A doctor has shed light on the alarming consequences of consuming six grams of ketamine daily, a path that left former adult film star Emily Willis ‘permanently disabled’.
Willis, at just 26, entered a rehab center in Malibu, where she unfortunately experienced a cardiac arrest resulting in a ‘vegetative coma’.
A lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court now claims she suffered ‘permanent physical and mental incapacity’ and accuses the rehab facility of negligence and fraudulent practices.
Emily Willis’s Path to Rehab
In the legal documents, Willis, also known by her real name Litzy Lara Banuelos, is described as having taken ‘five to six grams of ketamine each day for a year’ before checking into the rehab facility. Her struggles were compounded by existing mental health diagnoses, including Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Understanding the Dangers of 6 Grams of Ketamine a Day
Dr. Suzanne Wylie, a general practitioner and medical adviser, discussed the harrowing effects of daily ketamine use. She highlighted that while ketamine has both medical and recreational purposes, excessive use over time can inflict severe and sometimes irreversible harm on one’s physical and mental health.
The Bladder’s Response
One of the most notable results of continual ketamine consumption is severe bladder damage, known as ketamine-induced cystitis. This condition can cause excruciating pain, frequent urination, incontinence, and in more severe cases, permanent damage requiring surgical repair.
Gastrointestinal Complaints
Ketamine users frequently report digestive issues like nausea and abdominal pain, sometimes referred to as ‘K cramps’, making it difficult to eat and digest food comfortably.
Organ Concerns
Concerns about prolonged ketamine use extend to the liver and kidneys due to the drug’s toxicity and potential for organ dysfunction. The liver, tasked with processing ketamine, can become inflamed and scarred, while the kidneys may struggle with filtering toxins, increasing the risk of infections and kidney failure.
Pharmacist Ian Budd notes that prolonged usage can also strain the heart and lungs by elevating blood pressure and heart rate, heightening the risk of cardiovascular complications. Users might experience breathing difficulties, especially if mixing ketamine with substances like alcohol.
Effects on the Brain and Mental Health
When it comes to brain health, Dr. Wylie outlined issues like cognitive impairment, memory loss, and difficulties with concentration due to chronic ketamine use. Users often develop a dependency, increasing their risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Additionally, they might encounter persistent dissociative symptoms or hallucinations.
Budd mentioned that chronic use could lead to confusion, paranoia, and unpredictable mood swings. Over time, ketamine users might find themselves struggling to focus, process information, or connect with reality. Moreover, the impact of the drug often disrupts relationships, employment, and everyday life functionalities.
Given the significant health threats associated with such intensive consumption levels, Dr. Wylie emphasized the necessity for individuals facing ketamine addiction to seek professional help without delay.
Emily Willis’s Disability
The lawsuit reveals that following her admission to rehab, Willis was discovered unconscious, and it remains unclear how long she was left unattended. The revival efforts, through CPR that lasted 30 to 40 minutes, managed to bring back her heartbeat. However, the time she was deprived of oxygen reportedly resulted in ‘irreversible brain damage’.
Summit Malibu, the company overseeing the rehab facility, was contacted for comment in light of these accusations.
