Ketamine: More Than Just a Party Drug

# Understanding Ketamine Use: A Growing Concern Among Young People

## The Alarming Rise of Ketamine Misuse

Hi, it's Mark here from Start Recovery.

Please take 5 minutes to reflect on this fact: ketamine usage among our youth is an unavoidable topic that everyone is discussing. The rise in ketamine users entering treatment in 2023-24 was over eight times higher than just 9 years previously (UK GOVT statistics Nov 24). No other substance of misuse has ever increased in prevalence this quickly in this country.

For the past 10 years, I have been working with ketamine users in Leeds. Currently, we are experiencing another wave of ketamine misuse among 14 to 25-year-olds. Seven to ten years ago, I might have seen a handful of ketamine users compared to the total number of drug and alcohol clients. Over the last five years, this has dramatically increased. Approximately 30 percent of my daily clients are now struggling with ketamine addiction.

The Appeal of Ketamine

The choice of ketamine over cocaine and other substances among young people is primarily due to its low price point. Many 35 to 45-year-olds (mainly male) are also struggling with ketamine use, along with a significant number of individuals aged 18 to 25 in the Leeds and Yorkshire area. A generation seemed to have avoided ketamine in the past, opting for M-Cat as their drug of choice.

Perhaps there is a connection here with the cyclical nature of popular culture and youth trends, like music and fashion. Trends seem to repeat every decade: synths for ten years, guitars for ten years, and then back to synths.

The Path to Addiction

A ketamine habit often begins as occasional weekend use. However, it can escalate quickly into an all-weekend dependency. Tolerance builds rapidly, making users require increasingly larger amounts. This can lead to significant physical damage to the body, probably more than we currently understand. In some severe cases, it may even lead to bladder removal.

Ketamine is a sticky, crystalline substance. It clings to the inside of the nose, sinuses, and internal organs, especially the bladder and urinary tract.

If you are worried about ketamine use in your family, contact me now for advice.

The Serious Risks of Ketamine

I would also like to outline some significant dangers associated with ketamine use.

Bladder Problems

One of the most serious long-term risks is bladder damage. Ketamine can cause inflammation and even necrosis (tissue death) in the bladder. Symptoms may include frequent urination, pain, and blood in the urine. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Cognitive Impairment

Another concern is cognitive impairment. Ketamine can affect memory, learning, and concentration. These effects can last for extended periods and may even be permanent.

Psychological Risks

Users may experience intense and disturbing hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and distorted perceptions of reality. Such effects can be frightening and might trigger underlying mental health conditions.

Overdose Risks

Overdosing on ketamine poses serious risks, including respiratory depression, coma, and even death.

Addiction Potential

Ketamine is highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Other physical risks include:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Difficulty breathing

• Nausea and vomiting

• Seizures

  
  

Seeking Help for Ketamine Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine use in Leeds, please seek professional help. Here are several resources:

• Start Recovery - A private drug and alcohol counselling service in Leeds

• Forward Leeds - Free help and support services in Leeds

• Leeds Crisis Team - Urgent help if you are in crisis in Leeds

  
  

Conclusion

Remember: The safest course of action is to avoid ketamine altogether.

If you are set on using ketamine, proceed with extreme caution in a safe environment. Be aware of the potential risks and have a plan in place in case of emergencies.

Please help raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine use by sharing this information. This blog post aims to discuss the dangers of ketamine objectively, without sensationalism.

I hope you find this blog post helpful. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

About the Writer

Mark Franklin is a highly experienced drug and alcohol counselor based in Leeds, Yorkshire, UK. Mark spends his days in one-to-one meetings with individuals experiencing drug, alcohol, or gambling problems. He also runs aftercare yoga classes for men on weekends.

Since 2012, Mark has been devoted to helping those with addictions. He holds a level 4 diploma in Substance Misuse Counseling and has undergone extensive training in this field. His approach includes REBT, Mindfulness, Breath-Work CBT, and PolyVagal Theory.

Mark has worked in various settings, including rehabs, secure units, detox facilities, and psychiatric wards dealing with drug-induced psychosis. He has trained with leading addiction specialists worldwide, including Dr. Gabor Maté and Prof. Bessel van der Kolk.

Mark is dedicated to helping those suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), and Gambling Disorder (GD), along with their families.