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Understanding Ketamine
17th September 2025
Understanding Ketamine
Ketamine (ket) is a dissociative drug that affects the mind and body. It is usually a grainy white powder that can be snorted, swallowed or sometimes injected.
How it feels
You might feel disconnected from your body and surroundings and have an altered sense of reality. It can seem like it’s hard to move. In high doses, you might have an out-of-body experience known as a K-hole. Some people seek out this feeling, but some find it scary. It can also be scary for others involved.
The effects of ketamine can last between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how much you take, and how you take it.
Bladder damage awareness
Using ketamine regularly can lead to severe, and sometimes permanent, bladder damage. This might cause pain when peeing, blood in your urine, and needing to pee often, due to your bladder shrinking and scarring. If you notice any symptoms after using ketamine, seek medical advice straight away.
Keeping yourself safer
We don’t promote or encourage drug use, but if someone chooses to use drugs, we want them to do so as safely as possible. There are ways to reduce the risks and side effects of ketamine:
Don't eat for 90 minutes before using
This will reduce your risk of vomiting.
Never mix ketamine with any other substances
This includes prescribed medications. Find out how ketamine interacts with other substances on the Drugs and Me website (drugsand.me).
Stay hydrated
Drink water before, during and after taking ketamine to reduce bladder damage – but no more than 1/2 – 1 pint per hour.
Never take ketamine to ease bladder pain
This will just cause more harm.
Go low and slow
Start with small amounts, spaced apart, to see how it affects you.
Don't use alone
Stay with a trusted friend in case things go wrong.
Crush powder finely
This will reduce damage to your nasal passage.
Don’t share snorting equipment
Shared or unclean equipment can transmit diseases.
Mind your mood
Avoid using ketamine if you are feeling anxious or low.
Getting support
If you want to take steps to address your drug use, don’t be afraid to reach out for help from our DASH team at No Limits.
They will give you information, advice and support around your alcohol use and help you create a plan to cut down and help you change your habits by getting you involved in a range of activities.
Who is DASH for?
DASH is for anyone under 25 living in Southampton postcodes SO14-SO19. If you are over our age limit but live in SO14-SO19, go to Change Grow Live for support. If you are outside of our area, our team can help with signposting you to your local service.
How do I get support from DASH?
– Drop in to our Advice Centre
– Refer online through our website
– Call 02380 224 224 (option 2)
Related resources
Stay Safe with DASH
Consider these harm minimisation tips from our DASH team before the next time you drink or take any substances.
Safe Drinking
Tips for cutting down how how much you’re drinking, advice on drinking safely and signposting to further support.
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