Former drug addict reveals the 'irreversible' effect it had on his body while issuing warning to others

Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.

A former ketamine user has spoken about the ‘irreversible’ effect the drug has had on his body, while issuing a plea to anybody thinking of abusing the Schedule III non-narcotic substance.

Ketamine is currently available on prescription in the US for human and veterinary uses.

Drugs.com reported that it is often administered to children who are allergic or suffer side effects from other anesthetics, as well as given to patients who are at risk of bronchospasm and respiratory depression.

In addition to its legal, medical uses, ketamine is a drug often abused by teenagers and young adults for its hallucinogenic properties, according to the Department of Justice.

Liam, a 37-year-old former drug addict, has said that anyone using their allowance to buy bags of ketamine risks suffering from the same incontinence problems and liver pain that he does.

A 37-year-old former ketamine user has said he suffers from 'irreversible' incontinence issues (Getty Stock Image)

“I've been in hysterics before, unable to sleep, crying,” he explained to the Daily Mail. “If I was to describe it as anything else I'd say it's like being kicked in the balls, but constantly.

“You're crippled, you can't move or do anything. You're coiled in a fetal position for hours. And the worst thing is the only thing that cures it is more.”

The man explained that he started abusing the illegal substance when he was ‘young’ because it allowed him to ‘escape’ from life momentarily.

“Teenagers now are using their lunch money to buy ket to deal with their anxiety,” he claimed.

“We're in an epidemic and no one realizes it yet. It's only going to get worse.”

Amid his years of abuse - which has caused ‘irreversible damage’ to his body - Liam said he would sometimes go days without eating, and sometimes the illicit substance would become ‘blocked in [his] system’.

He also claimed that he’d once been caught driving under the influence of alcohol; a nurse had taken his blood and alleged that he ‘shouldn’t medically be alive’.

Eventually, Liam ended up at a rehabilitation center that cost £20,000 ($27,000) per year.

The man claimed young people need to get help and go to rehab 'before it's too late' (Getty Stock Image)

“I was the oldest person in that rehab centre for ketamine addiction,” he admitted.

“I completely get why this generation struggles so much with ketamine addiction - the school system has let them down, they have so much added pressure from social media, and the pandemic only isolated them more.”

Liam also claimed there would be no way he would have been able to attend Liberty House, a UKAT Group rehab in Luton, without financial help from his parents.

“I am fortunate enough to have my family who helped me pay for it - no young person has that money though and they need to go before it's too late,” he lamented.

Delayed effects of ketamine abuse

Long-term use of ketamine can cause all sorts of problems, including the bladder issues that Liam had been saddled with.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the drug can also cause ulcers to form on the bladder, kidney issues, and bring about chronic stomach pain, which is as dangerous as it is uncomfortable.

Abuse of this particular substance has also been linked to negative mental effects, with researchers claiming it can cause depression and even longer-term memory deficits.

When used with alcohol, ketamine can cause seizures, heart attacks, low blood pressure and even force you into a coma.

If you stop using the drug, then you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. These include serious cravings as well as feelings of overwhelming anxiety and depression.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.