People across Warwickshire are being urged to stay safe this summer and understand the potentially life-changing harms associated with ketamine use.
Ketamine, sometimes known as "Ket", "Special K" or "Vitamin K", is a Class B drug that has become increasingly popular among young people. While some people believe ketamine is a relatively harmless recreational drug, health professionals across the county are warning that regular use can lead to severe physical and mental health problems including permanent bladder damage and life-threatening emergencies.
In England, ketamine is now one of the fastest-growing substances leading people to seek support. Nationally, the number of adults receiving treatment for ketamine-related problems has risen in recent years, increasing from 2.3% in 2023/24 to 3.2% in 2024/25.*
Any drug will change the way a person perceives the world and reality. Many will experience hallucinations, feel detached from their surroundings, lose awareness of pain, and experience a sensation of being disconnected from their body. At higher doses, people can enter a state known as a "K-hole", where they may be unable to move, communicate or respond to those around them.
Taking too much ketamine can be dangerous and requires urgent medical attention. Warning signs can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe confusion or unresponsiveness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Being unable to move or communicate
- Vomiting while unconscious
- Extreme agitation or distress
- Collapsing or becoming unresponsive
In addition to the physical symptoms, ketamine has also been linked to anxiety, low mood, depression, memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating and psychological dependence. Some report feeling emotionally detached and disconnected from family, friends and everyday life. Long-term use can also affect cognitive function and memory, making it harder to study, work or maintain relationships.
There is also a lifesaving medication called Naloxone that can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose. Naloxone will help to restore breathing while emergency services are on their way. It can also be effective in overdoses involving drugs such as ketamine, cocaine or MDMA if they have been contaminated with opioids. Naloxone is easy to use, available as a nasal spray or injection, and is safe to give even if you are unsure whether opioids are involved. Anyone concerned about someone’s drug use can access Naloxone through Change Grow Live Warwickshire, where the team will help with the correct instructions for use.
Change Grow Live (CGL) Warwickshire, a service funded by Warwickshire County Council (WCC), provides free and confidential support for people affected by drug and alcohol use. The service offers advice, treatment, recovery support and help for families and carers, supporting residents across Warwickshire to make positive changes and improve their health and wellbeing.
Councillor Anne Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: "Residents needing support are encouraged to reach out early on to someone trusted, such as a friend, family member, GP, teacher, colleague or support worker.
“Alternatively, there are dedicated services available across Warwickshire providing expert advice and treatment for both adults and young people who need help with alcohol or drug-related issues.
“We want all residents to live well in Warwickshire so I would urge anyone worried about their drug use to reach out for support.”
Sharon Bolesworth, Coventry and Warwickshire Cluster Manager at Change Grow Live said: “Ketamine use may start off as occasional, but it can quickly develop into addiction and serious health problems. Many people don’t realise that repeated use can lead to permanent bladder damage, serious mental health consequences and dependency.”
“There is also no way of knowing what substances are cut with ketamine or how they will affect you. Therefore, it’s important for people to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms associated with ketamine use and seek help as early as possible to keep themselves and others safe."
For adults seeking advice and support visit www.changegrowlive.org/. Children and young people can access support at www.changegrowlive.org/young-people.
If someone is in immediate danger or their life is at risk, call 999. If urgent mental health support is needed, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option or speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. For more information, please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mental-health-wellbeing
* Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (2025), Adult Substance Misuse Treatment Statistics 2024 to 2025.