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A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has revealed a dramatic rise in recreational ketamine use among U.S. adults, prompting new concerns about the broader impact of the substance. The study, conducted by Dr. Kevin Yang, a third-year resident physician at UC San Diego School of Medicine, analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and found that the past-year recreational use of ketamine among adults has soared by 81.8% between 2015 and 2019, with a further 40% increase observed between 2021 and 2022.
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, has shown potential in treating several mental illnesses, including treatment-resistant depression, in clinical trials. However, the rise in recreational use is raising alarms about the possible risks associated with unmonitored consumption, especially as the substance becomes more widely available for medical purposes. The study calls for continued surveillance of recreational ketamine use trends to strike a balance between its clinical benefits and the dangers of misuse.
Key Findings:
- From 2015 to 2019, the overall use of recreational ketamine among adults increased by 81.8%, with a 40% rise from 2021 to 2022.
- In 2015-2019, adults with depression were 80% more likely to have used ketamine in the past year, but this association weakened in later years. By 2021-2022, ketamine use was more prevalent among individuals without depression.
- Adults aged 26-34 were 66% more likely to have used ketamine in 2021-2022 compared to those aged 18-25.
- College-educated adults were more than twice as likely to have used ketamine compared to those with only a high school education or less.
- The use of ketamine was also more common among individuals who consumed other substances, such as ecstasy/MDMA, GHB, and cocaine.
Dr. Yang and his team emphasize the importance of expanding prevention efforts, particularly in college settings where younger adults may be at greater risk. They also highlight the need for greater education about the dangers of polydrug use, especially when combined with opioids.
As medical ketamine use continues to expand, the researchers urge public health officials to monitor recreational use closely and to investigate the factors contributing to its increasing prevalence. The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
Related Topics:
- Health & Medicine
- Mental Health Research
- Public Health Education
- Controlled Substances
- Illegal Drugs
- Depression
The full study, titled “Trends and Characteristics in Ketamine Use Among U.S. Adults with and Without Depression, 2015–2022,” is available in the latest issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders.
For more information, visit the original materials provided by the University of California – San Diego.
