What Are Dissociatives?
Dissociatives are a class of psychoactive substances that induce a state of dissociation, where the mind feels detached from the body or the surrounding environment. This can lead to sensations of numbness, detachment, and an out-of-body experience.
Common examples of dissociatives include Ketamine and Phencyclidine (PCP), which is a powerful anaesthetic with hallucinogenic properties.
Routes of Administration
Dissociatives can be snorted, swallowed, injected intramuscularly, or inhaled.
Effects of Dissociatives
The effects of dissociatives can vary and may include:
- Altered Perception: Changes in vision, hearing, and touch.
- Numbness: Loss of sensation in the body.
- Out-of-Body Experiences: A feeling of detachment from one’s own body.
- Amnesia: Difficulty recalling events that occurred while under the influence.
- Psychosis: Hallucinations, delusions, and disorientation.
Risks of Dissociative Use
- Ketamine Bladder Syndrome: Frequent, high doses of ketamine can lead to a painful condition known as ketamine bladder syndrome, which may cause difficulty controlling urination, incontinence, and bladder ulcers, necessitating ongoing medical treatment.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of nitrous oxide (nangs) can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which may cause nerve damage and certain types of anaemia.
Harm Reduction Advice for Dissociatives
- Prepare Mentally and Physically: Ensure you are in a positive state of mind and surrounded by trusted friends in a safe environment before using dissociatives to reduce the risk of a negative experience.
- Use in a Safe Environment: Use dissociatives in a comfortable setting with people you trust.
- Avoid Mixing Substances: Do not mix dissociatives with other drugs, especially alcohol or other depressants.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid Repeated High Doses: Minimise the use of high doses to reduce health risks.
