To tackle growing numbers of people addicted to ketamine in Greater Manchester, lived experience recovery organisation, Acorn Recovery Projects, have set up a weekly peer support group.
Taking place in Stockport every Tuesday, the ‘Ketamine Care Hub’ offers a confidential and safe space for people to talk about addiction and sensitive health issues in a peer led environment.
Lisa Ogilvie from Acorn Recovery Projects, said: “We observed that individuals seeking treatment for ketamine addiction were younger people who valued open, honest, and shame-free conversations with peers they could relate to – both in age and through shared experiences”.
“From this, the ‘Ketamine Care Hub’ was created. We provided the space, while our clients took the lead, shaping the support they needed for themselves and others”.
The group is run by people who have had issues with ketamine themselves. It gives people a chance to meet others who understand their situation and provide peer-to-peer support.
Fin is a founding member of the hub. The 25-year-old, who was in recovery treatment with Acorn, wanted to start the hub after realising there was no specific support groups for ketamine use – his ‘drug of choice’ at the time.
Talking about the hub, Fin said: “It’s informal yet structured. There are no PowerPoints or slides. We try to be creative, mix things up and always ask for feedback so we can keep improving.
“We have good numbers attending each week and we hope to go from strength to strength. In the future, we want to open support groups for families affected by addiction – again, specifically for ketamine use”.
Ketamine use is estimated to have more than doubled in England and Wales since 2016. In the under-25 age group, its use has more than tripled in the same period, the government said.
Phoebe, who attends the group every Tuesday, said: “I’m extremely grateful for the group. It’s the only support group around here that focuses on ket. Without the group, I feel like I’d be at a loose end – it’s really helped me”.
Long term use of ketamine can result in physical harm such as painful urination, stomach cramps, urinary urgency, incontinence, organ damage including bladder, brain and kidneys. It can also have lasting effects on mental health, memory, attention and decision making.
Another regular attendee is Ethan. Discussing his time at the Ketamine Care Hub, he said: “You can always let out any concerns you have. We’re all here for the same reason – no one judges you. If you’re struggling, please attend”.
Following the growing numbers of people using ketamine, the Home Office has said that ketamine could be upgraded to a Class A drug. Ketamine has also become one of the most detected drugs in incidents of spiking.
While commonly used on animals and in healthcare settings, ketamine is also thought of as a party drug due to its hallucinogenic effects.
Since 1997, Acorn Recovery Projects have provided lived experience recovery services that enable individuals to break free from addiction. They provide rehab, support services and community groups in Burnley and Greater Manchester.
When is the support group held?
The support group takes place every Tuesday at Fulstone House, 130 Mile End, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK2 6BY.
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
