Ah, diving into the realm of ketamine! Ketamine is a fascinating topic with its various uses and effects on consciousness. While research has been conducted on ketamine for medical purposes, like anesthesia and depression treatment, its effects as a recreational "party drug" are indeed intriguing.

When taken recreationally in larger doses, ketamine can induce dissociative and hallucinogenic states that may alter perceptions of reality and self. It can impact memory encoding and retrieval due to its effects on certain brain receptors linked to memory formation.

In terms of consciousness alteration, ketamine's mechanism involves blocking NMDA glutamate receptors in the brain. This disruption can lead to feelings of detachment from the physical body or surroundings, akin to a temporary disconnection between mind and body.

While some users may describe experiences similar to deep anesthesia or even near-death experiences under the influence of higher doses of ketamine, each individual's response can vary widely based on dose, setting, mental state, tolerance levels, and other factors.

Research continues to explore these complex interactions between ketamine use and different aspects of cognition. As always with substance use discussions like this one concerning party drugs such as ketamine safety first: moderation is key if people choose to engage in such activities. Stay safe out there!