What Is 'Gloss'?
The term 'gloss' is a street name for the drug ketamine [1.3.4]. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used legitimately in medical and veterinary settings [1.5.2, 1.10.2]. As a dissociative drug, it distorts perceptions of sight and sound, creating feelings of detachment from one's environment and self [1.4.3]. Its ability to produce these dissociative sensations and hallucinations has led to its popularity as a recreational 'club drug' [1.5.2]. While the name 'gloss' is a known slang term, ketamine is also commonly called Special K, K, Kit Kat, Cat Valium, and Vitamin K [1.3.1, 1.3.2].
Medical and Illicit Use
Originally developed as a safer alternative to PCP in the 1960s, ketamine is a Schedule III non-narcotic substance in the United States [1.7.4, 1.10.2]. This means it has an accepted medical use but also a potential for abuse and dependence [1.10.1]. Medically, it is used as a short-acting anesthetic for humans and animals [1.5.2]. More recently, an FDA-approved nasal spray version called esketamine (Spravato) is used for treatment-resistant depression under strict medical supervision [1.10.2].
Illicitly, ketamine is often stolen from veterinary clinics or smuggled into the country [1.5.2]. It is typically sold as a white or off-white powder that can be snorted, or as a liquid that can be injected or mixed into drinks [1.5.2]. Recreational use commonly occurs at nightclubs, parties, and raves [1.5.2].
The Pharmacology of Ketamine
Ketamine's primary mechanism of action is as a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist [1.5.3]. In simple terms, it blocks a specific type of receptor in the brain that is activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate. This blockade disrupts normal brain communication, leading to the 'dissociative anesthesia' effect where sensory input reaches the brain but is not properly perceived, making a person feel detached from pain and their surroundings [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. It also influences other receptor systems, including opioid and serotonin pathways, which contributes to its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antidepressant effects [1.5.1, 1.5.4].
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Short-Term Effects: At low doses, users may experience a dream-like state, altered perceptions, and mild hallucinations [1.4.5, 1.6.2]. As the dose increases, the effects become more intense, leading to significant dissociation. Users may feel disconnected from their body, a sensation often described as an out-of-body experience. A high-dose experience, known as a 'K-hole,' can render a user immobile and unresponsive, accompanied by intense hallucinations and a near-complete sensory detachment [1.3.1]. Other short-term effects include confusion, amnesia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and dangerously slowed breathing [1.4.2, 1.4.3].
Long-Term Effects: Chronic recreational use of ketamine can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible health problems. One of the most well-documented long-term risks is severe bladder damage, often called ketamine-induced ulcerative cystitis, which causes intense pain, incontinence, and may require surgical bladder removal [1.4.5, 1.6.5]. Other long-term consequences include:
- Kidney problems and renal damage [1.6.5]
- Chronic stomach pain [1.4.5]
- Cognitive impairment, including memory loss and attention deficits [1.6.4]
- Depression and other mood disorders [1.6.4]
- Psychological dependence and addiction [1.9.4]
Risks and Dangers of 'Gloss'
The use of illicit ketamine is fraught with danger. Because it's an anesthetic, users can injure themselves without realizing it. The dissociative state also makes users vulnerable to accidents or assault [1.4.4]. Overdose is a serious risk, especially when ketamine is mixed with other depressants like alcohol or opioids, which can lead to fatal respiratory depression [1.6.3]. The increasing presence of illegally manufactured fentanyls in the drug supply heightens this risk; data shows that 59% of overdose deaths where ketamine was detected also involved fentanyls [1.8.2]. Long-term abuse leads to addiction, which requires comprehensive treatment, including medically supervised detox and therapies like CBT and DBT to address psychological cravings and triggers [1.9.1, 1.9.4].
Comparison of Dissociative Drugs
Ketamine belongs to a class of drugs known as dissociative anesthetics, which also includes PCP and Dextromethorphan (DXM) [1.7.4].
| Feature | Ketamine (Gloss, Special K) | PCP (Angel Dust) | DXM (in Cough Syrup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Anesthetic (medical/vet); antidepressant (supervised) [1.10.2] | Formerly an anesthetic, now no accepted medical use [1.7.4] | Cough suppressant [1.7.2] |
| Legal Status (US) | Schedule III [1.10.1] | Schedule II [1.7.3] | Unscheduled, but with sales restrictions in some states [1.7.3] |
| Duration of Effects | Short-acting (30-60 minutes) [1.5.2] | Long-acting (can last for hours) | Varies by dose (3-6 hours) |
| Common Effects | Dissociation, hallucinations, dream-like state, 'K-hole' [1.3.1, 1.4.3] | Agitation, aggression, hallucinations, feelings of strength and invulnerability [1.7.4] | Euphoria, dissociation, hallucinations (at high doses) [1.7.2] |
| Key Risks | Bladder damage (ulcerative cystitis), respiratory depression, addiction [1.4.5, 1.6.2] | Severe psychological effects (psychosis), aggression, high risk of overdose | Overdose, especially when combined with other drugs; liver damage with some formulations |
Conclusion
The slang term 'gloss' refers to ketamine, a potent dissociative drug with legitimate medical applications but a high potential for abuse and severe harm when used illicitly. Its short-term effects can create a dangerous detachment from reality, while long-term use can cause devastating physical and psychological damage, particularly to the urinary tract and cognitive function. The risks of addiction and overdose, especially with the contamination of the illicit drug supply, make recreational use of ketamine a life-threatening gamble.
