Liv, 26, is sharing her journey of recovery from ketamine addiction through the ‘Forget The Ket’ campaign, hoping to inspire others who may be struggling to reach out for support.
Liv was first introduced to ketamine at university, and over time, her use escalated due to past trauma and mental health challenges. After a few hospital admissions and a near-fatal overdose, Liv reached out for help and began her recovery journey:
“I was using ridiculous amounts and hiding it from my family. When I finally told my dad, I knew something had to change” said Liv. “Coming off ketamine, I’m in the best place I’ve been in my entire life with my mental illnesses, my neurodivergence, my sleep routine, my health, basically everything.
“I have a wonderful relationship with my family, and I actually enjoy exercise now. I no longer have gum disease symptoms, chronic nosebleeds, horrendous heart palpitations, sweats and shakes. I’m able to go to bed at night feeling grateful for the day and things like a cup of tea or the smell of a new book.”
Liv emphasised: “My physical health and mental health have improved massively.”
It was only after quitting ketamine that Liv realised the drug had seriously affected her health:
“It was when I quit that I started to realise my bladder wasn’t quite the same as it used to be. Frequency of needing to go to the toilet was increased, with pain here and there. I’m very, very lucky that it was just that, really, because I was completely unaware of the health implications.”
Liv received support for her drug use from Reach and through attending Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. She now volunteers with Clarity, Dorset’s Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) helping others on their recovery journey:
“I’m heavily involved with some volunteering work, especially to do with lived experience and recovery from drugs and alcohol addiction. It’s wonderful to be able to give back and help my community, which is something I never, ever thought I would do in active addiction.”
While the safest option is not to use drugs, following harm reduction advice can help keep you safer if you do choose to use. Liv shares this advice:
“Educate yourself about the consequences. I’ve met so many young people with catheter bags at 21, which is heartbreaking.”
She added, “Having some naloxone around is always a really great piece of advice. A lot of drugs nowadays, especially ketamine, are mixed with different things and particularly opiates like fentanyl or synthetic opioids. Naloxone will treat that side of an overdose and there’s no downside to administering it if someone’s in a crisis.”
Hear more of Liv’s story on our YouTube channel.
As part of the ‘Forget The Ket’ campaign, Liv has also shared her experience through a poem that gives an honest perspective on ketamine’s impact and shows that recovery is possible with the right support. Watch ‘Walls Start to Melt’, a poem by Liv, and share it with someone who needs hope.
Support for ketamine use
If you’re worried about someone’s ketamine or other drug use, free and confidential support is available.
- If you live in the Dorset Council area, contact Reach on 0800 043 4656
- If you live in the BCP Council area, contact WithYou on 01202 558855
Both services offer tailored support around ketamine use, including advice for individuals as well as friends and family affected by someone’s drug use. If speaking to someone feels difficult right now, you can complete an online referral form and someone will contact you confidentially.
