Campaign to kick ket off the streets in Cumbria

The charity Crimestoppers is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the serious implications of taking ketamine and to increase reporting on those who are bringing the drug into the area, those who are recruiting individuals to sell the drug and those who are selling the drugs on the street.

Cumbria is seeing a rise in people seeking help from support services, with Ketamine being the drug of choice leading them to seeking help. One service provider in South Cumbria is receiving two calls a day from users or family members looking for support/treatment options, specific to ketamine.

Ketamine, traditionally a drug used for general anaesthetic and pain relief by both doctors and vets, has become a drug of choice for many. Cumbria is experiencing a rise of young people taking the drug, without understanding the true level of devastation the drug causes.

The campaign warns of both the serious short and long term health implications that taking ketamine causes such as:

Short term Impact:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hallucinations

• Amnesia

• Disassociation

Long term Impact:

• Ulcerative cystitis of the bladder

• Frequent urinary tract infections

• Kidney damage

• Gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach cramps

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Paranoia

• Psychosis

• Death

The campaign sees social media posts from Crimestoppers and its youth site Fearless.org shared across Cumbria, highlighting the damage ketamine causes.

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: "Drugs inflict a truly devastating toll, not only on the individual using them but also on the families and friends who love and care for them. Ketamine is unfortunately no different.

"The physical impact of ketamine is monumental. Many individuals become addicted very quickly and then face the harrowing effects of severe pain, memory loss, and the debilitating condition of ulcerative cystitis.

"We are calling on the community to help us make our streets safer by reporting any information about ketamine dealers to Crimestoppers. Your report is 100% anonymous."

If you or someone you know needs help:

Cumbria Addictions Advice and Support.

Recovery Steps Cumbria