Kaleidoscope’s Birchwood residential detox and rehabilitation service on the Wirral has gathered feedback from people with a history of ketamine use about their experiences of hospital and A&E services.
While some spoke positively about kind and supportive nurses, doctors and urologists, others described feeling judged, blamed or dismissed because their health problems were linked to ketamine use. Their experiences included long waits while in severe pain, inadequate pain relief, loss of privacy and symptoms not being taken seriously. Several felt that hospital staff lacked an understanding of ketamine-related harm and the intense pain it can cause.
One person said that compassionate staff had taken extra time to listen and understand their addiction, while another valued receiving thorough scans and blood tests to assess the deterioration of their organ function. However, others reported being told simply to stop using ketamine or that they had brought their condition upon themselves.
Some said these experiences had deterred them from seeking further medical help, despite serious symptoms. One person described self-medicating with more ketamine because they felt hospital staff did not understand their pain.
Those taking part called for greater knowledge of ketamine-related health problems, more compassion and empathy, and proper investigation of symptoms. They also wanted hospital staff to make referrals to drug and alcohol services following A&E attendance.
The feedback will be used to encourage healthcare professionals to reflect on how they respond to people experiencing ketamine-related harm.
As one participant put it: ‘Treat me like you would treat your loved ones.’
Find out more about Kaleidoscope’s ketamine treatment work and other projects: kaleidoscope68.org/projects/
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