KHOLE

KHOLE is a term in online discourse used to denote the dissociative state produced by ketamine use, commonly spelled K-hole. The all-caps form KHOLE appears in some texts as a variant and is generally understood to refer to the same phenomenon.

Experiences during a KHOLE commonly involve profound dissociation, a sense of detachment from the body and surroundings, time distortion, and vivid hallucinations. Sensory perception and motor control can be markedly altered, with slowed movements and impaired judgment. Onset and duration depend on the dose and route of administration; effects may begin within minutes for certain routes and can last from about 45 minutes to several hours at higher doses.

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used medically in anesthesia and in some cases of treatment-resistant depression under professional supervision. In recreational contexts, a KHOLE can be sought by higher doses, but it carries health risks such as impaired respiration, confusion, vomiting, and, with chronic use, urinary tract problems and cognitive changes. Acute risks include accidental injury, and there is potential for dependency for some individuals.

Legally, ketamine is a controlled substance in many countries; possession or distribution without a prescription is illegal in most places, though medical use is permitted under supervision. Safety-oriented sources emphasize harm reduction and the importance of using in a safe environment and with someone sober present.

Ketamine and the KHOLE are subjects of ongoing medical and policy research.