The study, conducted by the University of Exeter and University College London (UCL), is the largest of its kind to thoroughly investigate the experiences of individuals currently living with ketamine addiction. Supported by the NIHR, the research involved interviews with ketamine users, many of whom were unaware of the risks of addiction until it had spiraled out of control. One participant even described ketamine as "the heroin of a generation."

The study focused on 274 individuals diagnosed with ketamine use disorder and uncovered symptoms that had previously been underreported. Notably, 60% of participants had experienced bladder or nasal issues. Additionally, 56% reported experiencing K-cramps—a painful condition involving organ cramping due to excessive ketamine use, which often leads individuals to turn back to the drug for relief. In severe cases, bladder problems can necessitate the removal of the bladder and the use of a urostomy bag to collect urine.

Psychological symptoms revealed by the study included cravings, low mood, anxiety, and irritability. The research, published in Addiction, also highlighted that only 56% of participants sought treatment, with just 36% of those individuals satisfied with the care they received.

Professor Celia Morgan of the University of Exeter, one of the study's authors, commented: "We know that ketamine use is on the rise, with several high-profile tragedies linked to ketamine addiction. At the same time, numerous clinical trials are exploring the therapeutic benefits of ketamine in controlled environments, combined with therapy. Our research is the first to deeply analyze the experiences of people using large amounts of ketamine and reveals the severe physical health issues associated with dependence. It also exposes the significant barriers people with ketamine addiction face when trying to access treatment, often being turned away by healthcare services."

Government data shows that ketamine use in the UK has more than doubled since 2016, with a threefold increase among 25-year-olds.

To understand the impact of ketamine addiction, the study employed both questionnaires and interviews. Among the participants, 59% stated that there was "definitely not" enough awareness about the risks of ketamine use in education and among peer groups. Many also reported being unaware of the drug's addictive potential and feeling too embarrassed to seek treatment.

One participant noted in an interview, "People know the risks about heroin and cocaine, but not how addiction to ketamine can become even stronger than being addicted to heroin or cocaine."

Another participant commented, "I feel it is the heroin of a generation, and more information will come out once time passes, and more people my age begin to suffer so much from misuse that it can't be ignored anymore."

Participants also shared frustrations regarding the lack of understanding among healthcare professionals. One individual said, "All they did was give me painkillers and send me on my way," while another recalled, "My GP doesn't think ketamine is addictive. They just told me to stop and didn't have a clue."

Source: https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/psychology/physical-and-psychological-symptoms-of-ketamine-abuse-revealed-in-research/