fair ket is just a bit weird for your average drug user who just wants a buzz, high or laugh.

swim's not really a fan of it to be honest although it was very interesting and he will try it again sometime (has done it twice). swim is mainly not keen on the come down where swim feels 'fucking weird'. swim cannot understand the appeal of doing k 'out' at a club or rave either.

[enquirewithin]

^Feeling 'fucking weird' is what it's all about, or so SWIM says! Some say it's about the most euphoric and weird drug there is, but it's an acquired taste and seems to only appeal to some.

[Lettish]

Swim doesn't feel like there is a come down to ketamine, probably because he sleeps right after using it. Mind you, saying that, Swim does have very disturbed sleep after ketamine use, usually is very hot, sweaty, tossing and turning, probably due to the combination of sleep, dreaming and CEVs. But the "feeling weird" is what it's all about.