As medical professionals, we’re committed to promoting the health and well-being of our communities. One of the current critical health crises we face in the U.S. is the alarming rise in illicit ketamine use. A new study has found a staggering 349% increase in seizures of illicit ketamine by drug enforcement agents from 2017 through 2022. As healthcare providers, we must urgently address this trend and explore the necessary steps to curb this menace, ensuring the safety of our workplaces and communities.

Understanding the Ketamine Crisis

Ketamine, classified as a “dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen,” is primarily used in medical settings to induce a state of detachment from pain and environment. However, it has increasingly found its way into the recreational drug scene due to its hallucinogenic properties.

Most illegally obtained ketamine today is not pharmaceutical grade and is usually sold in powder form, which significantly increases the risk of contamination with other potent drugs such as fentanyl. Unintentional exposure to fentanyl is particularly dangerous, with potential consequences ranging from severe health complications to fatal overdose.

This rise in nonmedical and recreational ketamine use is further exacerbated by loosened prescribing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a growing industry of online and off-label ketamine prescribing.

Potential Health Risks

While the risk of overdose from ketamine alone is relatively low, users often report adverse dissociative side effects, such as dizziness or nausea. More ominously, any illegal powder drug, including ketamine, may be contaminated with fentanyl, a powerful opioid that is currently appearing in substances like heroin and cocaine. This makes the current trend in ketamine abuse a ticking time bomb for public health.

Mitigating the Trend

As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to proactively address this rising trend in illicit ketamine use. Here are some recommended steps that can be taken:

• Enhanced Public Awareness: We need to enhance public education and awareness about the dangers of illicit drug use, particularly the risk of contaminants like fentanyl in powdered forms of recreational drugs. Public health campaigns should emphasize the serious risks associated with recreational drug use, especially the potential for addiction, adverse health effects, and fatal overdoses.

• Prescription Oversight: Medical professionals should adhere to strict guidelines when prescribing ketamine, particularly in off-label scenarios. This requires ongoing education to physicians about the potential for misuse and the necessity of careful patient monitoring. Regulatory bodies should also consider revising prescription guidelines in light of the current crisis.

• Accessible Treatment Programs: The provision of accessible and effective treatment programs for those struggling with drug addiction is essential. Such programs should offer evidence-based therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management interventions, that have proven successful in treating substance use disorders.

• Workplace Safety Measures: Employers should implement strict policies against drug use in the workplace and conduct regular drug testing to ensure a safe environment for all employees. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) should be in place to support workers who may be struggling with substance use issues.

• Collaborative Approach: Combating the illicit use of ketamine is a collective responsibility. Healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, educators, employers, and families all have a role to play in tackling this issue.

As we’ve outlined, one critical strategy in tackling the illicit use of ketamine and other substances in our communities and workplaces involves screening and early detection. We are fortunate to live in an era where technology has brought innovative solutions to our fingertips. One such innovation is the advent of rapid immunoassay urine tests for drug screening.

BeingBio, a renowned biotechnology company, has been at the forefront of this innovation with its Drug of Abuse test products. These rapid immunoassay tests have revolutionized how we approach drug testing in the workplace, making it an easy, straightforward, and incredibly accessible process.

These tests are designed to detect a wide range of illicit substances, including but not limited to ketamine, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines. The process is simple: the individual provides a urine sample, which is then exposed to the test kit. If the illicit substance is present in the sample, it will react with the test kit’s components, yielding a visual indication within minutes.

The beauty of these tests lies in their efficiency and accuracy. They are rapid, providing results almost instantly, reducing waiting times, and enabling swift action where necessary. Moreover, they are highly accurate, significantly reducing the likelihood of false positives or negatives.

Employers can thus deploy these tests as a part of a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy. Regular screening can deter potential substance use and provide an opportunity to offer support and treatment to those who may be struggling, contributing to a safer, healthier workplace environment.

By harnessing the power of innovative solutions like BeingBio’s Drug of Abuse test products, we are taking a significant step forward in addressing the crisis of illicit drug use in our communities and workplaces.

The rising trend of illicit ketamine use in the U.S. is a pressing health concern that requires immediate attention. As medical professionals, we must advocate for effective preventive measures, increase public awareness, and promote accessible treatment options. Together, we can reverse this alarming trend and safeguard the health and well-being of our communities.