'People call it a party drug, but there's no party involved': the rise of ketamine in Ireland
Briefly

Christine recalls feeling conflicted when her doctor prescribed ketamine for pain relief during the pandemic. 'All I could think was, 'don't smile, don't smile, not even with your eyes'. In my head, I'm just thinking, 'partying session' which highlights the stigma and associations with ketamine use. Despite acknowledging its benefits for pain control, the mental images it conjures up can significantly impact a patient's willingness to accept treatment, reflecting the complexities of medical terminology and public perceptions of certain drugs.
The recent popularity of ketamine in Ireland has raised concerns about its acute effects, especially in light of recent tragic events like Matthew Perry's death. The conversation surrounding its therapeutic applications has become increasingly nuanced, balancing its potential to alleviate chronic pain against the backdrop of its recreational use and the perceptions that accompany it, which can sometimes deter patients from pursuing necessary treatments.
Read at Independent
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