Local support: 

  • Blackpool Adolescent Service provides free support for young people aged 10 to 24 with drug, alcohol and sexual health issues. 
  • Horizon offer free, private support for people in Blackpool who are struggling with drugs, alcohol or sexual health. 
  • Inspire are a local service support people across Lancashire to take control of their relationship with drugs or alcohol.
  • Stronger Together - boxing and conversation sessions. Every Saturday, between 11.30am and 1pm at Fiveways Boxing Academy, Valley Street Community Centre, Burnley, BB11 5LZ. A supportive space to talk about mental health, addiction, stress and life changes. Open to ages 11 to 25, all genders welcome. 

  • Early consideration of recreational ketamine use for possible UTI should be considered by professionals, patients and families
  • Ketamine use is rapidly increasing throughout society but especially in the 16-30 year age group
  • Abstinence can prevent progression, but pain can be significant
  • If symptomatic, GP advice should be sought and thereafter onward referral to urology, as necessary

  • Similar to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the early stage - frequency/urgency/pain passing urine, but negative urine culture
  • Can progress to haematuria - blood in the urine (pink/red discolouration)
  • Cramping lower abdominal pain - also known as 'K Cramps'
  • Abstinence at this stage can prevent progression of symptoms and physical damage to bladder and kidneys
  • Pain can progress and become severe with continued usage 
  • This can progress to severe damage to the bladder and kidneys
  • Renal failure may occur but this may have no initial additional symptoms and may not be know to the person unless blood tests are performed
  • Kidney stents or urostomy (bag to collect urine via the abdominal wall if severe bladder damage) may be required