Celia Morgan & Milena Marinković - We need to talk about ketamine

Ketamine is a unique substance that occupies an unusual position in modern medicine and recreational use. Having originated as an anesthetic, its dissociative effects generated significant cultural interest alongside growing scientific recognition as a rapid-acting antidepressant. Despite its potential, rising popularity and misuse have led to concerns about physical health risks, such as bladder damage. Therapeutic applications, such as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder, highlight the importance of structured medical support. Evidence indicates that when administered safely within a clinical framework, ketamine provides significant benefits, whereas unsupervised recreational use risks exacerbating problems like substance dependence. Ongoing research to track usage trends and patient outcomes is essential for ensuring that ketamine provides a safe foundation for future psychedelic medicine rather than harming public perception.