Ketamine: what it does, the risks and getting support

If you’ve used ketamine or are thinking about it, understanding how it works, the risks involved and where to get support can help you make more informed choices. 

Quick answers about ketamine 

• Ketamine can affect your awareness, coordination and memory 
• It can make it harder to stay in control of your body or surroundings 
• Regular use can cause serious physical health problems 
• Effects can be unpredictable, especially when mixed with other substances 
• Support is available if you’re worried about your use 

What is ketamine? 

Ketamine is a drug that slows down signals in the brain and body. It is sometimes used medically, but when used recreationally it can have very different effects. 

It is usually: 

• Snorted as a powder 
• Sometimes swallowed or mixed with other substances 

Because ketamine is unregulated, the strength and contents can vary. 

Is ketamine safe? 

Ketamine can be unpredictable, especially in social or busy environments. 

It can: 

• Reduce awareness of your surroundings 
• Affect coordination and balance 
• Make it harder to react to risks 

Because of this, situations like crowded spaces, traffic or unfamiliar environments can become more dangerous. 

Mixing ketamine with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk further. 

How can ketamine affect you? 

Ketamine can affect people in different ways depending on the amount used and the situation. 

Some people may feel: 

• Detached or disconnected from their body 
• Calm or relaxed 
• Less aware of pain 

But it can also cause: 

• Confusion and disorientation: You may not be fully aware of where you are or what’s happening. 
• Loss of coordination: This can increase the risk of falls or accidents. 
• Memory gaps: You may not remember what happened while using ketamine. 
• Feeling overwhelmed or frightened: Some people experience anxiety or distress, especially at higher doses. 

Effects can come on fairly quickly and may feel stronger than expected.

Why do people use ketamine? 

People may use ketamine for different reasons, including: 

• Curiosity 
• Being in social settings where others are using it 
• Wanting to disconnect or relax 

For some people, it stays occasional. For others, use can become more frequent over time. 

When can ketamine become a problem? 

You might want to take a step back if: 

• You’re using ketamine more often than you planned 
• You feel like you rely on it to relax or escape 
• You’re experiencing memory gaps or confusion 
• It’s affecting your safety or wellbeing 
• It’s becoming part of your routine 

These are signs that support could help. 

Risks linked to ketamine use 

Ketamine has some risks that can become more serious over time. 

• Bladder problems (sometimes called ketamine bladder syndrome): Regular use can damage the bladder, causing pain when going to the toilet, needing to go more often, and long‑term health problems. 
• Accidents and injuries: Reduced awareness and coordination increase the risk of harm. 
• Mental health effects: Some people experience anxiety, low mood or confusion. 

The risks often increase with frequency of use. 

Cutting down or stopping ketamine 

Some people want to stop using ketamine completely. Others want to cut down. 

Things that can help include: 

• Limiting how often you use it 
• Avoiding situations where you feel pressure to use 
• Finding other ways to relax or cope 

Support can make this easier and safer. 

You can also find more support on our young people’s support page. 

When should I get support? 

You might want to talk to someone if: 

• You’re worried about your use 
• You’ve experienced confusion, memory loss or accidents 
• You’re struggling to cut down 
• You just want advice without judgement 

You don’t need to wait until things feel serious. 

How Inspire can help 

Inspire provides free, confidential support for young people in West Northamptonshire. 

We can help with: 

• Talking things through 
• Support to reduce or stop use 
• Advice tailored to your situation 

You don’t need a referral or diagnosis. 

Getting support 

There are a few simple ways to get support: 

• Self‑referral – if you want help for yourself 
• Someone referring on your behalf 
• Support through school or other services 

If you’d like to talk, we’re here to help. 

You’re not alone 

Lots of young people have questions about ketamine or want to make changes to their use. Reaching out is a positive step. 

If ketamine is affecting you, Inspire is here to help.