(Image: City of York Council)
A former ketamine user from York is sharing his story during Ketamine Awareness Week.
The 28-year-old began using the drug at 18 after starting university.
Over the next 10 years, ketamine became part of his everyday life, and during that time, he struggled with addiction, left university, lost jobs, experienced homelessness, and battled with his mental health.
He said: "I wasn't a special case.
"I was a normal lad from a normal family.
"If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone."
His experience is being shared as part of Ketamine Awareness Week, a campaign led by City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire Police and local health and support services.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of ketamine use, which has risen by 231 per cent among young people between 2013 and 2024.
In his case, addiction took a heavy toll on those closest to him, adding: "I really broke my parents."
After years of using the drug, he eventually sought help and began his recovery.
He is now rebuilding relationships and planning for the future.
His message to young people is clear: "Drugs can make you feel on top of the world.
"But they can also take you to the bottom of it.
"You're not invincible.
"Talk about your problems.
"If you need help, ask for it.
"You might think you're protecting people by keeping things to yourself, but you're not alone."
Health professionals warn that regular ketamine use can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder and urinary tract, and in some cases can also damage the kidneys.
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said: "This story shows that addiction can affect anyone.
"What started as trying ketamine at 18 went on to affect this young man's health, education, work and family life.
"That is why Ketamine Awareness Week is so important.
"We want young people to understand the risks, parents and carers to feel confident talking about ketamine and everyone to know where they can get help.
"Most importantly, this story shows that recovery is possible and support is available."
Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services at North Yorkshire Council, said: "Ketamine addiction can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, and this young man’s experience is a powerful reminder that addiction can affect anyone and speaking about recovery can help reduce stigma and encourage others to seek support.
"We would like people in North Yorkshire who are struggling with ketamine or other substances to know they are not alone."
A number of support services are available in York and North Yorkshire for those affected by ketamine use.