Dangers of mixing Ketamine and Alcohol

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic used medically to relieve pain and induce sedation, particularly in surgery and emergency settings. It’s known for its fast-acting properties, making it effective in trauma situations. Ketamine is also used in smaller doses to treat severe depression when other treatments have failed, as it has rapid antidepressant effects.

However, due to its dissociative properties, it carries risks of misuse and addiction when not monitored properly.

Why do people mix ketamine and alcohol?

With the rise in ketamine use in the UK over the past few years, it’s no surprise that some are combining it with a popular, easily accessible drug like alcohol. However, as with many reasons behind drug use, there’s rarely a straightforward explanation.

Below, we take a look at some of the reasons people may mix ketamine and alcohol:

Seeking a stronger high

Many individuals mix ketamine and alcohol to intensify the effects of both substances. Ketamine, known for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, combined with alcohol, which is a depressant, can lead to a feeling of being disconnected from reality while also experiencing heightened relaxation.

This potent combination may be sought after by people looking for a more powerful high that either drug can provide on its own.

Lowering inhibitions

Alcohol is well-known for its ability to reduce inhibitions, and when mixed with ketamine, it can make people feel even more uninhibited. Some might drink alcohol to feel more comfortable or to lower social anxiety before taking ketamine, which then enhances their ability to let go mentally and emotionally.

This can be dangerous because both substances impair judgement, increasing the risk of risky behaviours.

Escape from reality

People may also turn to this combination as a way to escape stress, trauma or negative emotions. Mixing ketamine with alcohol can produce a state of detachment, where one feels removed from the real world and one’s problems.

This escapism, while offering temporary relief, often leads to physical and mental harm, particularly as the effects of the two drugs wear off, leaving the individual in a worse emotional state.

Influence of social circles

In social settings, especially parties or clubs, the combination of ketamine and alcohol may be encouraged or normalised. Some people may try mixing these substances due to peer influence or because they see others doing it.

The casual nature of certain social circles can downplay the risks of mixing drugs, leading individuals to feel it’s a common or even harmless practice.

Lack of awareness of risks

Finally, many people mix ketamine and alcohol without fully understanding the dangers involved. While alcohol and ketamine each carry their own risks, their combined use can have unpredictable and dangerous effects.

Alcohol can amplify the dissociative effects of ketamine, leading to extreme confusion, memory loss and an increased risk of accidents or overdose.

Is it dangerous to mix ketamine and alcohol?

Mixing ketamine and alcohol can be dangerous due to the compounded effects of both substances. Here’s a breakdown of the risks:

Short-term dangers

Long-term dangers

Can you overdose on ketamine and alcohol?

Yes, it’s possible to overdose on ketamine and alcohol. This means that it’s important to recognise the signs of overdose as early as possible to get medical help immediately. Common symptoms of a ketamine and alcohol overdose include:

• Severe confusion and disorientation
• Loss of consciousness or blackouts
• Slurred speech and extreme drowsiness
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Dangerously slow heart rate
• Vomiting, with the risk of choking
• Hallucinations or dissociative states
• Inability to respond or wake up
• Seizures
• Coma

If these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical assistance right away.

I’ve already mixed ketamine and alcohol- What should I do?

Advice for if you’ve mixed a small amount of ketamine and alcohol

If you’ve only consumed a small amount of ketamine and alcohol, you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness or confusion. In this case, it’s crucial to stay calm and be in a safe environment where you won’t get hurt if you lose balance. If you’re feeling slightly out of control, find a comfortable space to lie down and let your body rest. Drink water to stay hydrated, but avoid having more alcohol or ketamine.

Advice for if you’ve consumed a large amount of ketamine and alcohol

If you or someone you know has consumed a large amount of both substances, the situation is much more serious. Ketamine and alcohol can dangerously suppress your breathing and impair motor functions. Watch for signs of trouble, such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness. If these signs appear, call emergency services immediately.

Most importantly, try to keep the person conscious by talking to them, making sure their airway is clear, and if they’re unconscious, place them in the recovery position to prevent choking.

My ketamine and alcohol usage is worrying me- what can I do?

If you feel as though your relationship with alcohol and ketamine is becoming problematic, recognising the need for help is one of the most important steps you can take toward recovery. By reaching out for support, you can gain clarity on the situation and begin addressing it in a safe, structured environment.

Oasis Runcorn offers a comprehensive programme for ketamine and alcohol addiction. Upon arrival, a tailored treatment plan is created after a thorough assessment. The detox ensures the safe management of any withdrawal symptoms that you may encounter.

Following detox, therapies like DBT, 1-on-1 counselling, group therapy and holistic treatments help address addiction’s root causes. The programme ends with aftercare services, which ensure ongoing recovery and lasting sobriety.

For more information, reach out to Oasis Runcorn for further advice and the chance to regain your life from the clutches of ketamine and alcohol addiction.