Ketamine Analogues: A Growing Health Risk in France
This article details the increasing dangers associated with ketamine analogues (also known as new synthetic products or NPS) in France. Here’s a breakdown of the key data:
What are Ketamine Analogues?
They are synthetic drugs with chemical structures and effects similar to ketamine, a psychotropic anesthetic used medically.
Ketamine itself is a controlled substance, but these analogues circumvent regulations.
They produce hallucinations, dissociative states (distorted perception of self and surroundings), and in high doses, can cause “K-Hole” (loss of consciousness and feeling of detachment from the body).
Rising Concerns & Risks:
Increased Poisonings: Cases of poisoning related to these substances have significantly increased between 2017 and 2023 (39 reported cases, with 6 resulting in death).
Serious Health consequences: A majority of reported cases (66%) were serious, requiring hospitalization.
Overdose Risk: There’s a high risk of fatal overdose, especially when combined with othre drugs (polyconsumption).
Detection Difficulties: These molecules are frequently enough not detected in standard drug tests, delaying appropriate medical care during emergencies.
Withdrawal Syndrome: Stopping repeated use can lead to anxiety, sleep problems, and potentially severe urinary and liver complications.
Signs of Overdose:
Discomfort
Altered consciousness
abnormal movements (convulsions, agitation)
Delusions of persecution
What to do in Case of Emergency:
Call for help promptly: 112, 15, 18 (or 114 for the hearing impaired).
Resources for Help:
drogues-info-service.fr: Provides information and support for addiction management.
Consult a doctor or addiction specialist.
Challenges in Monitoring:
NPS are constantly evolving, making epidemiological tracking and detection in biological samples difficult for toxicologists.
Source: ANSM (French National Agency for the safety of Medicines and Health Products), French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Trends, and Lille University Hospital.
