By John W. Herdman, Ph.D. (John Herdman )
Ketamine, a drug once confined to surgical and veterinary settings, is becoming a topic of dual intrigue and concern. While its clinical potential as a breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression has garnered attention, a recent study analyzing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) highlights a dramatic increase in recreational ketamine use among U.S. adults since 2015. This trend reveals complex shifts in usage patterns and associated risks, emphasizing the need for informed public health interventions.
The Numbers Behind the Surge
The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders and led by Dr. Kevin Yang of UC San Diego, reveals an 81.8% rise in past-year recreational ketamine use from 2015 to 2019, followed by a 40% increase between 2021 and 2022. These trends underscore ketamine’s growing presence in recreational settings, often alongside other substances such as MDMA, GHB, and cocaine.
Significantly, patterns of use have shifted over time. Between 2015 and 2019, adults with depression were 80% more likely to use ketamine, reflecting the drug’s growing recognition for its therapeutic potential. However, from 2021 to 2022, the association with depression weakened, with ketamine use increasing predominantly among individuals without depression.
A Demographic Snapshot
The research also highlights notable sociodemographic shifts in ketamine use:
- Adults aged 26-34 are 66% more likely to use ketamine compared to younger adults aged 18-25.
- College graduates are over twice as likely to use ketamine compared to those with only a high school education or less.
These findings suggest that ketamine is becoming more prevalent among older, more educated adults—a demographic likely influenced by the normalization of its clinical benefits and its association with experimental social settings.
Risks of Polydrug Use
Ketamine’s recreational use often intersects with other substances, amplifying risks, particularly when mixed with opioids. Polydrug use not only increases the likelihood of harmful side effects but also complicates overdose prevention efforts. Public health experts emphasize the importance of education campaigns targeting younger adults and social environments where polydrug use is prevalent.
A Dual Narrative
Ketamine’s emergence as a promising treatment for mental health disorders like depression and PTSD has redefined its image. However, this narrative must be balanced against the risks of unmonitored recreational use. While medical ketamine is administered in controlled settings, recreational use lacks such safeguards, leading to potential misuse, dependency, and adverse health outcomes.
Public Health Implications
As ketamine’s popularity grows, the study’s authors recommend several proactive measures:
- Targeted Prevention Outreach: Colleges and social settings where young adults congregate are critical venues for awareness campaigns about the risks of recreational ketamine use and the dangers of combining it with other substances.
- Polydrug Education: Clear messaging on the harms of mixing ketamine with drugs like opioids or stimulants is essential for reducing overdose risks.
- Ongoing Surveillance: Monitoring trends in ketamine use and identifying emerging patterns will help tailor public health strategies and inform policy decisions.
Moving Forward
Ketamine’s rise as both a therapeutic agent and a recreational drug illustrates the complex interplay of medical innovation and public health challenges. Balancing its clinical promise with prevention and education efforts is essential. By staying vigilant and proactive, public health professionals can mitigate risks while ensuring the safe and effective use of this multifaceted substance.
References:
- Yang, Kevin H., et al. Trends and characteristics in ketamine use among US adults with and without depression, 2015–2022, Journal of Affective Disorders (Volume 373, 15 March 2025, Pages 345-352).
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), data trends.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (Study Support).