Liv, 26, Beat Ketamine Addiction and Now Helps Others Heal

A 26-year-old woman who nearly lost her life to ketamine addiction is now using her second chance to help others find hope through a powerful new campaign.

Liv first tried ketamine at university, where casual use quickly spiraled into heavy addiction fueled by past trauma and mental health struggles. She hid her escalating use from her family until a near-fatal overdose forced her to finally ask for help. "I was using ridiculous amounts and hiding it from my family," Liv said. "When I finally told my dad, I knew something had to change."

Today, Liv describes herself as healthier and happier than she's ever been. The chronic nosebleeds, heart palpitations, sweats, and shakes have disappeared. She's repaired her relationship with her family and rediscovered simple joys like exercise, cups of tea, and the smell of new books.

What shocked Liv most was realizing the full damage only after quitting. Her bladder now requires frequent bathroom trips and occasional pain, a common consequence of heavy ketamine use. "I'm very, very lucky that it was just that really, because I was completely unaware of the health implications," she said. She's met young people at 21 who now need catheter bags, a heartbreaking reality she wants to prevent for others.

Why This Inspires

Liv didn't just recover. She transformed her pain into purpose. She now volunteers with Clarity, Dorset's recovery organization, supporting others fighting addiction. "It's wonderful to be able to give back and help my community, which is something I never, ever thought I would do in active addiction," she shared.

As part of the "Forget The Ket" campaign, Liv wrote and performed a poem called "Walls Start to Melt" that offers raw honesty about ketamine's impact alongside genuine hope for recovery. She's also educating young people about harm reduction, including keeping naloxone nearby since ketamine is increasingly mixed with dangerous opiates like fentanyl.

Liv received crucial support from Reach and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, services that remain free and confidential for anyone struggling with drug use in Dorset. Her message is clear: you don't have to hit rock bottom alone, and recovery can lead to a life better than you ever imagined.