Campaign to kick ketamine off Cumbria’s streets

A campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the consequences of taking the drug ketamine.

Charity Crimestoppers said the county has seen a rise in people contacting support services – with ketamine being the drug of choice leading them to seeking help.

It said one service provider in South Cumbria was receiving two calls a day from users or family members looking for support and treatment options specific to ketamine.

Ketamine is traditionally a drug used for general anaesthetic and pain relief by both doctors and vets, has become a drug of choice for many.

Cumbria is experiencing a rise of young people taking the drug, without understanding the true level of devastation the drug causes.

Crimestoppers also hopes the campaign will lead to an increase of reporting of those who are bringing the drug into the area, those who are recruiting individuals to sell the drug and those who are selling the drugs on the street.

The campaign warns of both the serious short and long term health implications that taking ketamine causes such as:

Short term impact:

Nausea and vomiting
Hallucinations
Amnesia
Disassociation

Long term impact:

Ulcerative cystitis of the bladder
Frequent urinary tract infections
Kidney damage
Gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach cramps
Anxiety
Depression
Paranoia
Psychosis
Death

Gary Murray, North West regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Drugs inflict a truly devastating toll, not only on the individual using them but also on the families and friends who love and care for them. Ketamine is unfortunately no different.

“The physical impact of ketamine is monumental. Many individuals become addicted very quickly and then face the harrowing effects of severe pain, memory loss, and the debilitating condition of ulcerative cystitis.

“We are calling on the community to help us make our streets safer by reporting any information about ketamine dealers to Crimestoppers. Your report is 100% anonymous.’