Woman explains why she doesn’t regret taking ketamine until it almost killed her

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

Drug addiction is continuing to plague the world, and ketamine is proving incredibly popular with the youth of today.

The drug, which is often used as horse tranquilizer, eases pain and induces a dream-like feeling. This, along with its wide availability and cheap prices, makes it a common choice among those looking to head on a night out in the UK.

However, it also comes with some horrifying side effects, with many users suffering life-changing issues with their bladder, and addicts sometimes left feeling like they need to go to the bathroom every few seconds.

The spread of ketamine addiction has led to the opening of a specialist clinic in Liverpool earlier this year, as health professional look to reduce the growing number of younger people being diagnosed with ketamine-induced uropathy, or 'ket bladder', as it is more commonly known.

Another clinic, called Birchwood at Kaleidoscope House, is looking after those who have almost died from addiction to the Class B substance.

During a recent visit from Sky News, one woman suggested that despite it destroying her life, she doesn't regret taking the drug for one very specific reason.

She said: "I don't regret taking ketamine. If I didn't take ketamine in that period of time, I wouldn't be here. It was a coping mechanism for a while, until it destroyed my life.

"I remember having it and thinking, 'This is it. This is my saviour. This is my drug.'

"To be in that situation where you need help, you don't know what's going on yourself, the only place you can go to is the hospital. Not even they know what is going on with you. That is a complete state of isolation and loneliness."

After being asked what her day-to-day life is like now, she said: "Just chronic, horrific pain. I'm on a lot of pain medication, I've been put on all kinds of stuff along the way."

Often, it is when addicts feel at their lowest point, that they seek help, with one man who spent £5000 on drugs in one weekend revealing that it was only when he felt close to death that he finally managed to kickstart his journey towards kicking the drugs for good.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week