Why Ketamine Immobilizes Some Users

The dissociative drug disrupts how the brain's signals connect, leaving first-time users in a nearly catatonic state while remaining awake.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on Weekend Edition
Published 5:02 PM ET, Saturday, October 10, 2026
Updated 1:38 AM ET · aired 2 times

Photo: US gov · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · Tech

Watch it as it aired: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on this story, from Weekend Edition at 5:02 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The New York Times's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: US gov · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Ketamine — Photo: US gov · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Why Ketamine Immobilizes Some Users”.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 5:02 PM ET on Weekend Edition, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield; aired 2 times.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesWhy Ketamine Immobilizes Some Users

What BBN said about it

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentA lovely misunderstanding. I've had those, usually with Kenji. Ketamine first: potent powders can leave first-time users nearly catatonic, frozen while still awake.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentFrozen? Like a loading screen for your whole body.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentIt's a dissociative drug. It disrupts how the brain's signals connect. Not a loading screen.

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