How does ketamine affect your brain and body over time?
It's a strong tranquilliser that's historically been used as an anaesthetic in hospitals and vets, but recent data suggests that ketamine has become a popular party drug with Gen Z.
Latest government figures estimate that ketamine use amongst young people in England and Wales has tripled since 2016, while The Priory reports that record numbers are seeking treatment for ketamine-related addiction at its clinics.
The drug hit headlines recently when linked to the death of The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams. The RuPaul's Drag Race star died in January from a cardiac arrest caused by the ketamine use.
The star's sister appeared on Lorraine yesterday, campaigning for the drug to be reclassified.
Sold as a grainy white or light brown powder, recreational ketamine use is said to induce temporary feelings of relaxation and disassociation. However, experts warn that its long-term effects can be severe, and since awareness of the drug's risks remains fairly limited, many users may be unaware of the effects it could have on their mental and physical wellbeing.
Here, we asked psychiatrist Dr Catherine Carney, who treats patients for ketamine addiction at Delamere, to explain everything you need to know about the Class B drug and its risks.
Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which means it causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or environment. When its taken regularly, over long periods of time, it can cause damage to several areas of the body.
"The physical risks of taking ketamine are becoming more widely recognised, particularly when it comes to the bladder and a health condition called 'ketamine bladder syndrome'," says Carney.
Ketamine bladder syndrome is a condition that's characterised by severe bladder damage and discomfort, where chronic use of the ketamine affects the lining of the bladder and shrinks it.
"It's believed to be caused by small molecules of ketamine in the urine inflaming and irritating the bladder wall, leading to bladder shrinkage, thickened walls and sometimes kidney issues too," says Carney.
While the severity of the syndrome can fluctuate depending on the level of addiction, she notes that using ketamine "three times weekly, or frequently for over two years" typically leads to some altered bladder function.
"Common symptoms to look out for include suprapubic pain (otherwise known as 'k-cramps'), pain during urination and blood in the urine," she adds. "Historically, this syndrome has been missed by clinicians as the symptoms often mimic those of a urinary tract infection or bladder cancer."
It's important to be diligent about K bladder though, as if left unchecked, it can have serious consequences, and has even resulted in some people having their bladders removed. "Around 50% of people who have K bladder symptoms may experience a recovery, but many are left with chronic urinary issues, with extreme cases requiring bladder removal and a urinary diversion through a colostomy bag," warns Carney.
She adds that other health issues linked to long-term ketamine abuse can include abnormal liver and kidney function, as well as nasal damage if the drug is frequently snorted.
From mood swings and anxiety to teary comedowns, ketamine can cause immediate changes to our mental health. "In the short term, ketamine can cause psychosis, memory loss, disorientation and loss of motor skills," Carney explains.
But when someone regularly abuses or is addicted to the drug, it can cause irreversible psychological impairment. "Long-term use can lead to flashbacks, mood changes, depression, reduced memory and concentration and irritability," she says. "Plus, these new mental health changes can have a knock-on effect, often leading to financial, social and work issues."
She continues: "Regularly using ketamine can also lead to dependence, which can cause ketamine withdrawal symptoms like reduced appetite, chills and sweats, restlessness, tremors, nightmares, anxiety and irregular or rapid heartbeat."
One myth swirling around on the internet is that ketamine isn't an addictive drug, so you can take it frequently and avoid being at risk of dependence.
But while its addictive properties aren't identical to other party drugs like cocaine and MDMA, ketamine can still be psychologically addictive, especially when it comes to frequent and long-term use.
"Compared to opioids, we know that ketamine does have a lower potential in being addictive, but it can and does cause dependence," stresses Carney.
"This is partly due to how easily accessible it is on social media apps like Snapchat or Instagram, with [ketamine] costing as little as a tenner in some cases."
And because regular ketamine use can eventually lead to tolerance, where the drug becomes less effective over time, many users need to access increasing amounts of ketamine to get the same ''high', which can further raise the risks to our health.
Through her experiences treating patients at Delamere, Carney believes Ketamine use becoming increasingly normalised. "I recently spoke to a group of young people at the treatment centre who had been offered the drug on their first day of university." The treatment centre say that they have recorded a 275% increase in a six-month period of people seeking help for ketamine-related issues, with 87% of those affected aged 30 or under.
Carney further warns that people are playing "Russian roulette" if they mix ketamine with other substances such as alcohol or cocaine, as this can increase the risk of overdose.
Having a family member, friend or colleague who is in denial about a ketamine addiction can be a very isolating experience. Reassuringly, there are a lot of options available.
"It's important to send your loved one a clear signal that you are here to support them if they are willing to make changes in their life," Carney advises. "Find a natural way into the conversation, and then approach this without frustration, anger or judgement."
Once you introduce the question, she suggests leaving it open and being patient. "They might go and have a think and come back and ask more questions a few days later," she explains.
If your loved one needs treatment for a drug addiction, the NHS say that they're entitled to care in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem. If they are receptive to treatment, contacting their GP is a good place to start. They can discuss their problems with them and refer them to a local drug treatment service.
If you'd rather approach a treatment centre directly, the charity Frank have details on drug support available across the UK. In addition to the NHS and private treatment centres like Delamere, there are also charities and organisations that can be useful resources too.
Finally, if you're having trouble helping a loved one into ketamine addiction treatment, the Frank drugs helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through your options and provide extra advice and guidance on the best way forward.
Read more about addiction:
The side-effects of 'addictive' sleeping pills as Patrick Stewart opens up about dependency (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
The long-term health risks of ketamine, including bladder issues (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
Mental health dangers of screen addiction and how to have a digital detox (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
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