Doctor Issues Warning on Ketamine Abuse After Adult Star Emily Willis Suffers Severe Brain Damage

The dangers of prolonged ketamine use have been thrust into the spotlight after adult film star Emily Willis was left with devastating brain damage following treatment at a California rehabilitation facility. The 25-year-old is now semi-conscious in the hospital, unable to speak or move, and can only track movement with her eyes.

What Happened to Emily Willis?

Willis, whose real name is Litzy Lara Banuelos, was admitted to a West Coast rehabilitation center on January 27, 2024, seeking treatment for what her family describes as a severe ketamine addiction. According to a lawsuit filed by her family, she had been consuming five to six grams of the drug per day in the months leading up to her admission.

The complaint alleges that she had already been suffering from alarming side effects, including bladder inflammation, incontinence, and night terrors. Alongside her substance dependency, she had a documented history of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and was prescribed medication for both conditions.

Just days into her stay, Willis went into cardiac arrest. Instead of transferring her immediately to a hospital, staff reportedly chose to monitor her at the facility. She was later found unconscious by a nurse.

Paramedics managed to revive her after 30 to 40 minutes of CPR, but by then, her brain had been deprived of oxygen for too long. The family’s lawsuit states she has been left “permanently disabled” as a result.

Emily Willis was referred to the facility for drug treatment

Instagram/@emilywillisx

The Legal Case Against the Facility

The rehab center and its parent company are now facing serious allegations, including negligence, abuse of a dependent adult, and fraudulent business practices.

Willis’ attorney, James A. Morris Jr., condemned the facility’s actions:

“No patient should ever be subjected to such a horrendous breakdown in clinical care.”

The lawsuit also claims that in the days before her collapse, Willis appeared increasingly “frail, disoriented, and nervous,” yet staff failed to take the appropriate measures to protect her health.

Long-term use of ketamine can lead to cognitive impairment, as seen with Emily Willis. Studies have shown that chronic ketamine use can cause damage to the brain's grey matter, affecting memory, attention, and psychological well-being (Liao et al., 2013). The loss of these cognitive functions can lead to a reduced quality of life, and in severe cases like Willis', it can result in total incapacitation.

Willis was referred to the facility in January 2024

Instagram/@emilywillisx

Why Ketamine Is So Dangerous in High Doses

Willis’ condition has reignited concerns about the long-term effects of ketamine use, particularly in extreme quantities.

Dr. Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, explained that consuming up to six grams a day can cause “significant and potentially irreversible effects on both physical and mental health.”

Some of the key risks include:

• Severe bladder damage: Prolonged ketamine use can trigger ketamine-induced cystitis, a painful condition that may lead to permanent damage and even require surgery.
• Digestive problems: Heavy use is linked to nausea, abdominal pain, and “K cramps,” making eating and digestion difficult.
• Organ damage: The kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs can all suffer lasting damage. According to pharmacist Ian Budd, ketamine places strain on the kidneys, inflames the liver, and raises blood pressure and heart rate, weakening both the heart and lungs.
• Mental health decline: Tolerance builds quickly, increasing the risk of psychiatric disorders. Users may experience depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and even persistent dissociative symptoms long after they stop taking the drug.

Dr. Wylie emphasized:

“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.”

A doctor has issued a warning against prolonged ketamine use

Instagram/@emilywillisx

Understanding the Psychology of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse, such as the overuse of ketamine, often stems from a desire to cope with stress or emotional pain. Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, "People often turn to substances as a way to manage their emotions and cope with life's challenges" on her website susandavid.com. In Emily Willis' case, her potential use of ketamine may reflect a common behavior in the adult film industry, where individuals frequently seek escape from emotional distress, as noted by Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, who emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological factors behind such choices on his site jonathanhaidt.com.

Emily Willis’ Current Condition

Today, Willis remains in a hospital bed in what doctors describe as a vegetative state. She is semi-conscious, capable only of tracking objects with her eyes, while her ability to move or communicate has been lost.

Her family hopes their lawsuit will force change in how rehab centers handle high-risk patients. Attorney Morris Jr. added:

“We hope this lawsuit will spur real change in how treatment centers handle critical cases. Too many patients who should be receiving life-saving interventions are being lost to negligence.”

Willis' family has since filed a lawsuit

Instagram/@emilywillisx

A Cautionary Tale

Willis’ case is not only heartbreaking for her family and supporters, but it has also become a stark warning about the risks of unchecked ketamine abuse. Once used primarily as an anesthetic and now sometimes studied as a treatment for depression, the drug can be devastating when misused in large amounts.

Doctors are urging anyone struggling with ketamine dependence to seek professional, medically supervised care rather than attempting to manage withdrawal or treatment through facilities unequipped to handle emergencies.

The Impact of Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs can be effective in treating substance use disorders, but they must be carefully tailored to the individual's needs to be effective. As Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, states, "Personalized treatment plans are crucial for recovery, as each individual's circumstances and challenges are unique" (Dr. Mark Hyman). In the case of Willis, it's possible that the treatment program was not adequate for her specific situation, leading to the tragic outcome.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Ultimately, the case of Emily Willis highlights the severe consequences of substance abuse and the critical importance of effective treatment. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes, "Understanding the psychological motivations behind substance use is essential for developing effective interventions." This underscores the need for further research and the development of more personalized, evidence-based treatment programs, as noted on her professional website (Dr. Ramani Durvasula).