Elon’s keta-mind blow
Treats depression with ‘Special K’: friends
Elon Musk uses small doses of ketamine to treat depression and occasionally takes full doses of the popular club drug known as “Special K” at parties, according to a report Tuesday.
Musk’s alleged use of ketamine, a tranquilizer that has hallucinogenic qualities and is usually prescribed by veterinarians, is part of a growing trend by Silicon Valley executives who have engaged in recreational use of psychedelics for alleged benefits in boosting business performance and creativity, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The Tesla, Twitter and Space X boss has told people he microdoses ketamine for depression, and he also takes full doses at parties, people who have witnessed his drug use and others who have direct knowledge of it told the publication.
Musk didn’t respond to a request for comment.
After the Journal story was published, Musk seemed to tout the benefits of ketamine, which has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for depression, on his social media platform.
“Depression is overdiagnosed in the US, but for some people it really is a brain chemistry issue,” Musk tweeted. “But zombifying people with SSRIs for sure happens way too much,” he added, referring to more common anti-depressants.
Musk, who smoked marijuana during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, added: “From what I’ve seen with friends, ketamine taken occasionally is a better option.”
The purported benefits of ketamine have also attracted the attention of Wall Street executives, who reportedly pay $750 at a swanky Manhattan clinic that injects them with the drug.
The multibillionaire wasn’t the only tycoon to allegedly dabble in hallucinogenic drugs. Musk’s good friend, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, has dropped magic mushrooms, the Journal reported.
Brin was not available for comment.
The Journal reported on a vast underground of tech-centric parties and social gatherings where executives employ chemists and even buy ecstasy and other hallucinogens from drug dealers.