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A dangerous new club drug with the street name "Calvin Klein" is a deadly mixture of cocaine and ketamine. Recently the drug tragically killed a young teen violinist who was a child prodigy.
Home / Blog / Cocaine and Ketamine: Calvin Klein Club Drug
When you hear the words, Calvin Klein, you think of the fashion house, but now the brand name has taken on a new moniker in the dark underworld of drug addiction. The New York Post recently reported how there is a new cocktail drug killing our youth and that it tragically took the life of a young violinist who was a musical prodigy.
The drug has become known as the ‘Calvin Klein’ drug because it goes by the initials’ CK,’ referencing the brand. CK is a cocktail drug that is a mixture of cocaine and ketamine. It’s being used in the club scene by young people and has become a lethal combination with deadly consequences. The young violinist died from an accidental overdose of the drug in London on Thursday, July 11th, 2019. Her death raised awareness about polydrug abuse when you combine two or more drugs for a dangerous high. Mixing multiple medications for a more substantial effect makes it that much easier to overdose.
Authorities did not see the Calvin Klein drug craze coming as they struggled to deal with the situation. As reported by the New York Post, “Katya Tsukanova, 17, a leading musician in the UK, died of an apparent overdose from a cocaine and ketamine drug cocktail — just days after performing at the Royal Opera House in the city”. This news has prompted further investigation of how dangerous this drug is. Although more evidence is needed in how cocaine and ketamine combined affect a person’s brain, there is research on the two drugs separately.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA, classifies ketamine as a dissociative drug similar to hallucinogens. NIDA states that the reason people take dissociative drugs is to:
“enable them to enter into what they perceive as a more enlightened sense of thinking or being” (NIDA).
Additionally, from NIDA,
“Ketamine—also known as K, Special K, or cat Valium—is a dissociative currently used as an anesthetic for humans as well as animals. Much of the ketamine sold on the street has been diverted from veterinary offices. Although it is manufactured as an injectable liquid, ketamine is generally evaporated to form a powder that is snorted or compressed into pills for illicit use.” (NIDA)
Cocaine is considered a stimulant drug, and when added to ketamine, it likely increases the effect of Ketamine. Historically, cocaine has been mixed with many other drugs to enhance their impact. It is commonly mixed with heroin, methamphetamine, and alcohol. Tsukanova was a victim of the lethal effects of both drugs. The New York Post reported that her father, Igor Tsukanova, said his daughter was a “smart girl, and she made one bad choice.” (NY Post)
The CK drug is a popular club drug, and like other club drugs, it may continue to take lives as it continues to be sold. The DEA currently does not acknowledge the drug cocktail CK as a specific drug type but references cocaine and ketamine in their drug schedules. The DEA scheduled drugs according to how dangerous they are “Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential… the abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and physical dependence.” (DEA). Currently, Cocaine is listed with the DEA as a schedule II drug and Ketamine a schedule III.
Deadly Ketamine and Cocaine Mix: Calvin Klein Club Drug
If you suspect a loved one of abusing drugs, it’s best to reach out for help as soon as possible. The fact that a young violinist died accidentally from the mixture of cocaine and ketamine is tragic. Although most experiences with dangerous drugs do not end well, cases like this are very saddening and force us to examine what our younger generations are doing when they get together.
Becoming involved and educated about the types of drugs available in clubs and on the street is a starting point. Additionally, adults must look for warning signs and behaviors that indicate drug use and abuse, as well as supporting laws that will limit the accessibility of these drugs to be bought over the web and by illegal prescription, as in the case of ketamine. Allure Detox is an Inpatient Detox and Residential Treatment Center that is ready to assist men, women, and families affected by the substance abuse scourge.
Summary
TL;DR: “Calvin Klein” is a slang term for the combination of cocaine and ketamine when used recreationally.
FAQ
What is lemo drug?
LEMO means “Cocaine” and “Lemonade.” LEMO is a slang term which has long been used in Liverpool, UK to refer to lemonade.
How does Cocaine and Ketamine interact physiologically?
Combining cocaine and ketamine is extremely dangerous and not advised under any circumstances. Both are powerful drugs that have significant effects on the central nervous system, and combining them can have unpredictable and potentially life-threatening consequences. Here’s a brief overview of how each drug affects the body and how they might interact:
Cocaine: Cocaine is a stimulant that primarily affects the central nervous system. It increases levels of dopamine in the brain, which leads to feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. Physiologically, it can also cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Ketamine: Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic, which means it can produce feelings of detachment from one’s surroundings or from oneself. It affects various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly the glutamate system. At lower doses, it can have a mild, dream-like effect, while at higher doses it can cause hallucinations and complete dissociation (sometimes called a “K-hole”). It can also affect heart rate and blood pressure.
