understand about the drug that may have been the cause of Djidja Cardoso's death

Djidja Cardoso, who was the frontwoman of Boi Garantido at the Parintins Folklore Festival, was found dead this Tuesday, the 28th, in her home, where ketamine was also found: a sedative substance used in surgical procedures for veterinary and human use .

Investigations into the woman's death resulted in three arrests, accused of association and drug trafficking, as, according to the police, they use and sell the substance for ritualistic uses.

_{Djidja Cardoso on social media (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@Djidjacardoso)}

Sect

The police also pointed out that Djidja's mother and brothers were the leaders of a sect called “Father, Mother, Life”, who used ketamine in rituals, including in a forced manner. The investigations seek to understand whether there is a relationship between Djidja's death and the sect.

The drug was illegalized in the 1980s and has a dissociative effect, causing hallucinations, well-being and sedative. It began to be used recreationally in the 1970s in the USA, but it was only in the 1990s that it was popularized as a recreational drug in night clubs and raves in the United Kingdom.

About usage

Experts warn that ketamine is addictive and is therefore strictly controlled when used by doctors. Psychiatrist and collaborator at the Institute of Psychiatry at Hospital das Clínicas, Rodrigo Leite, quotes: “Despite its use as a therapeutic drug, it is necessary to remember the considerable risk of abuse and dependence when there is no control. Ketamine should only be administered in an environment hospital, in a supervised manner and with medical guidance”.

The drug is also used in treatments with patients dealing with depression and other mental health issues and esketamine hydrochloride was approved in 2020 by ANVISA as an antidepressant for people with MDD (major depressive disorder). Rodrigo Leite explains that the potential of ketamine was verified as a way to promote increased disposition and improved good mood, initiating the study of the use of the drug in the treatment of depressive conditions.

Featured photo: Man holding a bottle of ketamine (Reproduction/Henry Iddon/Getty Images Embed)