• SUPPORT
    • Counselling
      • One to One Counselling
      • Counselling Groups
      • Domestic Abuse Counselling
    • Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support
      • Antidote Home Care
      • Antidote Drop Ins
      • The Antidote Social
      • Axis – Satellite Clinic
      • 1-1 Keyworking
      • Real Chemistry
        • Real Chemistry Sunday Sessions
        • Real Chemistry Online Workshops
        • Real Chemistry For Professionals
      • Chemcheck
      • Friends & Family Chemsex
      • Drugs
        • Alcohol
        • Crystal Meth
        • G (GHB/GBL)
        • Steroids
        • Mephedrone
        • Cannabis
        • Cocaine
        • Ketamine
        • Other Drugs
        • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Social Support Groups
      • London Friend Groups
      • Calendar
    • Sexual Health
      • SASH
      • Rise
      • Code
      • Axis
      • CliniQ
      • Self Help
    • Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    • Helplines
  • Info & Advice
    • Mental Health
    • Coming Out
    • Hate Crime Support
    • Chemsex
      • Chemsex and the Coronavirus Lockdown
      • What is Chemsex
      • Chemsex Support
      • Before and During Chemsex Sessions
      • Chemsex and Mental Health
      • Chemsex and Consent
      • Chemsex and Sexual Health
    • Drugs
      • Alcohol
      • Crystal Meth
      • G (GHB/GBL)
      • Steroids
      • Mephedrone
      • Cannabis
      • Cocaine
      • Ketamine
      • Other Drugs
      • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Apps & Safety
    • For Women
    • Friends & Family General
    • Friends & Family Chemsex
    • LGBTQ+ Resources London
  • VOLUNTEERING
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Counsellor
    • Volunteer Supervisors
    • Trustee
  • SUPPORT
    • Counselling
      • One to One Counselling
      • Counselling Groups
      • Domestic Abuse Counselling
    • Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support
      • Antidote Home Care
      • Antidote Drop Ins
      • The Antidote Social
      • Axis – Satellite Clinic
      • 1-1 Keyworking
      • Real Chemistry
        • Real Chemistry Sunday Sessions
        • Real Chemistry Online Workshops
        • Real Chemistry For Professionals
      • Chemcheck
      • Friends & Family Chemsex
      • Drugs
        • Alcohol
        • Crystal Meth
        • G (GHB/GBL)
        • Steroids
        • Mephedrone
        • Cannabis
        • Cocaine
        • Ketamine
        • Other Drugs
        • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Social Support Groups
      • London Friend Groups
      • Calendar
    • Sexual Health
      • SASH
      • Rise
      • Code
      • Axis
      • CliniQ
      • Self Help
    • Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    • Helplines
  • Info & Advice
    • Mental Health
    • Coming Out
    • Hate Crime Support
    • Chemsex
      • Chemsex and the Coronavirus Lockdown
      • What is Chemsex
      • Chemsex Support
      • Before and During Chemsex Sessions
      • Chemsex and Mental Health
      • Chemsex and Consent
      • Chemsex and Sexual Health
    • Drugs
      • Alcohol
      • Crystal Meth
      • G (GHB/GBL)
      • Steroids
      • Mephedrone
      • Cannabis
      • Cocaine
      • Ketamine
      • Other Drugs
      • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Apps & Safety
    • For Women
    • Friends & Family General
    • Friends & Family Chemsex
    • LGBTQ+ Resources London
  • VOLUNTEERING
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Counsellor
    • Volunteer Supervisors
    • Trustee
  • DONATIONS
    • Donate Now
    • Fundraising
    • Facebook
  • PROFESSIONALS
    • Training
    • Healthcare Professionals
    • Partnerships
    • LGBT Resources
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet Our Trustees
    • News
    • Blog
    • Media
      • Videos
      • Podcasts
    • Statement on Trans Rights
    • Jobs
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Testimonials
    • Funders & Supporters
    • Awards
    • Timeline
    • Safer Spaces Policy
    • Covid-19 Safety Regulations
    • Privacy & Data Policy
  • DONATIONS
    • Donate Now
    • Fundraising
    • Facebook
  • PROFESSIONALS
    • Training
    • Healthcare Professionals
    • Partnerships
    • LGBT Resources
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet Our Trustees
    • News
    • Blog
    • Media
      • Videos
      • Podcasts
    • Statement on Trans Rights
    • Jobs
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Testimonials
    • Funders & Supporters
    • Awards
    • Timeline
    • Safer Spaces Policy
    • Covid-19 Safety Regulations
    • Privacy & Data Policy
  • SUPPORT
    • Counselling
      • One to One Counselling
      • Counselling Groups
      • Domestic Abuse Counselling
    • Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support
      • Antidote Home Care
      • Antidote Drop Ins
      • The Antidote Social
      • 1-1 Keyworking
      • Real Chemistry
      • Axis – Satellite Clinic
      • Chemcheck
      • Friends & Family Chemsex
      • Drugs
        • Alcohol
        • Crystal Meth
        • G (GHB/GBL)
        • Steroids
        • Mephedrone
        • Cannabis
        • Cocaine
        • Ketamine
        • Other Drugs
        • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Social Support Groups
      • London Friend Groups
      • Calendar
    • Sexual Health
      • SASH
      • Rise
      • Code
      • Axis
      • CliniQ
      • Self Help
    • Refugees & Asylum Seekers
    • Helplines
  • INFO & ADVICE
    • Mental Health
    • Coming Out
    • Hate Crime Support
    • Chemsex
      • Chemsex and the Coronavirus
      • What is Chemsex
      • Chemsex Support
      • Before and During Chemsex Sessions
      • Chemsex and Mental Health
      • Chemsex and Consent
      • Chemsex and Sexual Health
    • Drugs
      • Alcohol
      • Crystal Meth
      • G (GHB/GBL)
      • Steroids
      • Mephedrone
      • Cannabis
      • Cocaine
      • Ketamine
      • Other Drugs
      • Safer Injecting Practices
    • Apps & Safety
    • For Women
    • Friends & Family General
    • Friends & Family Chemsex
    • LGBTQ+ Resources London
  • VOLUNTEERING
    • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Counsellor
    • Volunteer Supervisors
    • Trustee
  • DONATIONS
    • Donate Now
    • Fundraising
    • Facebook
  • PROFESSIONALS
    • Training
      • Improving LGBT Competence
      • Developing Trans Competence
      • Working with Chemsex
      • Developing an LGBT Support Strategy
      • Healthy LGBT Lives
      • Our Trainers
    • Healthcare Professionals
    • Partnerships
    • LGBT Resources
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet Our Trustees
    • News
    • Blog
    • Media
      • Videos
      • Podcasts
    • Statement on Trans Rights
    • Monty’s Thoughts
    • Jobs
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Testimonials
    • Funders & Supporters
    • Awards
    • Timeline
    • Safer Spaces Policy
    • Covid-19 Safety Regulations
    • Privacy & Data Policy
CONTACT

Ketamine

KETAMINE

Ketamine is an anaesthetic cooked from liquid form to crystalline solid, then ground into a powder and snorted through the nose, traditionally through “bumps” off the end of a key or in a “bullet” (a device used to deliver measured amounts). Recreationally, it is used to on a dance-floor or during sex to “take the edge off”, or to complement other drugs like cocaine, crystal meth and ecstasy. In larger or built-up amounts it can have a hallucinogenic effect or put the user into a “K Hole” – a state of very limited awareness or altered perception/reality.

Not too much harm is seen by health services regarding this kind of use. Users generally recover from their “K Holes” within the hour and feeling sober again. During these K holes however, the less-than-conscious user is exposed to dangers from sexual assault or accidental harm. Mixing with alcohol can be a danger as it can effect breathing and cause bradychardia.

Although it is not physically addictive (a frequent or regular user can stop using Ketamine without the need of medical assistance), some people find it highly psychologically addictive. Its numbing or mindlessness effects can be very attractive to a person who wishes to distract themselves from or avoid unpleasant consciousness, fears of the future or traumatic past.

It is also a tool to manage social or intimacy anxiety, and to manage boredom. Loneliness and isolation are usually relevant factors in regular Ketamine use. These users can find themselves using Ketamine in very large amounts all day every day.

The most direct and dangerous harm is damage to the bladder, causing severe pain and incontinence. These are usually the symptoms that induce clients to seek help from drug services. If you are experiencing pain you should seek medical support urgently.

In most cases there is no harm in stopping use of Ketamine immediately and abruptly, though users can be extremely reluctant to do so. Often, some therapy is required to address underlying issues, but before that could happen your keyworker can assist you in reducing your use, while motivating you to find other ways to alleviate boredom with activities or seeking company and support from friends.

KETAMINE HARM REDUCTION TIPS:

Identify a typical amount used daily, then reduce this for a week by a certain amount. For instance, if you’re using 8 grams a day, try reducing it to 5 grams daily for the next week. Or if your first line is at midday, try stretching it to 5pm. Choose 1 day (2 if you’re brave!) to not use at all. Make this a special day, doing something different, perhaps with a supportive friend.

Use a diary to record and monitor not only the amount, but the feelings you are experiencing while reducing. Discussing this at the next appointment will help you and your worker to better understand your triggers, and the emotions involved, as well as develop a better understanding of what you might be “avoiding”. If experiencing bladder pain, your keyworker can arrange a Urology referral.

Making use of the Antidote drop in and free acupuncture is well-advised to help develop confidence in engaging with others in a safe place, and to help with cravings.

You can access a list of our services or contact us by email to discuss your needs: antidote@londonfriend.org.uk.

 

"I am the happiest I remember being in a long time thanks to London Friend."
Counselling Service User
"Antidote gave me structure, focus and support."
Antidote Service User
"What I really like about LF is its dedication to helping older LGBT people."
Support Group User
"London Friend offers so much to the LGBT community in a way that differs from other organisations."
Counselling Service User
"Everyone I have met there so far has been very welcoming, helpful and empathetic."
Support Group User
"We need a space to be open whether gay, lesbian, bi or trans. Friend's social and sharing groups give me that chance."
Support Group User
"Volunteering at London Friend allows me to do lots of things."
London Friend Volunteer
"If it weren't for Antidote I know that I would either be dead or in prison."
Antidote Service User
"London Friend creates a very friendly and equal environment for all LGBT people."
Counselling Service User
"London Friend are not afraid to really stand up and fight for the well-being of our community."
Service User
"The groups at London Friend are great" Interesting informative and fun."
Support Group Service User

Find us on Social Media

Awards

QAVS_logo
GSK_IMPACT_2016_winner
lf-nda-2014-winner

Share this Page

LONDON FRIEND MAIN OFFICE

86 Caledonian Road
London N19DN

020 7833 1674
office@londonfriend.org.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Charity number: 299307 - Company limited by guarantee (No. 1345530) - © All rights reserved - London Friend - 2024