Watch the Documentary
K-HOLE is a 35-minute documentary exploring the growing harms associated with ketamine use across the UK.
Through powerful lived-experience accounts, family perspectives and professional insight, the film examines how ketamine use can escalate, the devastating physical consequences it can cause, and the challenges people face when trying to access appropriate treatment and support.
[WATCH K-HOLE ON YOUTUBE]
[RSS FEED LINK AUDIO]
[RSS FEED LINK VIDEO]
About K-HOLE
Ketamine is often perceived as a relatively harmless recreational drug. For some people, however, occasional use can develop into frequent or dependent use, with serious consequences for their physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships and future.
K-HOLE brings together people directly affected by ketamine, family members, recovery professionals and clinical specialists.
The documentary explores:
- Ketamine-related bladder and urinary damage
- Chronic pain and repeated hospital treatment
- Dependence, tolerance and escalating use
- Trauma, anxiety, ADHD and neurodiversity
- The experiences of parents, families and supporters
- Barriers to treatment and professional understanding
- Recovery, specialist support and reasons for hope
This film contains honest descriptions of substance use, physical illness and distress that some viewers may find upsetting.
Why We Made This Film
K-HOLE was created in response to growing concern about ketamine use and the speed at which serious health problems can develop.
People experiencing ketamine-related harm may require support from several different services, including substance misuse treatment, primary care, urology, mental health services and family support. Too often, these services are not sufficiently connected.
The film aims to increase understanding, challenge misconceptions and encourage a more coordinated public-health response.
It is intended for:
- People who use ketamine
- People considering using ketamine
- Parents, carers and family members
- Teachers, colleges and universities
- Health and social care professionals
- Substance misuse practitioners
- Youth services and community organisations
- Commissioners and public-health leaders
Ketamine Support and Resources
The documentary is only one part of the wider K-HOLE campaign.
Use the resources below to learn more, access support or improve your professional response to ketamine-related harm.
[ACCESS THE HULL KETAMINE PATHWAY]
[DOWNLOAD THE PUBLIC INFORMATION LEAFLET]
[ACCESS FAMILY AND CARER INFORMATION]
[BOOK KETAMINE AWARENESS TRAINING]
Ketamine Awareness Training
Our ketamine awareness training supports professionals to recognise ketamine-related harm, respond confidently and connect people with appropriate treatment.
The training explores:
- What ketamine is and why people use it
- Patterns of use and signs of dependency
- Ketamine-related bladder and urinary damage
- Pain, self-medication and continued use
- Mental health, trauma and neurodiversity
- Having effective and non-judgemental conversations
- Referral routes and multi-agency support
- The experiences of people affected by ketamine
[VIEW TRAINING DATES AND BOOK]
Are You Worried About Your Ketamine Use?
You do not need to wait until the damage becomes severe before asking for help.
Consider speaking to a healthcare or substance misuse professional if you are:
- Using ketamine more frequently
- Finding it difficult to reduce or stop
- Using ketamine to manage pain or emotional distress
- Experiencing bladder pain or abdominal pain
- Urinating more frequently
- Seeing blood in your urine
- Struggling to empty your bladder
- Becoming isolated from friends or family
- Experiencing problems with memory, concentration or mental health
Being honest about ketamine use can help professionals understand what may be causing your symptoms and identify the most appropriate support.
[GET SUPPORT]
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience severe pain, an inability to urinate, significant bleeding, confusion, collapse, breathing difficulties or another serious deterioration in your health.
In an emergency, call 999 or attend the nearest emergency department.
For urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111.
Share K-HOLE
Ketamine-related harm is not always visible or well understood.
By sharing this documentary, you can help someone recognise the risks, speak honestly about their use, support a family member or improve how a professional responds.
Watch it. Share it. Start the conversation.
[SHARE ON FACEBOOK]
[SHARE ON TIKTOK]
[SHARE ON X]
[COPY PAGE LINK]
About Believe in People
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma shares honest conversations about addiction, recovery, trauma, mental health and lived experience.
Through long-form interviews, documentaries and public-health campaigns, we create space for people to tell their stories and help audiences understand the realities behind addiction and recovery.
About Inspired Youth
TBA.
Credits
Presented by: Matthew Butler
Project Manager: Paul Haley
Believe in People Producer: Robbie Lawson
Directed by: Kev Curran
With contributions from: people with lived experience, families, treatment professionals and clinical specialists
With thanks to everyone who trusted us with their experiences and helped make the documentary possible.