Ketamine
Ketamine is a Class B dissociative drug that can be snorted, injected or taken orally. It can be known as Ket or Special K. Drugs and alcohol can change the way you behave and how you feel. You might want to use them because your friends are doing it, because you want to forget problems you are experiencing, or because it seems exciting/relieves boredom or helps to mask the challenges you may facing.
Whatever the reason, you should always be aware of the risks involved, what could happen to you and how to get support. We have listed some local support networks in the sections below.
What are the signs?
- Loss of coordination
- Physical injuries
- Frequent and/or painful urination
- Slurred speech
- Psychotic or schizophrenic behaviours
- Numbness to pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Involuntarily rapid eye movement
- Dilated pupils
- Salivation
- Stiffening of the muscles
What could happen?
- Severe stomach pain often called k-cramps
- Long term memory problems, including flashbacks
- Problems with concentration
- Serious bladder damage
- Pain when urinating or blood in urine
- Mental health effects including depression and hallucinations
In an emergency
If you or someone else has taken drugs and needs urgent help, call 999 for an ambulance.
We worked with students at the Media Learning Company at City College Norwich to produce films to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine use.
> Watch our film aimed at young people:
Unity - Support for You
If you’re under 19 and worried about your own drug or alcohol use, Unity is here to help. The team offers confidential, non-judgemental support to help you understand how substances may be affecting you and to make positive changes if you want. You can get one-to-one advice and harm reduction tips.
The Unity service understand that everyone is different, and they will always try to meet each person’s specific needs - for example, if you feel anxious about meeting them, they can meet you somewhere you feel comfortable, or if you learn best in a certain way, they can support you to understand information in a way that works for you.
You Can - Support for affected others
It can be worrying when a family member is misusing drugs/alcohol. Without realising, this can have an impact on those around them. If you are under 19 and this sounds like you, then YouCan is here to help.
Monthly parents group
The Matthew Project runs a parents' group for sharing experiences, getting support, and practical guidance in a safe, confidential space.
> Check out parents support here
Ketamine - What You Need to Know
The Matthew Project’s ketamine page explains what it is, how it can affect your body and mind, and the risks involved. It also gives tips to keep yourself safer and shows you where to go if you want support.
Next Steps – Recovery and Support
Next Steps is The Matthew Project’s welcoming recovery hub in central Norwich, designed for people in recovery from substance use. At Next Steps, people can access one-to-one support, group sessions, skills and employability training, and social activities.
We worked with students at the Media Learning Company at City College Norwich to produce films to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine use.
> Watch our film aimed at adults:
Change Grow Live (CGL) - Support for you
If you’re over 18 and worried about your own drug or alcohol use, we can help you break free from harmful patterns of behaviour, and feel happier and healthier. We tailor the drug and alcohol support we offer to fit your needs. Whether it's one-to-one working or group sessions, we will help you work towards your goals. We want you to unlock your full potential.
Our services include clinical treatment which may include blood tests and working together with the UROKET clinic.
We have needle exchanges where you can find harm reduction advice as well as blood-borne virus testing, naloxone training and access to other services.
We have hubs in Norwich, Thetford, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth. We also see people in the community, so we can support you wherever you live in Norfolk.
> Change Grow Live Norfolk | Drug and alcohol support
Support for others
If you’re worried about someone else, we can talk to you about the best way to support them.
We also have a Facebook group for family members and affected others. This is so you can share your experiences and speak to other people who are in the same situation as you.
> How to help friends and family
Ketamine support group
Norfolk offer a Ketamine group at the Rest Hub (Norwich) on Mondays at 2pm:
If you or someone you know has questions about ketamine, we're here to help.
This page will give you basic information about ketamine, its effects, and how to stay safe if you or someone you know is using it. If you are looking for support right away, you can speak to someone via our webchat, or reach out to your local service.
We worked with students at the Media Learning Company at City College Norwich to produce films to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine use.
> Watch our film aimed at parents and carers:
Try not to punish, threaten or bribe
Pick a time when you feel calm and able to talk. Show them you care; it's ok to express your concern but encourage them to talk to you about what is going on for them. Praise their efforts and talk about how together you can get support when they're ready.
Try not to use guilt or emotional pressure
Making them feel guilty may heighten feelings of shame, this may make their substance use worse in an attempt to cope with their difficult emotions.
Try not to argue
If you think they’ve been drinking or using drugs, try and stay calm. Ensure they are safe and tell them you’re worried about them and there, if and when they want to talk.
Don’t blame yourself
If your child is struggling, it’s not your fault. Be kind to yourself and reach out for support if you need it.
SUPPORT
If they’re under 19 and would like support for their drug or alcohol use, Unity is here to help. The team offers confidential, non-judgemental support to help them understand how substances may be affecting them and to make positive changes they want. One-to-one advice and harm reduction advice are available from Unity.
The Unity service understand that everyone is different, and they will always try to meet each person’s specific needs - for example, they can meet your child somewhere they feel comfortable and can support by providing information in ways that works for your child.
Monthly parents group
The Matthew Project runs a parents' group for sharing experiences, getting support, and practical guidance in a safe, confidential space.
> Check out parents support here
Ketamine - what you need to know
The Matthew Project’s ketamine page explains what it is, how it can affect the body and mind, and the risks involved.
We worked with students at the Media Learning Company at City College Norwich to create an inclusive resource to support people with different ways of thinking and learning to raise awareness awareness of the dangers of ketamine use and the support available.
> Watch our film aimed at a neurodiverse audience: