Promoting Recovery Engagement (PRE)
The Promoting Recovery Engagement (PRE) team at THOMAS run a Ketamine support group every Monday 2-3pm at St Johns Court, Blackburn; also home to Sparks – a substance misuse service funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough council. Elliot Weston – the PRE lead – orchestrates the meeting, supported by 2 other members of staff, Austin Vickers and Michael Rhodes.
Once used as an aesthetic for surgeries and medical procedures, Ketamine is now often known as a “club drug” due to its fast acting, and short-lasting effect. Like many other drugs, Ketamine floods the brain’s reward pathways with dopamine, introducing a pleasurable experience for the user, with ketamine especially taken for having a numbing and dissociative effect.
Yet, Ketamine use is rising and poses a risk of addiction, as frequent use can result in psychological dependence.
The support group allows a safe space for members of the community to come and talk about their relationship with Ketamine, and break through the idea that they are “unfixable”. For some, it’s a big choice to go to the meeting, instead of staying at home and potentially spirally downwards; and every win is celebrated.
Key topics touched upon were the physical effects of ketamine, including the well-known “ket cramps” and bladder damage. Members of the group discussed how they deal with the pain, with one mentioning they fell asleep in the bathtub for 4 hours as only the hot water could help to ease the pain.
The honesty in the room is raw and tangible, and the PRE team provide a judgment-free environment, encouraging the group to be open about their journey outside the weekly sessions, despite everyone being at different stages in their recovery. Individual next steps are also discussed, as well as goals for them to reach towards, such as consistently going to the recovery meetings, and working on healthy ways to manage their mental health.
If you, or someone you know is suffering from the effects of addiction to ketamine and or other drugs, please seek advice and support.
