A report released this month by University College London has show a link between long term ketamine use and short term memory loss.

150 people were followed for a year to see if changes in their ketamine use could predict changes in their psychological well-being, memory and concentration. Of these 150 people, 30 were taking large quantities of the drug nearly every day, 30 were taking it recreationally (once or twice a month), 30 were ex-users, 30 used illicit drugs apart from ketamine and 30 did not use any illicit drugs.

The study found that the heavy ketamine users developed an impaired short-term memory over the year as ketamine use increased. Interestingly, the recreational ketamine users and ex-ketamine users did not differ from non-users suggesting that occasional ketamine use does not lead to long-term harm to cognitive functions and that any deficits may be reversed when people quit using the drug.

However, all groups of ketamine users showed evidence of unusual beliefs or mild ‘delusions’, with these being greatest in the frequent users and least in ex-users. These include conspiracy theories.

We'd like to hear if you've developed any unusual beliefs or indeed had mild or not so mild delusions. Spoke to aliens? Stared into the abyss? Please share...