Forget The Ket: New campaign to tackle ketamine harms
Ketamine use among young adults has increased over the past three years, which is concerning and dangerous. This powerful anaesthetic 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 problems, including bladder and kidney damage which can be irreversible.
To help tackle this issue, ‘Forget The Ket’ has launched, a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers associated with ketamine use and signpost young adults to local support. Ketamine can affect anyone – any age, any background. Drugs don’t discriminate.
As part of the campaign, Liv, a member of Clarity wrote ‘Walls Start to Melt’, a poem based on her lived experience with ketamine. It shares an honest and personal perspective on how ketamine can affect your mind, body, and relationships. It also shows that recovery is possible, and life can feel brighter with the right support.
Share Liv’s poem with anyone who might need hope—it could make a difference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFN3-RG2rIU
Free and confidential support is available to anyone affected by ketamine use, including friends and family:
• Dorset – REACH on 0800 043 4656
• BCP – WithYou on 01202 558855
• or refer online
Find out more about ketamine, the risks, and how to get support here:
www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ketamine-facts-and-risks
Further information
• Pan-Dorset online referral website – Drug & Alcohol Referrals to Halo
• Reach – Reach – Weymouth – Waythrough
• WithYou – Drug and alcohol support in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• EDAS – EDAS :: Reach Young People Services in Dorset
• FRANK – Ketamine | Effects of Ketamine
• Change Grow Love – Ketamine – advice for staying safer
• WithYou ketamine specific – Ketamine Information
• NHS Addictions Provider Alliance – Stigma Kills