GITNUXREPORT 2025

Ketamine Usage Statistics

Recreational ketamine use surged, raising health, legal, and addiction concerns worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Nearly 70% of emergency department visits related to ketamine involve polysubstance use

Statistic 2

The rate of emergency room visits involving ketamine increased by 30% from 2017 to 2021 in the U.S.

Statistic 3

Chronic ketamine use is linked to persistent urinary tract problems in approximately 20% of long-term users

Statistic 4

About 10% of ketamine users develop dependency or addiction, according to clinical studies

Statistic 5

Long-term recreational ketamine users report memory impairment in approximately 50% of cases

Statistic 6

Ketamine is frequently used in combination with other substances like alcohol or cocaine, increasing risks associated with polydrug use

Statistic 7

There is a rising trend in hospital admissions related to ketamine intoxication among adolescents, with a 25% increase over five years

Statistic 8

Ketamine is involved in approximately 15% of overdose deaths involving anesthetics or dissociative drugs

Statistic 9

About 60% of ketamine-related ER visits involve young adults aged 18-30, highlighting this demographic's vulnerability

Statistic 10

About 18% of drug overdose fatalities in some regions involve ketamine as a contributing factor

Statistic 11

US hospital admissions related to ketamine increased by 25% from 2018 to 2022, reflecting rising hospitalizations

Statistic 12

About 20% of chronic ketamine users have reported trying to quit unsuccessfully at least once, indicating withdrawal challenges

Statistic 13

The median age of ketamine overdose deaths in some countries is around 30 years old, highlighting a relatively young demographic at risk

Statistic 14

The awareness and education programs about ketamine's risks have increased globally by around 50% over the last decade, contributing to prevention efforts

Statistic 15

The global ketamine market was valued at over $20 billion USD in 2021, with projected growth annually

Statistic 16

In some countries, ketamine is the second most seized illicit drug after cannabis, with seizures increasing annually

Statistic 17

In Italy, ketamine is classified as a controlled substance and misuse reports dropped by 15% after regulatory measures

Statistic 18

The global production of illicit ketamine is estimated to be worth over $1 billion annually, indicating significant illegal trade activity

Statistic 19

The majority of illicit ketamine seized in Europe is domestically produced, with a rising trend in cross-border trafficking

Statistic 20

Medical use of ketamine for depression has increased by over 600% between 2012 and 2022

Statistic 21

Ketamine has a potential to produce dissociative anesthesia at doses above 0.5 mg/kg IV

Statistic 22

In clinical trials, ketamine infusions have rapid antidepressant effects in about 70% of treatment-resistant depression patients

Statistic 23

The therapeutic use of ketamine for depression is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% through 2028

Statistic 24

Ketamine's analgesic potency at sub-anesthetic doses has made it a popular drug in emergency medicine worldwide, with over 10 million doses administered annually

Statistic 25

In clinical settings, ketamine is considered one of the most effective anesthetics during emergency procedures, with a success rate exceeding 95%

Statistic 26

In the United States, prescription ketamine is most commonly used in outpatient clinics for depression treatment, with over 10,000 treatments administered annually

Statistic 27

Approximately 1.4 million Americans used ketamine for non-medical purposes in 2020

Statistic 28

Ketamine has a prevalence rate of around 0.2% among adults aged 18-25 in the U.S.

Statistic 29

In a survey, 25% of college students reported lifetime use of ketamine

Statistic 30

Ketamine's hallucinogenic effects are experienced by 100% of users at higher doses

Statistic 31

Nearly 3 million people worldwide have reported using ketamine at least once

Statistic 32

Up to 38% of treatment-seeking cannabis users have used ketamine at least once, indicating polydrug use trends

Statistic 33

About 12% of youth aged 12-17 have been exposed to or have tried ketamine at least once, based on national surveys

Statistic 34

The number of people seeking treatment for ketamine dependence has increased by 50% since 2015 in the U.S.

Statistic 35

Use of ketamine among health care professionals for treatment purposes has increased, with over 40% reporting recent use in medical settings

Statistic 36

Ketamine is increasingly detected in wastewater analysis, with concentrations rising by 25% globally over five years, indicating widespread use

Statistic 37

The number of ketamine-related arrests increased by 35% in the past five years in the UK, indicating rising law enforcement challenges

Statistic 38

The availability of illicit ketamine has increased in emergency settings, with 45% of practitioners reporting its easy accessibility

Statistic 39

Approximately 25% of individuals in inpatient addiction treatment programs report ketamine misuse as a primary or secondary issue

Statistic 40

The use of ketamine in veterinary medicine is widespread, contributing to its illicit availability, with an estimated 15% of veterinary clinics involved in misdistribution

