Stanford cautions students following hospital visits due to ketamine use
Stanford expressed concern to students about dangerous drug use on campus in a Monday email, following two reported hospital visits due to ketamine use over the weekend. The email comes one day before National Fentanyl Awareness Day on Tuesday.
“I am writing today with great concern regarding dangerous drugs circulating in our community. This past weekend,” wrote C. Matthew Snipp, the Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs. “We received reports that two students needed medical attention after using ketamine.”
Medical professionals historically used ketamine for anesthesia and sometimes recommend it as a treatment for depression and mental illness. When used recreationally, ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects.
Following the reported instances of ketamine use and related medical treatment, the University encouraged students to attend Narcan training and to learn more about the dangers of ketamine. Narcan is a brand of naloxone, an opioid-overdose antidote.
“Naloxone, also known as Narcan, works on opioids, and ketamine is not an opioid,” Snipp wrote. “However, ketamine can be laced with opioids such as fentanyl and other dangerous substances. For this reason, Narcan could help someone who appears to be overdosing.”
According to the CDC, ketamine is a synthetic opioid.
The PEERs, a group of peer educators that promote health and well-being, will be tabling on Tuesday at White Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will hold a Narcan training at 12 p.m.
In the event of an overdose, students who are calling 911 for a friend are protected by the Good Samaritan clause in the Student Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.
“Please continue caring for yourself and your friends. You are never alone. Our student and professional staff are here to help with questions or concerns. Spring is filled with great joy. Let’s strive to cherish this time together safely,” Snipp wrote.
The Daily has reached out to the University and the Department of Public Safety for more information.
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