Use of ketamine in France: recent trends (2012-2013)

In 2012-2013, the TREND network sites reported a continued spread of ketamine use in both the alternative party scene (including other settings such as clubs and discotheques) and the urban setting (among marginalised users), owing to the improved image of this drug which subsequently allays fears.

Ketamine is a veterinary and human anaesthetic being used in the medical field since the early 1960s. Some drug users seek the exhilarating, intoxicating and “numbing” effects ketamine produces at low doses, while a smaller fraction of users experiment with higher doses and experience hallucinations and mind-body dissociation.

Ketamine is found in liquid form, and is naturally colourless and odourless. It is also found as small, white crystals that, once “cooked“, are transformed into a powder form. Since 2008 and 2009, the use of ketamine has been on the rise beyond the circles in which it is traditionally used. It is also known, among other names, as “Ket“, “K“, “K2“, “Special K“, “Kit kat“, “Cat tranquillisers“ and “Cat Valium“.