Reducing Ketamine Use

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Ketamine is an anaesthetic cooked from liquid form to crystalline solid, then ground into a powder and snorted through the nose, traditionally through “bumps” off the end of a key or in a “Bullet” (a device used to deliver measured amounts). Recreationally, it is used to on a dance-floor or during sex to “take the edge off”, or to complement other drugs like cocaine, crystal meth and ecstasy. In larger or built-up amounts it can have an  hallucinogenic effect or put the user into a “K Hole”; a state of very limited awareness or altered perception/reality.

Not too much harm is seen by health services regarding this kind of use; users generally recover from their “K Holes” within the hour and feeling sober again. During these K holes however, the less-than-conscious user is exposed to dangers from sexual assault or accidental harm. Mixing with alcohol can be a danger as it can effect breathing and cause bradychardia. Although it is rarely physically addictive (a frequent or regular user can most often stop using Ketamine without the need of medical assistance), some people find it highly psychologically addictive; its’ numbing or “mindlessness” effects can be very attractive to a person who wishes to distract themselves from, or avoid “unpleasant consciousness”, fears of the future or traumatic past. It is also a tool to manage social or intimacy anxiety, and to manage boredom. Loneliness and isolation are usually relevant factors in regular Ketamine use.   These users can find themselves using Ketamine in very large amounts all day every day.

The most direct and dangerous harm is damage to the bladder, causing severe pain and incontinence. These are usually the symptoms that induce clients to seek help from drug services. In most cases there is no harm in stopping use of Ketamine immediately and abruptly, though users can be extremely reluctant to do so. Often, some therapy is required to address underlying issues, but before that could happen your key-worker can assist you in reducing your use, while motivating you to find other ways to alleviate boredom with activities or seeking company and support from friends.


REDUCING

Identify a typical amount used daily; then reduce this for a week by a certain amount. For instance, if you’re using 8 grams a day, try reducing it to 5 grams daily for the next week; or if your first line is at Midday, try stretching it to 5pm. Choose 1 day (2 if you’re brave!) to not use at all; make this a special day, doing something different, perhaps with a supportive friend. Use a diary to record and monitor not only the amount, but the feelings you are experiencing while reducing. Discussing this at the next appointment will help you and your worker to better understand your triggers, and the emotions involved, as well as develop a better understanding of what you might be “avoiding”.


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

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"All of my friends were doing Ketamine. It was everywhere. It was the most difficult tempting I have ever refused."

Ning Li

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