Slate News What Next: TBD | This Is Your Brain On Ketamine
Mar 30, 2025
Shayla Love, a science journalist known for her insightful reporting on ketamine, dives into its fascinating dual nature in this discussion. She reveals how ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has evolved into a controversial treatment for depression, sparking both intrigue and concern in mental health and tech circles. Love explores the psychological risks tied to recreational use versus therapeutic applications. Plus, she shares the implications of this ‘ketamine revolution’ on wellness culture, revealing both the promises and perils of this complex treatment.
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Ketamine as Anesthetic
- Lizzie O'Leary witnessed a teenager being given ketamine in an ER.
- It was used as an anesthetic before his dislocated thumb was treated.
Ketamine's Dual Use
- Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and for depression (Spravato).
- High doses or regular use raise concerns about brain impact.
K-Hole Explained
- High doses of ketamine, often used recreationally, can cause a K-hole.
- It's a state of dissociation and detachment from surroundings.