• For 24/7 Treatment Help Call

    (800) 526-5053

  • K-Hole | Meaning, Experiences, & Effects

    Published on October 11, 2021
    K-Hole | Meaning, Experiences, & Effects

    Ketamine, also called ket or special K, is an anesthetic drug with hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. It’s usually used for sedation and pain relief, though it’s also shown promise as an antidepressant nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. 

    Common side effects of ketamine include dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. 

    Many people use ketamine as a recreational drug, specifically a “party drug” at clubs and raves. When you use the drug in a manner not prescribed by a doctor, you could become addicted to it. You may also experience a ketamine hole, also known as a k-hole.

    What Is A K-Hole?

    A k-hole is a dissociative state that can occur when you take high doses of ketamine. In most cases, the experience starts within 1 minute if you injected the drug, within 10 minutes if you snorted it, and within 20 minutes if you ingested it in pill form. 

    What Does A K-Hole Feel Like?

    The specific experience of a k-hole depends on factors such as dosage, how you ingested the drug, and whether you mixed the drug with other substances. 

    Out-Of-Body Experience

    Most people describe a k-hole as a state of intense dissociation or an out-of-body experience in which you can’t respond to people or objects in your environment

    Some individuals find this experience neutral or pleasant. They may feel like they’re dreaming, “melting” into their surroundings or teleporting to another place. 

    Near-Death Experience

    Others describe a k-hole as a frightening, near-death experience. They might say it’s similar to a bad “trip” on another hallucinogen, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms.

    Side Effects 

    A k-hole can cause distressing side effects such as:

    • intense panic
    • extreme dizziness
    • trouble walking 
    • numbness and inability to move or speak
    • paranoia
    • hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there)
    • nausea and/or vomiting
    • short-term memory loss
    • agitation, which may lead to violent behavior

    Typically, a k-hole lasts about 45 to 90 minutes. However, some people feel the effects for several hours or days. 

    Effects Of A K-Hole

    A k-hole poses many health risks. For example, if you have trouble walking, you might fall or slip and get a serious injury. Similarly, if you have nausea but can’t move, you could choke on your vomit. 

    In addition, if you can’t move or speak, you may face a higher risk of sexual assault. In fact, ketamine is often called a “date rape drug” because some sexual predators use it to sedate victims before assaulting them. 

    Flashbacks

    Once a k-hole is over, you may have flashbacks to the experience for months or even years. A flashback makes you feel like you’re reliving the k-hole. 

    Flashbacks can also occur with other psychedelic and dissociative drugs, including LSD, MDMA (ecstasy or molly), and phencyclidine (PCP). Many people find flashbacks frightening and disruptive to their daily lives. 

    Health Problems

    Other health problems that can result from k-holes or using ketamine in high doses include:

    • long-term memory issues
    • kidney or liver failure
    • slow heart rate or breathing
    • tolerance, which means you need increasingly higher doses of ketamine to feel the desired effects
    • physical dependence, which means you experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you stop using ketamine
    • ketamine addiction, which is a disease that makes you feel unable to control your ketamine use and requires professional treatment

    Signs Of A Ketamine Overdose

    A k-hole also increases your risk of a ketamine overdose. The most common signs of overdose include:

    • chest pain
    • high blood pressure
    • irregular heartbeat
    • slowed breathing
    • confusion
    • loss of consciousness

    Seek emergency medical advice if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms. A ketamine overdose can be fatal when left untreated.

    If you or someone you love struggles with ketamine use, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our substance abuse and addiction treatment services include mental health care, medical detox, family therapy, support groups, and more.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    National Institute on Drug Abuse - What Are the Effects of Common Dissociative Drugs on the Brain and Body?
    United States Drug Enforcement Administration - Ketamine
    United States National Library of Medicine - Ketamine for chronic pain: risks and benefits

    Questions About Treatment?

    Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Achieve long-term recovery.

    100% confidential. We respect your privacy.
    Prefer Texting?

    Our friendly support team is here to chat 24/7. Opt out any time.

    chat-header

    Our Facilities

    Premier Drug Rehab & Mental Health Care Facilities In Massachusetts & Ohio

    Bedrock Recovery

    Canton, MA

    • Medical detox
    • Inpatient & Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • Movie Theater & Fitness Center

    Learn More

    Spring Hill Recovery Center

    Ashby, MA

    • Residential Treatment
    • Gender-Specific Residencies
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Expansive 70-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    Ohio Recovery Center

    Van Wert, OH

    • Medical Detox
    • Residential Treatment
    • Primary Mental Health Care
    • 55-Acre Campus

    Learn More

    For Immediate Treatment Help Call 800-526-5053