Dissociative Anesthetic Drugs
Dissociative anesthetic drugs are a class of hallucinogens that includes ketamine and phencyclidine. Dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient found in over-the-counter cough medicines, is also a dissociative drug. These substances can be addictive and their abuse can have severe consequences.
The term “dissociative” refers to the dissociation of brainstem functions from higher cortical areas where sensations of pain are registered. This dissociation is known to cause brief amnesia; hence, patients do not remember what specifically occurred during their surgery or procedure.
Types of Dissociative Anesthetics
There are several different types of dissociative anesthetics which includes:
- Phencyclidine: In the 1950s phencyclidine (PCP) was used as a general anesthetic for surgery. Its use on human beings was discontinued because of the powerful hallucinations it produced. These hallucinations are part of its appeal as a street drug. Users report having out of body experiences, as well as feelings of strength, power and invulnerability. PCP is also known as angel dust, ozone, and rocket fuel. The DEA classifies it as a Schedule II drug which means it is considered to have a strong potential for abuse or addiction. Its use can produce dangerous side effects including seizures, amnesia and acute anxiety.
- Ketamine: Commonly known as “K” or “special k”, ketamine is used in surgeries for animals. Ketamine produces sedation, immobility, amnesia and marked analgesia. It is often illegally obtained from veterinary offices then sold on the streets. It is classified as a Schedule III drug which means it has a high abuse potential with low to moderate chances of physical dependence. Ketamine is known as a club drug that is particularly popular with young people. It is made as a liquid but it can be dried into a powder then snorted or compressed into pills. Because it can induce amnesia, it is sometimes sprinkled into drinks and used as a date rape drug.
- Dextromethorphan (DXM): The Center for Substance Abuse Research identifies Dextromethorphan as a synthetic substance most commonly found in a variety of over-the-counter medicines as an antitussive (cough suppressant) and expectorant. Because it is inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain (perhaps as nearby as the medicine cabinet) DXM is often abused.
Symptoms of Dissociative Drug Use
The use of dissociative drugs may produce several different symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Trance-like state
- Dissociation from environment
- Slurred speech
- Dilated pupils
- Involuntary muscle movements
Dissociative Anesthetic Drug Treatment at Sovereign Health, Florida
Treatment of dissociative anesthetic drug addiction will often begin with detox. Detox comes from the word “detoxification.” The body must be purged of these dangerous substances which have built up over the course of the addiction. Withdrawal from these drugs can cause severe, perhaps fatal, side effects and therefore must be done in a safe environment under careful medical supervision.
Once the detoxification process has been completed the patient is ready to move on to other methods of treatment. Sovereign Health, Florida’s treatment programs are carefully tailored to each patient’s unique needs, so that our patients can receive the highest level of care possible. Our holistic approach to addiction treatment includes counseling, therapy, support groups and education. We also assist patients identify and treat co-occurring conditions with dual diagnosis treatment. We offer residential treatment programs, hospitalization programs, and outpatient services.
Overcoming an addiction may seem like an overwhelming challenge, but you do not have to face it alone. At Sovereign Health, Florida, we’re committed to helping you enjoy a clean and sober life. For further information about our drug treatment programs, please call our 24/7 helpline.