Recreational Ketamine Use among Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: Demographics, Motivations, and Polysubstance Use.

Among 301 treatment-seeking individuals with opioid use disorder, 28.6% reported lifetime ketamine use. Ketamine use was more common among males and less common in rural locations. Most respondents used ketamine for psychoactive effects, and nearly half used it to self-treat physical or mental health problems, including mitigating opioid withdrawal or cravings. Polysubstance use involving ketamine was prevalent, with marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, MDMA, hallucinogens, and both prescription and illicit opioids commonly co-used. Negative experiences, including central nervous system complications and mental distress, were reported by 32.1% of those who used ketamine. Motivations for use varied, and such behaviors may increase risks of psychiatric or physical health conditions, including overdose or death.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Data show that recreational ketamine use appears to be increasing. This study aimed to understand how ketamine fits into broader polysubstance use in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Survey data were collected from a sample of treatment-seeking individuals with OUD in March 2022. Of 301 respondents, 28.6% reported lifetime ketamine use. Ketamine use was more frequently reported among males (61.9% vs. 37%; p < 0.001) and less frequently reported among individuals in rural locations (33.6% vs 15.7%; p < 0.002). Most respondents (70.9%) used ketamine to achieve a desired psychoactive effect, and 46.4% used to self-treat a physical or mental health problem, including mental distress symptoms and mitigating opioid withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Polysubstance use involving ketamine was prevalent (70.7%) and included marijuana (64.9%), alcohol (61.4%), cocaine (36.8%), MDMA (36.8%), hallucinogens (31.6%), prescription opioids (29.8%), and illicit opioids (29.8%). Negative experiences while using ketamine were reported by 32.1% and included central nervous system complications and mental distress. Among this sample of individuals with OUD, motivations for ketamine use are varied and polysubstance use is common. Such behaviors, even when attempting to self-treat OUD or other health problems may place individuals at risk for psychiatric or physical health conditions, including overdose or death.