From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Ketamine's role in alleged Cornell rape highlights campus drug crisis
Cornell rape case reveals ketamine's growing use in sexual assaults on college campuses.
In brief
Cornell rape case reveals ketamine's growing use in sexual assaults on college campuses. Former Cornell student claims fraternity members pressured her to take ketamine during alleged rape, highlighting rising campus drug risks. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Ketamine in sexual assault cases
Ketamine and other drugs are increasingly reported as agents used in sexual assault, either when people take them voluntarily, are pressured to take them or are given them covertly.
“Ketamine and other drugs are being increasingly reported as agents used in sexual assault, either when people take these drugs voluntarily, are pressured to take them or are given them covertly”
Cornell rape lawsuit
Former Cornell student Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit in September alleging seven fraternity members raped her at a party.
“Former Cornell student Jane Doe, who filed a civil lawsuit in September alleging that seven fraternity members raped her at a party”
Ketamine's medical history
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 and approved as a general anesthetic by the FDA in 1970.
“Ketamine is a synthetic chemical that was first synthesized in 1962”
Ketamine's street names
Ketamine is sold on the street under slang names such as K, Ket, and Vitamin K.
“Ketamine is sold on the street under a variety of slang names, such as K, Ket, and Vitamin K”
Ketamine medical use
In 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray version of ketamine for depression treatment, leading to increased off-label use for mental health conditions.
“In 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray version of ketamine, called esketamine, to treat depression that does not respond to other treatments”
Ketamine poisoning rise
Cases of ketamine poisoning in the U.S. doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to poison control centers.
“Cases of poisoning caused by ketamine in the U.S. doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to an analysis of calls to poison control centers nationwide”
Ketamine effects on body
Ketamine causes dissociation, altered consciousness, and memory loss, with effects lasting hours after use.
“Ketamine's effects vary depending on the dose and the person. It can cause someone to dissociate, creating an altered state of consciousness, changing what's perceived through the senses and causing a sense of detachment from one's self and one's surroundings.”
Ketamine in sexual assault
Research suggests 4.2% of rape victims were drugged covertly, though underreporting makes this figure uncertain.
“According to one study, 4.2% of rape victims were drugged covertly, though how often this actually happens is undoubtedly underreported”
Ketamine's role in consent
Ketamine impairs judgment and reduces inhibitions, complicating consent during sexual assaults.
“In my experience, the involvement of ketamine or other drugs invariably makes a bad situation worse, complicating consent, impairing judgment and reducing inhibitions”
Ketamine's campus prevalence
Ketamine availability on college campuses has risen sharply since the early 2010s, with international drug control efforts lagging.
“The availability of these drugs in the U.S., including on college campuses, has risen sharply, particularly since the early 2010s, as a slew of new substances have emerged and international drug control efforts have not kept up”
Ketamine's impact on survivors
Ketamine's sedative and memory-erasing effects can diminish a survivor's recollection of assault events.
“Ketamine causes confusion and drowsiness, and its sedative, hypnotic and memory-erasing properties can diminish a survivor's recollection of events surrounding the sexual assault”
Ketamine's street distribution
Ketamine is sold illegally as a colorless, odorless liquid or white powder, easily covertly placed in drinks or food.
“Ketamine is generally sold illegally as either a colorless, odorless liquid or a white or off-white powder. Either form can be easily and covertly placed into an unsuspecting person's beverage or food”
Ketamine's risks
Ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal breathing problems.
“Ketamine can cause a slew of other side effects, including delirium, amnesia, increased salivation, abnormal eye movements, high blood pressure and potentially fatal breathing problems”
Ketamine's interaction risks
Alcohol and other drugs interact with ketamine to worsen side effects significantly.
“Alcohol and other drugs can interact with ketamine to worsen these effects significantly”
What it means
Former Cornell student claims fraternity members pressured her to take ketamine during alleged rape, highlighting rising campus drug risks.
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