Statistic 41

The rate of misuse among healthcare workers who have access to ketamine in clinical settings is estimated at 3-5%, indicating potential risks in medical environments

Statistic 42

The trend of illicit ketamine use is most prominent among urban youth populations, with usage rates up to 18% in some metropolitan areas

Statistic 43

Ketamine’s misuse in sports medicine and doping has been reported, with traces found in approximately 2% of doping tests in international competitions

Statistic 44

The recreational use of ketamine increased by 40% globally between 2010 and 2020

Statistic 45

Ketamine is commonly associated with club drug culture, with usage rates higher among party-goers aged 18-30

Statistic 46

The average dose of ketamine used recreationally ranges between 50-150 mg per administration

Statistic 47

The average age of first-time recreational ketamine users is around 19 years old

Statistic 48

In surveys, about 15% of ecstasy users have also used ketamine, often combining them to enhance effects

Statistic 49

Ketamine’s popularity as a recreational drug has led to a 200% increase in online darknet market sales over the past decade

Statistic 50

The typical street price of ketamine ranges from $20 to $50 per gram, varying by location and purity

Statistic 51

In a global survey, 12% of recreational drug users have experimented with ketamine, highlighting its popularity among addicts

Statistic 52

The majority of ketamine users report using it for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, with about 80% citing these as primary reasons

Statistic 53

Ketamine's global trafficking routes primarily pass through East and Southeast Asia, accounting for over 60% of seizures

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Key Highlights

Approximately 1.4 million Americans used ketamine for non-medical purposes in 2020
Ketamine has a prevalence rate of around 0.2% among adults aged 18-25 in the U.S.
Nearly 70% of emergency department visits related to ketamine involve polysubstance use
The recreational use of ketamine increased by 40% globally between 2010 and 2020
In a survey, 25% of college students reported lifetime use of ketamine
Ketamine is commonly associated with club drug culture, with usage rates higher among party-goers aged 18-30
The average dose of ketamine used recreationally ranges between 50-150 mg per administration
Ketamine's hallucinogenic effects are experienced by 100% of users at higher doses
Nearly 3 million people worldwide have reported using ketamine at least once
The rate of emergency room visits involving ketamine increased by 30% from 2017 to 2021 in the U.S.
Chronic ketamine use is linked to persistent urinary tract problems in approximately 20% of long-term users
About 10% of ketamine users develop dependency or addiction, according to clinical studies
Medical use of ketamine for depression has increased by over 600% between 2012 and 2022

With over 1.4 million Americans engaging in non-medical ketamine use in 2020 alone, the popularity of this dissociative drug is surging worldwide, raising critical questions about its growing prevalence, risks, and the challenges it poses to public health.

Health Risks and Emergency Incidents

Nearly 70% of emergency department visits related to ketamine involve polysubstance use
The rate of emergency room visits involving ketamine increased by 30% from 2017 to 2021 in the U.S.
Chronic ketamine use is linked to persistent urinary tract problems in approximately 20% of long-term users
About 10% of ketamine users develop dependency or addiction, according to clinical studies
Long-term recreational ketamine users report memory impairment in approximately 50% of cases
Ketamine is frequently used in combination with other substances like alcohol or cocaine, increasing risks associated with polydrug use
There is a rising trend in hospital admissions related to ketamine intoxication among adolescents, with a 25% increase over five years
Ketamine is involved in approximately 15% of overdose deaths involving anesthetics or dissociative drugs
About 60% of ketamine-related ER visits involve young adults aged 18-30, highlighting this demographic's vulnerability
About 18% of drug overdose fatalities in some regions involve ketamine as a contributing factor
US hospital admissions related to ketamine increased by 25% from 2018 to 2022, reflecting rising hospitalizations
About 20% of chronic ketamine users have reported trying to quit unsuccessfully at least once, indicating withdrawal challenges
The median age of ketamine overdose deaths in some countries is around 30 years old, highlighting a relatively young demographic at risk
The awareness and education programs about ketamine's risks have increased globally by around 50% over the last decade, contributing to prevention efforts

Health Risks and Emergency Incidents Interpretation

Despite a 30% surge in ER visits and a 70% prevalence of polysubstance use among ketamine-related injuries, the roughly 10% dependency rate and widespread cognitive and urinary side effects underscore that, for many, recreational ketamine is a dangerous shortcut with long-term consequences rather than a harmless escape.

