“It started with getting K cramps – a pain under my ribs. That was excruciating and I had no idea that was related to ketamine”

A Sheffield woman has spoken out about the severe health complications caused by ketamine as local organisations launch a campaign to tackle rising use of the drug across the city.

Abbie, who has been supported by Likewise Sheffield, shared her experience as part of the six-week "Let's Talk About Ket" campaign, which has been organised by Likewise Sheffield, The Corner and 1625 Outreach.

She said: “It started with getting K cramps – a pain under my ribs.

“That was excruciating and I had no idea that was related to ketamine.

“I’d heard of bladder problems if you take a lot of it, but I’d never heard of cramps."

The campaign comes as services across Sheffield report concerns about increasing ketamine use, particularly among teenagers and young adults.

Likewise Assistant Director Jo Byrden said: "Right now is a critical time, with ketamine use increasing nationwide, particularly among teenagers and young adults.

"A primary focus of this work is to educate people in Sheffield on the severe, but often misunderstood, physical toll of chronic ketamine use, which includes excruciating abdominal pain, known as 'K cramps', and irreversible bladder damage."

Throughout the campaign, local services have shared information about the physical impacts of ketamine use, ways people can stay safer and where support is available in Sheffield.

The campaign has also featured the stories of people from the city whose lives have been affected by the drug.

One person supported by Likewise said: "Recognising that you need help is terrifying.

"There is help out there, there are people out there, and the first step is acknowledging to yourself that you need it. I would advise people to get help as soon as possible."

Organisers are urging anyone experiencing physical symptoms linked to ketamine use to seek support from their GP.

Beck Limb, from 1625 Outreach, said: "We’re incredibly proud to be raising awareness of ketamine through this campaign. It demonstrates the importance of organisations working together to address emerging issues affecting our communities.

"By starting conversations about ketamine, we want to give people across the city the knowledge and confidence to keep themselves and their friends safe, recognise the risks, and know where to go for support when they need it."

The initiative has also focused on helping frontline professionals understand the growing issue.

A sold-out conference hosted by Likewise, The Corner and 1625 brought together more than 220 professionals from healthcare, higher education, youth services and social care across Sheffield.

Expert speakers shared insights into the rise of ketamine use and discussed how services can better support people affected by the drug.

Niall Morton, from youth services The Corner, said: "With ketamine use rising sharply among younger demographics, it’s vital that young people are fully informed about the real risks and physical long-term dangers.

"This campaign isn’t about judgment. It’s about providing the honest, evidence-based knowledge they need to make safer choices and look out for one another."

The organisations behind the campaign say confidential, non-judgmental support is available free of charge for anyone in Sheffield who is struggling with ketamine use.