Drugs and alcohol

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Coventry Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2023 to 2033
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You are here: Ketamine - It's 'K' to Talk

Ketamine - It's 'K' to Talk

It's 'K' to talk about Ketamine

'It's 'K' to talk' is a local Coventry campaign designed by Positive Choice (Coventry's Children and Young People Commissioned Drug and Alcohol Service.

The campaign encourages conversations about Ketamine use.

Using Ketamine?

Ketamine impacts both physical and mental health. Frequent use of ketamine can lead to Ketamine Bladder Syndrome (KBS); symptoms can include frequent urination, pain when urinating and passing blood in urine. K-Cramps are another physical worry; they are extreme abdominal cramps that can leave you bed-bound with pain.

Ketamine can trigger a K-hole, which is an intense dissociative state that leaves you vulnerable and at risk of harm. Ketamine has also been linked to cognitive difficulties such as memory loss

Impact on Health

Nasal Damage - Sniffing Ketamine can erode the nasal lining, causing nosebleeds, loss of smell and sinus infections
Bladder and Abdominal Pain - Frequent use can lead to Ketamine Bladder Syndrome (KBS) symptoms, including pain when urinating and even incontinence. Abdominal pain caused by Ketamine use can range from cramping to leaving users bed bound.
Risk of Overdose/ K-hole - "K-hole" - is a dissociative state where you may lose all sense of control or awareness. This can be frightening and dangerous
Mental Health Concerns - Increased risk of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, memory problems or detachment.

Harm Reduction Advice

The only way to avoid all the risks is to not take drugs which are not prescribed for you. However, if you do choose to take them, please bear in mind the following points for safer use.

Use clean equipment to snort, such as a straw. Bank notes have a high risk of infection, and sharing them with someone else can make you vulnerable to viruses
Alternate nostrils where possible and use vitamin E to help keep nasal tissue healthy
Avoid eating 90 minutes before to prevent nausea and vomiting
Ketamine can be cut with other substances, so use testing strips where possible and go low and slow*
Have someone with you as a sober sitter

*Testing strips are available from both Positive Choices and Change Grow Live, please see their contact details below

Ketamine and Me

We know using ketamine can make you feel isolated, even from other drug users. We also know how it can impact other area’s of your life – follow the link below to see some lived experience videos of young people who have accessed our service.

https://www.youtube.com/@PositiveChoicesCoventry/videos

Struggling with Ket?

We know there are lots of things that may stop a person from reaching out, but our support is tailored to you, meaning we can work together at your pace with no pressure.

Free and Confidential support is available:

Positive Choices, Coventry

Call them on 02476553130

Email them at coventryyp.info@cgl.og.uk

Positive Choices Coventry is a free and confidential service for young people aged 5 to 24* who want support around their own alcohol and substance use, such as Ketamine, or who are impacted by somebody else’s alcohol or substance use.For any young person who is interested in learning more about Ketamine or engaging in treatment, we offer: 1-to-1 intervention on behaviour change and harm reduction; Diversionary activities and signposting.

Find out more about us: Help with drinking, drugs, relationships, sexual health – Coventry

*Consent is required for support, for those aged 13 and over we will require your consent, under 13 we will require parental consent

Change Grow Live, Coventry

Call them on 02476010241

Email them at coventryinfo@cgl.org.uk

CGL Coventry provides free and confidential support for adults* affected by alcohol or substance use including Ketamine . This includes one-to-one appointments with specialist recovery workers, harm reduction advice, recovery planning, relapse prevention support, and access to healthcare services for related physical and mental health needs. Support is personalised to help individuals reduce, manage, or stop their ketamine use and improve their overall wellbeing.

Find out more about us: Coventry Drug & Alcohol Service | Change Grow Live

*We will require your consent to support you