York man shares how ketamine addiction destroyed his life

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 06:20 · Archive

A 28-year-old from York has shared his story of a decade-long ketamine addiction that cost him his education, jobs and home.

A former ketamine user from York is sharing his story during Ketamine Awareness Week, a campaign led by City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire Police and local health and support services. The 28-year-old began using the drug at 18 after starting university. Over the next ten years, ketamine became part of his everyday life, during which time he struggled with addiction, left university, lost jobs, experienced homelessness and battled with his mental health.

Addiction took a heavy toll on those closest to him. He said: 'I was a normal lad from a normal family. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.' He added: '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: 'Drugs can make you feel on top of the world. But they can also take you to the bottom of 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. The campaign aims to raise awareness of ketamine use, which has risen by 231 per cent among young people between 2013 and 2024.

How it is being reported

• York man shares how decade-long ketamine addiction destroyed his lifeA former 28-year-old ketamine user from York is sharing his story during Ketamine Awareness Week.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 20 Oct, 05:00
• York man shares how decade-long ketamine addiction destroyed his lifeA former 28-year-old ketamine user from York is sharing his story during Ketamine Awareness Week.The Press (York) · 20 Oct, 05:00

In this story: York · City of York Council · North Yorkshire Council · North Yorkshire Police · Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw

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