A doctor has explained what taking six grams of ketamine every day can do to the body after former adult film star Emily Willis was left 'permanently disabled' following her addiction.
Willis, 26, had been admitted to a rehab center in Malibu in February 2024 when she experienced a cardiac arrest and fell into a 'vegetative coma'.
Now, a lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court which claims Willis has suffered 'permanent physical and mental incapacity', and accuses the rehab facility of the 'abuse of a dependent adult, professional negligence, negligence and fraudulent business practices'.
Why did Emily Willis go to rehab?
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Willis, whose real name is Litzy Lara Banuelos, is described in the lawsuit as having been admitted to the facility after ingesting 'five to six grams [of ketamine] per day for a year'.
She had also previously been diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having a number of mental health issues, including Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
What happens if you take six grams of ketamine a day?
After hearing about Willis' case, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, spoke to UNILAD about the terrible impacts that taking such a constant stream of ketamine can have on the body.
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Dr Wylie acknowledged that the anaesthetic has both medical and recreational uses, though she stressed that it can have 'significant and potentially irreversible effects on both physical and mental health' if taken in excessive quantities over a prolonged period.
The bladder
Among the most well-documented consequences of excessive ketamine use is 'severe' damage to the bladder, which is known as ketamine-induced cystitis.
"This can cause intense pain, urinary frequency, incontinence, and, in some cases, permanent damage requiring surgical intervention," the doctor said.
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Gastrointestinal issues
Another common symptom of ketamine use is the frequent experience of nausea, abdominal pain, and a condition sometimes referred to as ‘K cramps’, which can make eating and digestion painful.
Organ issues
Due to the toxicity and organ dysfunction that can come with prolonged ketamine use, there are also concerns around impacts to liver and kidney function.
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Ian Budd, Pharmacist and medical adviser for Chemist4U, also spoke about the impacts of prolonged ketamine use, telling UNILAD: "The kidneys also suffer, as ketamine strains their ability to filter toxins, increasing the risk of infections and kidney failure. Similarly, the liver, which processes the drug, can become inflamed and scarred, reducing its ability to function properly."
Budd added that chronic ketamine use can also weaken the heart and lungs by raising blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of long-term cardiovascular issues.
Some users also experience breathing difficulties, especially when mixing ketamine with other drugs like alcohol, Budd explained.
Neurological and psychological impacts
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When it comes to the brain, Dr. Wylie said that chronic ketamine use can lead to cognitive impairment, memory issues, and difficulties with concentration.
"Dependence and tolerance can develop, leading to escalating use and an increased risk of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis," she said. "Some users also report experiencing persistent dissociative symptoms or hallucinatory episodes even when not using the drug."
Budd added that prolonged use of ketamine can also cause confusion, paranoia and mood swings.
"Over time, ketamine users may struggle to concentrate, process information or even feel connected to reality," Budd said.
On top of the direct physiological effects, the drug can also impact the user's overall wellbeing, particularly disrupting relationships, employment, and daily functioning.
"Given the serious health risks associated with such high levels of consumption, it is crucial that individuals struggling with ketamine dependence seek professional medical support as soon as possible," Dr Wylie said.
Why has Emily Willis been left disabled?
According to the lawsuit, Willis was found unconscious after she was admitted to rehab, though it wasn't clear how long she was left unattended.
The suit claims nurses and paramedics performed CPR for 30 to 40 minutes until they restored her heartbeat, but the time she was left without oxygen allegedly caused 'irreversible brain damage'.
UNILAD has previously contacted Summit Malibu, the parent company of the facility, for comment.
Topics: Drugs, Health, Mental Health
Emily Brown