You may have heard the word k-hole thrown around in a conversation about drugs, but what exactly is it? For people who are not familiar with drugs, a k hole is a state of high that can be experienced when abusing the drug ketamine.
Ketamine hydrochloride, also known as K, Special K, or Kit-Kat, is a drug used for anesthesia. It is classified under the class of drugs referred to as dissociative anesthetics.
The problem, however, is that ketamine is also a popular drug that is being used recreationally. And when ketamine is abused, it could lead to serious side effects. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss what a k-hole is, its effects, and the potential dangers of ketamine use.
1. A K-Hole Is Often Compared to an Out-of-body Experience
A k-hole or k-holing is a state wherein someone slips into this dissociative state and becomes detached from reality. When the drug ketamine is abused in high doses, users reportedly experience hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.
What does a k-hole feel like? For some users, they say that a k-hole is an intense sensation that feels like being separated from your body. They describe it as a “near-death” or “out-of-body” experience. However, there are also people who say that being in a k-hole can be terrifying as it feels like you’re in a zombie-like state.
While a k-hole is usually achieved by taking in large doses of the drug, some users report that this can happen even in small doses. The effects differ from person to person, and on how much drug is taken.
2. A K-hole Can Last for 10 Minutes to 1 Hour
The length of time the effects of ketamine can be felt depends on the method of its administration. When ketamine is ingested, a user will feel the effects of the drug within 20 minutes. However, when injected or snorted, the effects will kick in faster.
When snorted, the effects can be felt within five to ten minutes. If injected, the user can feel the effects in just 30 to 60 seconds. These effects usually last for 45 to 90 minutes. Someone experiencing a k-hole may be in this state for 10 minutes to 1 hour.
3. A K-Hole Can Produce Intense Psychological Side Effects
Many recreational users of ketamine do not realize that this drug can cause not only short-term but also long-term side effects. According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the k–hole effect can produce schizophrenia-like symptoms.
Aside from this, abusing ketamine can also lead to delusional thinking, memory problems, extreme panic, anxiety, depression, paranoia, and dissociation.
4. Being in a K-Hole Can Make Your Body Feel Numb
Aside from experiencing the hallucinogenic effects caused by ketamine abuse, it is not uncommon to experience physical side effects as well. Feeling nauseous, dizzy, and having changes in heart rate and blood pressure are usually felt.
What is more disturbing is that when someone is in a k-hole, they could experience numbness and loss of body coordination. These effects make it difficult for them to speak or move.
Ketamine has the ability to shut off the connection between the brain and the body, making it dangerous for the users. This can cause accidents where the users can fall and injure themselves. Ketamine has also been used as a date rape drug wherein it is slipped into drinks of unknowing victims.
5. Scientists Found That Ketamine Could Cause the Brain to Go Offline
With k-holes being likened to near-death and out-of-body experience, many people wonder why this is so. Researchers from the University of Cambridge conducted a study involving ketamine by measuring the brain waves of sedated animals.
The scientists found that when a number of sheep were given a high dose of ketamine, the brain activity of 5 out of 6 sheep completely stopped within two minutes of receiving the dose. The assessment was that after getting ketamine, it was not just reduced brain activity that the sheep experienced, instead, the brains of the sheep completely stopped.
The researchers likened it to the brains being switched on and off. According to them, this brain wave measurement of the sheep that were sedated with ketamine could explain why the drug delivers a state of oblivion and out-of-body experience.
Treatment for Ketamine Abuse
Ketamine abuse is a growing problem in the United States. It has been on the rise for years, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The drug can cause significant damage to your brain and other body systems if you use too much or use it often enough over an extended period of time.
If you or a loved one is struggling with ketamine abuse, we can help. We have treatment options that work with ketamine dependence which will allow you to overcome addiction.
