Ketamine and Your Health

What is ketamine? 

Ketamine is a dissociative drug. It has mildly hallucinogenic properties and causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment. It is primarily used as an anaesthetic in medical settings.  

Ketamine is usually snorted but can be injected and swallowed. It is sold as a fine white powder or in small glass-like shards but also comes in liquid form.

What are the effects of ketamine?

Euphoria, a sense of calm, loss of coordination, confusion, numbness, nausea, vomiting, ‘K-Hole’.  

The effects of ketamine can last around 1 - 2 hours and can vary depending on the environment someone is in when they use it and the amount that they use.   

• In a club environment it can be stimulating with increased energy and euphoria.  
• In a quiet, relaxed place it can provide a more spiritual experience and a sense of calm.  
• At high doses people can experience a “k-hole”, where they may feel detached from their body and experience vivid and sometimes uncomfortable hallucinations.   

What are the risks of using ketamine?

• Ketamine can affect your balance and coordination, making it easier to trip or fall. Because it’s an anaesthetic, you might not feel pain if you get hurt, so injuries can go unnoticed. 
• Physical effects can include back pain or stomach cramps (called “k-cramps”).  
• Bladder and kidney damage can happen with regular use. Signs include needing to pee more often, pain when peeing, or blood in your urine.  
• Mental health effects after using ketamine can include anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, paranoia, hallucinations, and feeling like you or the world aren’t real.  
• Tolerance can build quickly, meaning you may need more ketamine to feel the same effect. This increases the risk of dependence and bladder or kidney problems.  
• You can’t know what’s in a drug without testing it. It might contain something unexpected or stronger than you think, which can cause dangerous effects.

If you or anyone you are with becomes unwell call 999 or seek medical help straight away.

Download the new Substance Use Information cards and ketamine leaflet for more harm reduction advice.

How can I reduce the harms of ketamine?

If you do decide to use drugs, read the harm reduction advice below to help you stay safe.

• Start with a low dose and only use ketamine in a safe environment. Accidentally going into a k-hole in a busy or unsafe place can be a scary and dangerous experience 
• Manage how much you take. Don’t do bumps/keys on a dark dancefloor as you may end up taking a bigger dose than you intended    
• Stay well hydrated before, during and after taking ketamine to reduce the damage to your bladder 
• Avoid mixing with other drugs, particularly other ‘downers’ like alcohol or benzos as they will amplify the effects of each other, putting you at risk of an unpredictable experience  
• Keep track of use and take breaks, as regular or daily use can increase tolerance and lead to dependence 
• Avoid having a bath whilst using ketamine to relieve the pain of cramps, as there is a risk of accidental drowning  
• If snorting, use your own snorting tube, don’t share with others. Chop the powder up finely to reduce damage to the nose, alternate nostrils and wash out your nose at the end of the night 
• We would advise you to avoid injecting, but if you choose to inject ketamine, contact your local service to pick up sterile equipment and get safer injecting advice 
• Seek medical help if you start suffering with pain or urinary issues 

Think Set, Setting and Sitter:

Make sure you’re in the right headspace and a safe place and have someone you trust with you.

• Think Set = Your mood. 
  Check how you’re feeling before using ketamine. If you’re stressed, low or anxious, ketamine can make those feelings stronger. 
• Think Setting = Your space. 
  Use somewhere calm and safe - not a busy, loud or hot place where you might feel overwhelmed. 
• Think Sitter = Your mate. 
  Have a trusted friend with you who can look out for you and help if things feel too intense. 

Where can I get help for ketamine use?

At Turning Point, we want to support you without judgement. Whether you want to cut down, use more safely, or talk to someone about your worries, we’re here to help.

If you would like to speak to someone for more harm reduction advice or you are worried about your own ketamine use or that of a friend or family member, we can support you.

Using ketamine regularly can cause a range of physical symptoms - some mild, some serious. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to listen to your body and get help as soon as you need it.