Addiction Charity Issues Ketamine Warning

Motiv8, an Isle of Man charity specialising in addiction support, has issued a warning about the rising use of ketamine on the island.

The charity, which has provided addiction counseling since 1978, reports an increase in people becoming addicted to ketamine and experiencing severe health issues as a result.

Ketamine, known as ‘Ket’ or ‘Special K’,  is a powerful anaesthetic that is legally used in clinical settings.

However, it is often misused for its dissociative and euphoric effects.

Once popular on the rave scene, Motiv8 say its misuse continues to grow, posing serious health risks to users.

In a warning on Facebook, the charity said one of the most severe side effects of ketamine use is irreversible bladder damage, known as ‘ketamine bladder’, which can cause significant pain, blood-stained urine, and potentially lead to surgical removal of the bladder.

Motiv8 urges those concerned about their own or someone else’s drug use to seek support.

The charity can be contacted on their freephone helpline at 0808 1624 627.