'I tried ketamine at university aged 18 - it cost me 10 years of my life'

A man who says he lost 10 years of his life due to ketamine addiction has told why he hopes young people will think twice before taking the drug.

He has chosen to remain anonymous but remembers first trying ketamine at the age of 18, shortly after moving away from home to start university.

Over the next 10 years, ketamine became part of his everyday life. During that time, he struggled with addiction, left university, lost jobs, experienced homelessness and battled with his mental health.

Looking back, he says he never imagined that a decision made during his first days away from home would shape the next decade of his life.

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 story 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.

More young people are using ketamine than ever before.

National figures show ketamine use among young people rose by 231 per cent between 2013 and 2024, while the number of young people seeking support for ketamine use has also risen remarkably.

Ketamine can damage users’ bladders and kidneys. This can make going to the toilet painful. It can also affect memory, concentration and mental health.

Health professionals warn that regular ketamine use can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder and urinary tract.

In some cases, it can also damage the kidneys and lead to long-term health problems.

Organisations across York and North Yorkshire are concerned that many young people do not know how dangerous ketamine can be. Some people do not ask for help until their problems have become much more serious.

Throughout the week, organisations will deliver activities aimed at young people, parents, carers, teachers and professionals.

After years of addiction, the 28-year-old finally got help and began his recovery. Today, he is rebuilding his life, reconnecting with loved ones and looking forward to the future.

And when asked what advice he would give to others, he added: "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."

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Willey, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “North Yorkshire Police is committed to both pursuing drug dealers and organised crime gangs and preventing the harm caused by illegal drugs.

“This includes ensuring people receive the help and support they need to stay safe and we support the health-based, harm-reduction efforts highlighted during Ketamine Awareness Week.”