Ketamine : More Than Just a Party Drug

Please take 5 mins to reflect on this fact -  the fact that ketamine usage in our young ones is becoming an unavoidable topic for everyone to be talking about. 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 risen this quickly in prevalance.

 

I have been working with Ketamine users in Leeds for the last 10 years and there's another “wave” of Ketamine misuse at the moment with many 14-25 year olds being affected. 7 to 10 years ago I may have seen a handful of ketamine users in relation to a percentage of  drug and alcohol users that I saw as clients. Over the last 5 years this has increased dramatically with probably around 30 percent of my clients now that I see on a day to day basis are experiencing ketamine addiction. Young People choosing ketamine over cocaine and other substances due to the low price point this particular drug holds at the present time. 

I see a lot of 35  to 45 year old  clients, (mainly male),  and also a lot of 18 to 25 year old people who are struggling with ketamine use in the Leeds and Yorkshire area. There seems to be a generation that kind of dodged ketamine a little, and in it's place M-Cat  was the drug of choice for a lot of young people in West Yorkshire. Maybe thats where the correlation lays? Along with the constant cyclic nature of popular culture and youth culture….synths for 10 years, guitars for 10 years, synths for 10 years 

Usually starting as occasional weekend use can quite quickly turn into an all weekend long use. Tolerance quickly builds up as users need more and more ketamine which can lead to physical damage in the body (probably a lot more damage than we currently report on), and in some cases can lead to bladder removal.  ketamine is Sticky,  it's crystalline and it clings to the inside of your nose, your sinuses and your internal cartilage and all our inner workings,  especially your bladder and urinary tract.  

 

Here Mark Franklin from Start Recovery in Leeds Talks about ketamine misuse and some of the dangers with Rima Ahmed  on BBC Radio Leeds. 

 

 

 

Talking about ketamine use in Yorkshire, UK with Mark Franklin & Rima Ahmed BBC Radio Leeds 10/03/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Here is an AI Ketamine fact check blog for you that I produced ;-)

 

Ketamine: More Than Just a Party Drug

Ketamine, often associated with the rave scene, is a powerful anesthetic with dissociative properties. While it can produce euphoric effects, it's crucial to understand the significant risks associated with its use.

Dangers of Ketamine Use:

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

• Cognitive Impairment: Ketamine can impair cognitive function, including memory, learning, and concentration. These effects can be long-lasting and even permanent.

• Psychological Risks: Ketamine can induce intense and disturbing hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and distorted perceptions of reality. These effects can be frightening and may trigger underlying mental health conditions.

• Overdose: Overdosing on ketamine can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and even death.

• Addiction: Ketamine is highly addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can be severe, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

• Physical Risks: * Increased heart rate and blood pressure

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Seizures

If you or someone you know is struggling with ketamine use in Leeds, please seek professional help. Where to Find Help:

• Start Recovery - Private drug and alcohol counselling service in Leeds

• Forward Leeds -  Leeds  free  help and support services

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

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

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

• If you choose to use ketamine, do so with extreme caution and in a safe and controlled environment.

• Be aware of the potential risks and have a plan in case of an emergency.

Please share this information to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine use.

Note: This blog post focuses on the dangers of ketamine use. It is important to present information objectively and avoid sensationalism.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

I hope this blog post is helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions. 

Mark.