You're not alone

Reaching out is the hardest part, and you've already started. Ketamine addiction is more common than most people realise, and there is a way through this.

Talk to someone you trust

A friend, a family member, or anyone who can support you while you take the next steps. You don't have to explain everything at once — just start the conversation.

Find support near you

Use FRANK's support finder — enter your postcode or town to find local drug and alcohol services. Choose "Services for young people" if that applies to you.

See your GP

Many GPs don't just fail to screen for ketamine use — they don't always know the right questions to ask to get you the right support. So it's down to you to be open and honest about your use, even if that feels hard. Your GP isn't the expert here, which is why we've written a guide: What to say to your GP →

Detox and withdrawal

Before any residential treatment programme can begin, you need to be completely free of ketamine — this comes first. There are two ways people usually do this:

For most people, home detox with support is the realistic option — and that's completely okay.

• Tell someone what you're doing, so they can check in on you
• Stay hydrated and try to eat regularly, even if your appetite is low
• Expect anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, cravings and "k-cramps" — these are common and ease over the first couple of weeks
• If symptoms feel too severe, or you have any thoughts of harming yourself, contact your GP, call 111, or in an emergency call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123

Read more about ketamine withdrawal →

Residential treatment

Once detox is complete, a residential programme can help with the underlying patterns behind the addiction. For most people, this starts with free, local support:

Ongoing support

Recovery doesn't stop after treatment. Peer support groups and aftercare make a real difference in staying well long-term. Alongside the groups listed below, Ketamine Anonymous International keeps an up-to-date list of online recovery meetings, and there's a directory of online & in-person support groups compiled by Abbie Christie. You can also find in-person groups near you in our directory.

Know the signs

Signs can be subtle, especially early on, and are often mistaken for normal teenage moods or tiredness. Read our guide: Know the signs →

Start the conversation

Choose a calm moment, lead with care rather than confrontation, and let them know you're on their side. Try "I read something about ketamine recently and it made me think of you — can we talk?" rather than leading with accusations.

Encourage them to see their GP

Many GPs don't just fail to screen for ketamine use — they don't always know the right questions to ask. Encourage your loved one to be open and honest, and remind them their GP isn't the expert here. Offer to go with them if that helps: What to say to your GP →

Find support together

Use FRANK's support finder to find local services — you can do this search together.

Detox and withdrawal

Before any residential programme can start, your loved one needs to be completely free of ketamine — this comes first. There are two ways this usually happens:

For most families, home detox with support is the realistic option.

• Encourage them to tell their GP or local service what's happening
• Help them stay hydrated and eat regularly, even if their appetite is low
• Expect anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, cravings and "k-cramps" — these are common and ease over the first couple of weeks
• If symptoms feel too severe, or there are any thoughts of self-harm, contact a GP, call 111, or in an emergency call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123

Read more about ketamine withdrawal →

Residential treatment options

For most families, this starts with free, local support:

Ongoing support

Recovery doesn't stop after treatment. Peer support groups and aftercare make a real difference. Ketamine Anonymous International keeps an up-to-date list of online recovery meetings, and there's a directory of online & in-person support groups compiled by Abbie Christie. You can also find in-person groups near you in our directory.

Look after yourself too

Supporting someone through addiction takes a toll. You deserve support too — don't carry it all alone.