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What is the K Hole ?
Sep
What is the K Hole ?
K-hole is the feeling of getting a high enough dose of ketamine to experience a state of dissociation. This intense detachment from reality is often a consequence of accidental overconsumption of ketamine; however, some users consciously seek out the k-hole as they find the powerful dissociative effects to be quite pleasurable and enlightening. Regardless of the subjective experiences of k-holing, there are many psychological and physical risks associated with such high levels of ketamine consumption.
Recreational usage
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist, developed in the 1960s to induce anesthesia in patients but recreational users have found great appeal in its antidepressant, dissociative and hallucinatory effects that are characteristic of the k-hole experience.Whereas the common recreational dose of ketamine is approximately 30–75 mg, a dose of more than 150 mg is required to enter the k-hole.
Experiences
The experience of k-hole varies greatly for each individual. The intensity and length are influenced by the users’ current mental state, previous experience and drug dosage.Ketamine induces dose-related effects that include distortion of time and space, hallucinations and mild dissociative effects. During k-hole, users experience an enhanced detachment from the environment, resulting in an inability to respond to surroundings and move their bodies functionally. During these states, perception seems to lie deep within consciousness so that the reality of the “outside” world appears to reside in the distance. A high number of recreational users report that the most appealing effects of this experience are “melting into surroundings”, “visual hallucinations”, “out of body experience” and “giggliness”. By contrast, the least frequent and most negative effects include near-death experiences, astral travel and alien phenomena. Physical health problems, like the so-called “K-cramps” and gastric pain, and unappealing mental side-effects, like “memory loss” and “decreased sociability” are also reported post-k-hole.
Despite its addictive risks, ketamine is considered by many to be “harmless” and thus a “drug of choice”. Recreational users seem to be in discord about the k-hole. Many individuals describe it as a fascinating life-changing experience and a spiritual journey resulting in some form of spiritual realization. They state that this experience provided clairvoyance and assisted them to get through mental disorders like depression and social anxiety. About half of the recreational users describe the k-hole as a positive experience, as it provides “a short escape from their daily problems”. Even though some people seem to enjoy and actively look for the k-hole, for many it is still an unwanted side effect of an overdose of ketamine.
K-Hole Symptoms
A k-hole can be frightening and induce strong feelings of powerlessness. This may be especially intense if your ability to speak is affected. When in a k-hole, it can be frustrating if someone is trying to communicate with you and you can’t respond.
To others, someone in a k-hole may simply look immobile and intoxicated, although their eyes may move around.3 This is an effect known as nystagmus. Other k-hole symptoms include marked confusion, unexplainable experiences, floating sensations, and mind/body dissociation.
Ketamine Effects
One of the risks of falling into a k-hole is difficulty coming out of the dissociative state. Some people continue to feel disconnected from the world around them (and from their life), and may even develop ongoing symptoms of psychosis.4
Ketamine can have effects on the brain, heart, and more. Short-term side effects of taking ketamine can include:5
- Dilated pupils
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Increased salivation and tear secretions
- Involuntary rapid eye movement
- Muscle stiffening
- Nausea
Long-term side effects of taking ketamine frequently and/or at high doses include:6
- Bladder problems
- Cardiac issues
- Cognitive effects
- Seizures7
How Does Ketamine Work?
While researchers are still learning more about how ketamine works, some of its effects are believed to stem from blocking glutamate receptors in the brain.8 Glutamate is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters found in the body that helps regulate important parts of the nervous system.
Overstimulation of the glutamate pathways in the brain may contribute to the onset of depression. Because of this, ketamine has attracted attention as a possble treatment for the condition.
However, it is important to note that ketamine is a controlled substance categorized as a Schedule III drug.9 It is commonly used as an anesthetic in major and minor surgical procedures. It is legal when prescribed by a licensed medical professional, and illegal when used recreationally.
Why People Take Ketamine
Like other substances, some people use ketamine as a way to cope with distress or as a way to self-treat feelings of depression. Others use ketamine recreationally at dance parties and raves.
However, it is important to only use ketamine under the direction and supervision of the doctor to avoid unwanted short or long-term side effects.
Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatments that will work best for your needs.
Ketamine and Depression
A review of several studies found that ketamine, at the proper dose, is a fast-acting antidepressant, often reaching maximum efficacy at 24 hours.10 This can appeal to people with depressive symptoms, especially when many antidepressants take weeks to months before any changes are noticed.
Research has shown that people who use ketamine more heavily tend to be more depressed than occasional users.11 It’s not clear whether the depression is caused by ketamine use and its impacts on people’s lives, or if people who are already depressed are more vulnerable to ketamine misuse as a form of self-medication.
If you have been trying to escape negative feelings by taking non-prescription drugs like ketamine, consider talking to your healthcare provider about your treatment options. Ketamine may be one option, but there may be something better suited for you.
Treating depression or other psychiatric symptoms with ketamine should only be done under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional and with a valid prescription such as Spravato, a nasal spray that contains a metabolite of ketamine (esketamine). Ketamine infusion clinics are gaining popularity and provide off-label treatment for treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Ketamine Addiction
People tend to develop a tolerance to ketamine quickly, which means it requires more of the substance to produce the same effects. Ketamine can be safe when used as prescribed in clinical settings, but misuse may lead to psychological dependence.
Symptoms of ketamine addiction can include:
- Changes in appetite
- Chronic bladder problems
- Drug cravings
- Fatigue
- Feelings of anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Low mood
- Nightmares
- Problems with concentration and memory
People who have a psychological dependence or addiction to ketamine may also find it difficult to function normally in their daily life. It can interfere with important daily tasks including school, work, social relationships, and family life.
