Ketamine use information

There are growing concerns across St Helens about the reported increase in ketamine use by young people (may also be called “ket”, “k”, “Kenny”). 

It is becoming particularly popular at parties and other gatherings and children as young as 13-14 are reported to have used it.

Ketamine can cause a number of harms to physical and mental health. Regular use can result in problems such as bladder and urinary problems, stomach pains and genital area pain. It can be very addictive and people who use ketamine can very quickly feel the need to start using more and more and their use can become out of control.

There are concerns that Ketamine powder is being used with other drugs and/or alcohol

Ketamine is known as a “disassociate anaesthetic” – it can reduce awareness and sensitivity to pain as well as inhibiting movement. It can produce the effects of being disorientated, cause hallucinations, feelings of euphoria, limbs can feel heavy and people may be unable to speak properly. In higher doses it can cause out of body experiences (known as a “k-hole”). The effects may be different for different people depending on how much they have taken and if they have used with other drugs or alcohol.

Due to the anaesthetic properties, people who use ketamine may injure themselves without realising as their ability to feel pain is reduced.

Ketamine is a class B drug. If someone is found by the police to be in possession of ketamine they could be fined or be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison. Dealing (selling/supplying, even to friends) a class B drug could result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

There are local concerns in relation to ketamine use and potential child exploitation as criminal gangs will often groom and “recruit” young people to sell drugs.

If there are any safeguarding concerns please report these as per your local safeguarding processes.

For more information about drugs: “Talk to Frank” website additionally, contact your local drug and alcohol services for advice and support.

If you are concerned about drug dealing in your local area you can report this through Crimestoppers or GMP Police  “Tell Us” website - if you see a crime taking place and it’s an emergency - call 999

Designated Nurses; St Helens CCG 24.5.22