Knowsley Council is working with partners to raise awareness of the growing use of the drug ‘ketamine’ and the support available for those who need it.
Ketamine is a dangerous drug that both adults and young people across the borough are using without knowing the potential damage it can cause.
The problem is not unique to Knowsley, with Drug and Alcohol treatment services across the country seeing an increase in ketamine use in recent years, particularly in young people and young adults
Last year, Knowsley Council launched an animated video detailing the dangers of Ketamine use aimed at children and young people. The video is also a useful tool for parents or carers who are looking to speak with a child about the drug. The video can be viewed here.
The Knowsley Combating Drugs Partnership has also worked with service users to create videos detailing the lived experience of Ketamine users and the impact it has had on their lives.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “Ketamine is a very dangerous drug that is ruining lives across the country.
“Here in Knowsley, we want our residents to know that if they’re suffering with addiction to ketamine they do not need to suffer alone. Support is available and there are highly trained professionals ready and waiting to help you safely and without judgment.”
What are the dangers of ketamine use?
In the short term, ketamine use can result in disorientation, confusion, and the inability to move properly, this can result in the user putting themselves in increasingly dangerous situations. The drug is also an anaesthetic meaning an accidental injury can go unnoticed and untreated.
Longer term use can result in irreversible bladder damage, including removal of the bladder and other lifelong problems such as kidney failure.
What are the signs of ketamine use?
Residents, including parents in Knowsley are being urged to know what the signs of ketamine use are so that they can help a loved oneaccess support. Parents and carers, as well as children and young people will not be punished for accessing support and so should be actively encouraged to do so. Signs and Symptoms include:
- Severe confusion
- Paranoia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of sensory perception
- Loss of coordination/control of the body
- Stomach cramps
- Pain and/or bleeding when urinating
Where can we access support?
If residents including parents are worried about a loved one’s drug use, there is advice and support available on how to approach the situation with them via talktofrank.com
In Knowsley, drug support services are available for anyone aged 10+ and can be accessed via Change Grow Live. Visit www.changegrowlive.org/integrated-recovery-service-knowsley
Knowsley Haven organises two peer support groups in Knowsley. The groups offer a safe, non-judgemental space for people in recovery or who are current using ketamine. You don’t have to be accessing treatment and can come in for confidential advice and support either for yourself or somebody you are worried about.
The groups take place every Saturday at:
CGL Kirkby, 24 Newtown Gardens, Kirkby, L23 8RR, 1pm-2pm
CGL Huyton, Wilson Road, L36 6FH, 1pm-2pm