When cocaine and ketamine are used together, their effects can interact in unpredictable ways:
Contrasting Effects: Cocaine’s stimulant effects can sometimes mask the sedative effects of ketamine. This could potentially cause a person to use more ketamine than intended, increasing the risk of an overdose.
Increased Strain on the Heart: Both cocaine and ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. When taken together, this effect may be amplified, putting severe strain on the cardiovascular system. This can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular issues.
Increased Risk of Psychological Issues: Both drugs can have significant psychological effects. Combining them can lead to severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and potentially dangerous changes in behavior.
Unpredictable Interactions: Since both drugs act on different neurotransmitter systems, their interaction can be highly unpredictable. Different individuals might experience dramatically different effects from combining these substances.
Increased Risk of Overdose: Combining these substances increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal.
Due to the serious risks associated with combining cocaine and ketamine, it’s extremely important to avoid using these substances together. Moreover, using illicit substances is dangerous and illegal. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, I urge you to seek help from a healthcare professional or support group.
What are the LD50 of Cocaine and Ketamine separately and together?
The LD50 of a substance is the dose at which 50% of subjects (typically animals in laboratory testing) would be expected to die as a result of drug-induced toxicity. It’s important to note that LD50 values are usually derived from animal studies, and extrapolating them to humans is not straightforward because individual sensitivities and reactions to drugs can vary widely.
Cocaine: The LD50 of cocaine varies between species. In mice, the LD50 is estimated to be around 95.1 mg/kg when administered intravenously. In humans, the lethal dose can vary widely depending on various factors, including tolerance. Some individuals have fatal reactions to relatively low doses of cocaine, while others with high tolerance might consume larger amounts without immediate fatal consequences.
Ketamine: The LD50 of ketamine also varies between species. In mice, the LD50 is estimated to be around 400 mg/kg when administered intravenously. In humans, ketamine is typically used at much lower doses for anesthesia or pain management, and the lethal dose is not well established. However, as a dissociative anesthetic, overdosing on ketamine can lead to respiratory depression and fatalities.
Cocaine and Ketamine Together: There isn’t a well-established LD50 for the combination of cocaine and ketamine. Combining these substances could result in a synergistic effect, where the combination is more toxic than either drug alone. Additionally, combining stimulants like cocaine with dissociative anesthetics like ketamine can have unpredictable effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, potentially lowering the amount needed of each to cause a fatal reaction.
Using cocaine, ketamine, or any combination of substances without medical supervision is extremely dangerous and illegal. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, I urge you to seek help from a healthcare professional or support group.
What are the causes and symptoms of Cocaine and Ketamine abuse?
It is important to approach this topic with sensitivity, as addiction can have devastating effects on individuals and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare professional. Below is an overview of the signs of cocaine and ketamine addiction and abuse, symptoms and warning signs, treatment and rehab options, as well as withdrawal and detox information.
Cocaine:
Signs and Symptoms of Abuse:
Increased energy and alertness
Overconfidence
Talkativeness
Dilated pupils
Nosebleeds or runny nose
Decreased appetite
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Paranoia or agitation
Weight loss
Financial problems
Withdrawal and Detox:
Fatigue
Depression
Increased appetite
Agitation
Vivid and unpleasant dreams
Slowed thinking
Anxiety
Cravings for cocaine
Treatment and Rehab:
Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management
Group therapy and family therapy
Participation in 12-step programs
Support groups
Medication (currently, there is no specific medication approved for cocaine addiction, but medications might be used to manage symptoms)
Ketamine:
Signs and Symptoms of Abuse:
Dissociation or feeling detached from one’s body
Hallucinations
Amnesia
Difficulty concentrating
Impaired motor function
Increased blood pressure
Depression
Tolerance, needing more to achieve the same effect
Using in hazardous situations
Withdrawal and Detox:
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Flashbacks
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Treatment and Rehab:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Family therapy
Group therapy
Support groups
Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings
In both cases, the sooner help is sought, the better. Early intervention can be key to recovery. Consulting a healthcare professional or addiction specialist is highly recommended for an evaluation and to discuss the most appropriate treatment options. Additionally, it is important to consider that overcoming addiction is often a long-term process, and may require ongoing support and treatment.
Published on: 2019-07-15 Updated on: 2024-09-23
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