Ketamine - advice for staying safe
This page will give you information about ketamine, its effects, and how to stay safe if you or someone you know is using it.
Understanding ketamine
Ketamine is a drug that can affect your mind and body. It's sometimes used for medical reasons, but some people also use it recreationally.
It commonly comes as a grainy white powder people snort or swallow.
If snorted it can take between 5-15 minutes to kick-in and if swallowed it can take between 15-25 minutes. The effects can last between 45 minutes and 2 hours, but this will depend on how much you take and how you take it.
Ketamine can make you feel detached from reality, as though you are separated from your body and mind. You might experience hallucinations and it can make it hard for you to move.
This is known as a k-hole. Some people find this experience fun, others find it can be scary.
Ketamine is a Class B drug. This means it’s illegal for you to have it, or to give it to someone else.
You can be arrested and charged for having ketamine in your possession. You could get an unlimited fine, or up to 5 years in prison, or both. If you give ketamine to someone else, 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
It’s very dangerous when mixed with alcohol and other substances. Mixing substances can cause bad reactions, but ketamine is especially bad to mix with other substances, including alcohol and medicines you’ve been prescribed. Mixing these can affect your breathing and be dangerous. It can also make you feel sick and cause you to vomit.
It can make it easier to injure yourself. 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 mental state. Ketamine can cause short- and long-term memory problems, paranoia and hallucinations.
It can damage your bladder. People who take ketamine regularly can get lasting bladder damage. The main symptoms are pain in your abdomen, pain when you urinate, and needing the toilet more often.
If you notice these symptoms after using ketamine, speak to your doctor for advice.
Keeping yourself safe
There are ways to reduce the risks of using ketamine:
Avoid mixing with other substances. Combining ketamine with alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous. This includes prescribed medications. It can even affect your breathing.
You can find out more about how ketamine interacts with other substances on the website Drugs and Me by following the link below:
Drugs and Me: learn how ketamine interacts with other substances
Stay low and go slow. This is a good idea for all drugs. Taking a little bit first can help you see how it affects you. Ketamine can be 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.
Use with trusted friends. If you're with people you know and trust, they can help if you're not feeling well or if you've taken too much.
Avoid food for 90 minutes before taking ketamine. This will make you less likely to feel sick and vomit.
Don’t use or share banknotes for snorting. This can spread infections and blood borne viruses.
Don't be afraid to call for help. If someone might be having problems because of ketamine, call for help.
If someone is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, always call 999. Don't worry; the ambulance won't bring the police unless it's a very specific situation.
Place the person in the recovery position. Here’s a quick guide to the recovery position. If you don’t remember, get them on their side.
Naloxone, the drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, does not work on ketamine.
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 is always available from your local Change Grow Live Service. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, we’re here to help.