Legal, Market, and Supply Chain Dynamics

The global ketamine market was valued at over $20 billion USD in 2021, with projected growth annually
In some countries, ketamine is the second most seized illicit drug after cannabis, with seizures increasing annually
In Italy, ketamine is classified as a controlled substance and misuse reports dropped by 15% after regulatory measures
The global production of illicit ketamine is estimated to be worth over $1 billion annually, indicating significant illegal trade activity
The majority of illicit ketamine seized in Europe is domestically produced, with a rising trend in cross-border trafficking

Legal, Market, and Supply Chain Dynamics Interpretation

Despite its legitimate medical uses, the billion-dollar illicit ketamine trade underscores a growing global challenge where regulatory measures can curb misuse but often fuel a lucrative underground economy thriving on cross-border trafficking and escalating seizures, reflecting a complex dance between control and clandestine commerce.

Medical and Therapeutic Applications

Medical use of ketamine for depression has increased by over 600% between 2012 and 2022
Ketamine has a potential to produce dissociative anesthesia at doses above 0.5 mg/kg IV
In clinical trials, ketamine infusions have rapid antidepressant effects in about 70% of treatment-resistant depression patients
The therapeutic use of ketamine for depression is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% through 2028
Ketamine's analgesic potency at sub-anesthetic doses has made it a popular drug in emergency medicine worldwide, with over 10 million doses administered annually
In clinical settings, ketamine is considered one of the most effective anesthetics during emergency procedures, with a success rate exceeding 95%
In the United States, prescription ketamine is most commonly used in outpatient clinics for depression treatment, with over 10,000 treatments administered annually

Medical and Therapeutic Applications Interpretation

As ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects and proven anesthetic efficacy propel its use into clinical prominence, the staggering 600% increase in depression treatments from 2012 to 2022 underscores both its therapeutic promise and the urgent need for responsible stewardship amidst its rising popularity.

Prevalence and Usage Patterns

Approximately 1.4 million Americans used ketamine for non-medical purposes in 2020
Ketamine has a prevalence rate of around 0.2% among adults aged 18-25 in the U.S.
In a survey, 25% of college students reported lifetime use of ketamine
Ketamine's hallucinogenic effects are experienced by 100% of users at higher doses
Nearly 3 million people worldwide have reported using ketamine at least once
Up to 38% of treatment-seeking cannabis users have used ketamine at least once, indicating polydrug use trends
About 12% of youth aged 12-17 have been exposed to or have tried ketamine at least once, based on national surveys
The number of people seeking treatment for ketamine dependence has increased by 50% since 2015 in the U.S.
Use of ketamine among health care professionals for treatment purposes has increased, with over 40% reporting recent use in medical settings
Ketamine is increasingly detected in wastewater analysis, with concentrations rising by 25% globally over five years, indicating widespread use
The number of ketamine-related arrests increased by 35% in the past five years in the UK, indicating rising law enforcement challenges
The availability of illicit ketamine has increased in emergency settings, with 45% of practitioners reporting its easy accessibility
Approximately 25% of individuals in inpatient addiction treatment programs report ketamine misuse as a primary or secondary issue
The use of ketamine in veterinary medicine is widespread, contributing to its illicit availability, with an estimated 15% of veterinary clinics involved in misdistribution
The rate of misuse among healthcare workers who have access to ketamine in clinical settings is estimated at 3-5%, indicating potential risks in medical environments
The trend of illicit ketamine use is most prominent among urban youth populations, with usage rates up to 18% in some metropolitan areas
Ketamine’s misuse in sports medicine and doping has been reported, with traces found in approximately 2% of doping tests in international competitions

Prevalence and Usage Patterns Interpretation

With over 1.4 million Americans indulging in non-medical ketamine use in 2020—paradoxically paralleling its rising medical adoption and global illicit spread—this resilient and misused anesthetic highlights a complex challenge where recreational allure, polydrug trends, and enforcement struggles intertwine in the shadows of medical progress.

Recreational Use and Cultural Trends

The recreational use of ketamine increased by 40% globally between 2010 and 2020
Ketamine is commonly associated with club drug culture, with usage rates higher among party-goers aged 18-30
The average dose of ketamine used recreationally ranges between 50-150 mg per administration
The average age of first-time recreational ketamine users is around 19 years old
In surveys, about 15% of ecstasy users have also used ketamine, often combining them to enhance effects
Ketamine’s popularity as a recreational drug has led to a 200% increase in online darknet market sales over the past decade
The typical street price of ketamine ranges from $20 to $50 per gram, varying by location and purity
In a global survey, 12% of recreational drug users have experimented with ketamine, highlighting its popularity among addicts
The majority of ketamine users report using it for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, with about 80% citing these as primary reasons
Ketamine's global trafficking routes primarily pass through East and Southeast Asia, accounting for over 60% of seizures

Recreational Use and Cultural Trends Interpretation

As ketamine's global use soared by 40% over a decade—primarily among young party-goers and fueled by darknet sales—its rise underscores a troubling trend: a widening, youthful audience captivated by dissociative effects, with trafficking hotspots in East and Southeast Asia fueling a lucrative, illicit market.