Ketamine - advice for staying safe
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.
Understanding ketamine
Ketamine is a dissociative drug – this means it can make you feel detached from your body or surroundings, and it can affect your mind and body. It was originally produced for medical reasons, but some people now use it recreationally.
If you use ketamine regularly, there is a high chance that you will experience health issues such as bladder damage. This can be severe and life-changing, and in some cases irreversible. Using any drug involves risks, but if you only use ketamine very occasionally you will reduce the risks significantly.
Ketamine is usually a grainy white powder and is usually either snorted, swallowed or injected. If snorted, it can take 5-15 minutes to kick in. If swallowed it can take 15-25 minutes. The effects can last between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how much you take and how you take it.
People may use ketamine purely for fun, or to manage trauma or anxiety – but any use can quickly lead to dependency. In low doses, ketamine can make you feel euphoric and energised.
With higher doses, you may experience a distorted reality or hallucinations. Ket can make you feel detached from reality, as though you are separated from your body and mind. You may find it hard for you to move or control your actions.
This is known as a K-hole. Some people find this fun, for others it can be very scary.
Getting support with ketamine
If you want to take steps to address your drug use, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You’re not alone and there's nothing to be ashamed of. There is lots of help and support available. Speak to you doctor about how you’re feeling and speak to supportive family and friends if you can.
Advice and support are always available from your local Change Grow Live service. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, we’re here to help.
You can also use our online webchat to speak to someone and get advice straight away.
Ketamine and the law
Ketamine is a Class B drug. This means you can be arrested and charged for having ketamine in your possession.
For possessing ketamine, you could get an unlimited fine, up to five years in prison, or both. If you give it to someone else, even for free, or if there is evidence that you intend to give ketamine to someone else (such as carrying larger quantities), you could get up to 14 years prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
There are also laws against drug driving like there are for drink driving.
Ketamine side effects and risks
Ketamine is very dangerous when mixed with other substances, especially alcohol, LSD, cocaine, benzodiazepines and prescription medicines. Combining them can affect your breathing and be dangerous. It can also make you feel sick and cause you to vomit.
Ketamine can make you feel dizzy and confused and make it harder to move your body. This puts you at risk of injuring yourself, especially if you take it when you are out.
It can affect your memory and result in a range of mental health problems. Ketamine can cause short- and long-term memory problems, paranoia and hallucinations.
Taking ketamine regularly can cause severe and lasting bladder damage. The main symptoms are pain in your abdomen, pain when you urinate and needing to urinate more often – sometimes up to every half hour.
Ketamine can damage other internal organs including the liver, stomach and bowel, causing pain and serious illness. If you notice any symptoms after using ketamine, speak to your doctor for advice.
You should not use ketamine to mask the pain as this will make the problems worse.
Keeping yourself safe when using ketamine
There are ways to reduce the risks of using ketamine:
- Don’t mix it with other substances, including prescribed medications.
- Find out how ketamine interacts with other substances on the Drugs and Me website.
- Stay low and go slow. Taking a little bit first can help you see how it affects you. Ketamine is unpredictable and taking too much can cause an unpleasant K-hole.
- Make sure you’re in a good mental state. If you’re feeling down or anxious, ketamine can exaggerate those feelings and give you a bad experience.
- Don’t use ketamine alone. If you're with people you know and trust, they can help if you're not feeling well or take too much.
- Avoid food for 90 minutes before taking ketamine. This will make you less likely to feel sick and vomit.
- Don’t share any snorting equipment, including banknotes or keys. This can spread infections and blood borne viruses.
If someone is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, always call 999. Don't worry; the ambulance won't bring the police unless a death has been reported, or they are concerned that the paramedics’ safety is at risk.
- While you’re waiting, place the person in the recovery position. Here’s a quick guide. If you don’t remember how, get them on their side – this will help.
We recommend having naloxone on hand if using any illicit drug. Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and saves lives. Ketamine is not an opioid, but some batches are contaminated with opiate substances, so naloxone could help in the case of overdose. Either way, naloxone will not cause any harm.
You can collect naloxone from your local Change Grow Live service, and a member of staff will show you how to use it.