‘I went to uni and got addicted to ketamine’ – York man’s second chance

Ketamine use is on the rise – today, a York man shares his addiction story and how he got clean. Image: Stock

York man tells how ketamine addiction began at university, by MAXINE GORDON

Em-Jay* hands me a rich and creamy hot chocolate and takes a seat opposite me at the back of York's Chocolate & Co cafe in The Groves.

It's 2.30pm on a Wednesday and the place is packed – a good sign as it marks its third year in business.

People are tucking into a range of snacks, treats and hot drinks – and I wonder how many are aware of the special status of this homely and inviting cafe just outside York's bustling city centre.

The social enterprise cafe in Lowther Street was established to give people recovering from addiction and other problems a chance of employment, training, counselling and support.

A second chance to get on in life.

Em-Jay (who asked us to disguise his real name), is living proof of the project in action.

Hot chocolate at Chocolate & Co in Lowther Street, York

In his 20s, he talks intelligently and enthusiastically about what this second chance might look like.

He would love to do an apprenticeship in engineering. He's applying for things, but it's tough out there he says.

But he's been through tougher times: not least giving up drugs – a problem which began when he left York for university aged 18.

"I didn't use drugs until I went to uni," he begins. "It was a sense of freedom and a social thing."

He began snorting ketamine and then started using MDMA/ecstasy.

"The problem with that was that it lowers you serotonin and is a depressive.

"I had been diagnosed with depression as a teenager, and it made it so that if I wasn't on anything I would be in a very low mood and would go to very, very dark places."

It culminated with him trying to take his own life at the age of 19.

"I didn't want to die, but I didn't want to live; I just couldn't see a way out. I was just existing, not living, not really alive at all."

He dropped out of uni and worked on and off in hospitality.

Hot chocolate at Chocolate & Co in Lowther Street, York

A turning point came when he managed to get into rehab and met a work coach who led him to the door of Chocolate & Co.

Off the drugs and loving his job at the cafe, he is looking forward to a new future, a new life.

"This place is fantastic. It's a supportive environment where nothing is taboo and you can talk to anybody about these things. There is no need to water down what you feel."

Recommended reading:

• Chocolate & Co: The York cafe serving up second chances
• New £7m campaign to boost sport and healthier living across Yorkshire
• Top York attraction unveils new DIY hot chocolate bar in major revamp

Ketamine in York and North Yorkshire

A Ketamine Awareness Week campaign has been led by City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire Police and local health and support services.

It's aim was to help young people, parents and carers understand the risks of ketamine, spot the warning signs and know where to get help.

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, according to North Yorkshire Police.

Ketamine use is on the rise – today, a York man shares his addiction story and how he got clean. Image: Stock

Many people do not realise how harmful ketamine can be.

Ketamine can damage your bladder and kidneys. This can make going to the toilet painful and may mean you need the toilet much more often. It can also affect your memory, concentration and mental health. Some people develop severe stomach pains, while others become addicted and find it difficult to stop using the drug.

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.

GET HELP

• This guide is available for young people using ketamine https://nyrise.org.uk/ketamine-how-to-get-help/

  • There is also a helpful guide to how to get help in York here
  • The Samaritans say that whatever you're going through, you can call them for free, at any time, from any phone, on 116 123