The Emerging Crisis in Non-Prescribed Ketamine Use: A Rapid Attenuation of Depression in Face of Abuse and “Chill-out” or Escapism Drug

Elucidating ketamine's mechanism of action may inform the development of next-generation psychoplastogens that promote neural plasticity in TRD and unipolar MDD. However, ketamine's psychoactive properties and abuse potential, along with concerns regarding misuse and diversion, underscore the need for enhanced clinical oversight and regulatory frameworks.