York man addicted to ketamine for 10 years urges young people to seek help
His story is being shared during Ketamine Awareness Week
A 28-year-old man from York who spent 10 years addicted to ketamine is sharing his story during Ketamine Awareness Week.
He hopes other young people will think twice before taking the drug.
He has chosen to remain anonymous.
His story
He first tried ketamine at the age of 18, shortly after moving away from home to start university.
Over the next 10 years, it became part of his everyday life.
During that time, he struggled with addiction, left university, lost jobs, experienced homelessness and battled with his mental health.
He said: "I wasn't a special case. I was a normal lad from a normal family. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone."
He also spoke about the strain addiction placed on the people closest to him.
He said: "I really broke my parents."
After years of addiction, he got help and began his recovery.
He is now rebuilding his life and reconnecting with loved ones.
He said: "Talk about your problems. If you need help, ask for it."
The campaign
Ketamine Awareness Week is led by City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire Police and local health and support services.
It aims to help young people, parents and carers understand the risks of ketamine, spot the warning signs and know where to get help.
The campaign focuses on young people aged 15 to 18.
National figures show ketamine use among young people rose by 231 per cent between 2013 and 2024.
The number of young people seeking support for ketamine use has also risen.
The health risks
Health professionals warn that regular ketamine use can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder and urinary tract.
In some cases, it can also damage the kidneys and lead to long-term health problems.
The campaign says ketamine can make going to the toilet painful, and can affect memory, concentration and mental health.
It adds that some people develop severe stomach pains, while others become addicted and find it difficult to stop.
Partners say many young people do not know how dangerous the drug can be, and some do not ask for help until problems have become much more serious.
What is happening this week
A free online ketamine awareness session is being held by Drink Drug Hub on Thursday 22nd October, from 12pm to 1pm.
It is open to professionals and members of the public, and places must be booked through Drink Drug Hub.
Ketamine awareness stands are also being set up at York Hospital, York College, York St John University and the University of York.
North Yorkshire Police's School Liaison Team is sending resources to local schools about ketamine harms and local support services.
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, City of York Council's executive member for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: "Most importantly, this story shows that recovery is possible and support is available."
Faye Charlesworth, lead practitioner at North Yorkshire Rise, said: "If you're a young person in North Yorkshire and you're concerned about your ketamine use, reach out to NY Rise."
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Willey, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Our message is simple: no one should be afraid to ask for help."
Where to get help
NY Rise offers free, confidential support for children and young people across North Yorkshire. It can be contacted on 08000 14 14 80 (option 2).
The Gate, run by Change Grow Live, offers free, confidential support for children and young people in York.
York Drug and Alcohol Service offers free, confidential support for adults in York on 01904 464680.
North Yorkshire Horizons offers free, confidential support for adults across North Yorkshire on 08000 14 14 80.
FRANK offers confidential information and advice about drugs for young people, parents and carers on 0300 123 6600.