Including:
- increased urination
- blood in urine
- pain when urinating
- incontinence
- in severe cases, irreversible bladder and kidney damage (known as Ketamine Bladder Syndrome)
Ketamine: Facts, risks, and where to get support
Forget the Ket is a public health campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine and encourage young adults to seek support.
Our aim is simple: help people understand the risks, make safer choices, and know where to turn for help.
We’ve launched this campaign together with BCP Council, REACH, WithYou, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, and CLARITY to make sure the message reaches as many people as possible.
Walls Start to Melt - Liv’s poem
Liv, a member of CLARITY, wrote this poem based on her lived experience with ketamine.
It shares an honest and personal perspective on how ketamine can affect your life, your mind, body, and relationships. It also shows that recovery is possible with the right support.
We’re grateful to Liv for giving us the permission to share her powerful story. Share Liv’s poem with anyone who might need hope, it could make a difference.
Need support?
You’re not alone
Free and confidential support is available to anyone affected by ketamine use, including friends and family. You don’t have to go through it alone, there are people who understand and want to help.Prefer not to call or email?
Complete a quick online referral form and your local drug and alcohol service will contact you.
REACH
Support for people in Dorset Council area
Call: 0800 043 4656Email: [email protected]
Visit: Waythrough Reach Website
WithYou
Support for people in BCP Council area
Call: 01202 558855
Email: [email protected]
Visit: WithYou website
Effects of ketamine
Ketamine is also known as:
- K
- Ket
- Special K
- Super K
- Vitamin K
- and many other names
Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic that can cause serious harm, especially when used regularly or mixed with other substances. It affects both physical and mental health and can lead to long-term damage.
There is no safe level of recreational ketamine use, and the risks increase with frequency and dosage. If you or someone you know is affected, support is available.
Some of the known risks
Get more information about ketamine
Talk to Frank provides honest information about drugs. Find out the physical and mental health effects from ketamine and the risks.
Real life stories
Liv’s story
Liv is a member of CLARITY. She shares her experience with ketamine and how she began her recovery journey.Her story offers insight into the realities of drug use and the support available for those looking to make a change.
Leon’s story
Leon is a member of CLARITY. He shares his experience with ketamine and how he began his recovery journey.Now, he’s using what he’s learned to support others who may be going through similar challenges.
Ways to stay safe
It’s safest not to take drugs, but if you choose to use ketamine, following harm reduction advice can help keep you safer. WithYou provides tips and guidance on how to reduce harm while using ketamine.Check drugs for harmful substances
Drug testing strips are free and one of the safest ways to check if your batch contains harmful substances. If you're worried your drugs might be contaminated, get them tested to stay safe.Carry a naloxone kit
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. If you or someone you know might be exposed to opioids, especially unknowingly through contaminated drugs, carrying naloxone can save a life.Get a free naloxone kit and drug testing strips from your local drug and alcohol service
Reach - DorsetCall: 0800 043 4656
Email: [email protected]
WithYou - BCP
Call: 01202 558855
Email: [email protected]
Why we have launched a ketamine campaign
Ketamine use has increased significantly in recent years. In Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the number of people using local treatment services for help with ketamine use has gone up four-fold since 2021.
There’s a growing concern around ketamine and other drugs being contaminated with more potent synthetic opiate substances which can be extremely dangerous. This can increase the risk of overdose.
As ketamine use continues to rise, so do the risks to both physical and mental health. It’s vital that accessible support is available to help people overcome addiction and reduce the harm it can cause.
How you can support the campaign
We’ve created a range of resources to help raise awareness about the support available for young adults who may be struggling with ketamine use. These include printed and digital materials, as well as resources for professionals to improve their knowledge of ketamine.Request resources by getting in touch.