09 February 2026
Luke grew up in North London. His childhood and teenage years were marked by family breakdown, loss, and exposure to violence. As his relationship with his parents deteriorated and close friends died, he began spending more time on the streets and looking for ways to cope.
“I just felt lost. I felt confused. I felt scared. I felt alone… Ketamine just relaxed me. It stopped me from being sad. It opened up a part of me I didn’t know existed.”
Over time, Luke’s ketamine use escalated to daily use. He describes being unable to stop even as the drug caused serious physical harm, particularly to his bladder.
“Ketamine would stop me from thinking and feeling… Even through physical pain, I still couldn’t stop using it.
I thought in my head I would get bored of it or I would grow out of it or something would stop me from using this drug.
I knew it was tearing my body apart, but I didn't know how bad it was going to get. I started urinating blood every time I went to the toilet when I was about 27.
I was literally up and down off the toilet. My whole life revolved around the toilet.
“A scan on my bladder showed it had shrunk to the size of a pea. So, I was urinating every 5 to 10 minutes when I went into rehab - blood every time I went to the toilet.”
Despite feeling the responsibility of becoming a father, his use continued.
“I thought that would stop me from using ketamine and it didn’t…. If anything, I used more because I had more guilt and shame around my using.”
Eventually, Luke reached a point where he recognised he could not continue without support. After moving to Bournemouth and engaging with WithYou in BCP and other local services, he began to turn his life around and accept a new way of living. He describes this support as central to his recovery.
“I reached out to the drug and alcohol services and I said, ‘Look, I know I’ve got a problem. I can’t stop… I said, ‘I need help.’”
“I knew my way of thinking doesn’t work. I need to completely scrap my ideas and have a new way of life.”
“Coming into WithYou in BCP is a breath of fresh air for me… Everyone just understands me here… I'm so grateful to be connected to people that are likeminded and know what I suffer from.
“They let me come in here and talk about how I feel. And somebody listens.”
With ongoing bladder problems, Luke says the understanding and flexibility shown by staff has helped him feel safe and respected.
“They allow me to go to the toilet. They allow me to not feel uncomfortable.”
He highlights the importance of being listened to and treated as a person.
Luke has been drug-free for nearly two years. While he continues to live with the physical consequences of ketamine use, his life has stabilised and improved significantly. He has rebuilt relationships, reconnected with friends, and is now volunteering with WithYou.
“My life’s had a turn… It’s showing me a new way of life… Even doing this volunteering with WithYou now, it’s a new chapter in my book.”
Luke is clear about what he would say to others who may be unsure about seeking help.
“If you think you might need help, ask for help.”
“What I would say to anybody is that if you think you might need help, ask for help, because I didn't ask for six years … I just wish I'd reached out to drug and alcohol services sooner because it probably would have saved my bladder.”
Looking for ketamine support? If you or someone you know needs support for ketamine, the team is here to help. Find out more about our free, confidential support at: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/bournemouth-christchurch-and-poole
