‘ I have been able to talk about my ketamine problems, including the pain I suffer and what embarrasses me. I have then been helped to deal with this. I have learnt that I’ m not alone.’ Phoebe, service user
those they are there to help places value on respect and collaboration, empowering individuals to take an active role in their care to ensure that services are relevant, inclusive and responsive.
Given the young population affected by KUD and the rapid onset of its physical symptoms, this presents services with an opportunity to learn from client experience, and to embed ways of working that are consumer informed, adaptable and hospitable, both immediately and as a model to accommodate future populations. Perhaps it’ s the greatest respect services can show their clients – to listen without notion of applied expertise, but rather with the intent of learning to be better.
‘ I was in a lot of pain when I arrived and embarrassed by my bladder problems. Sitting still hurt, going to the toilet hurt, and then my period arrived, and this hurt even more. Acorn helped me feel comfortable, less self-conscious and found ways that made this easier to manage. I am now on my fourth day without pads and no longer incontinent at night.’
Beth, service user
This is the approach Acorn Recovery Projects has adopted in response to the growing demand they were seeing for residential rehabilitation placements for people with KUD – choosing to speak directly to service users to better learn how they can support them. In doing so, clear themes emerged – for example, the acute embarrassment clients experienced due to bladder issues, which impacted their dignity and self-confidence.
‘ I’ m different to some of the others, they are older and have a different kind of life to me – kids, marriages and jobs. This hasn’ t mattered. I’ ve been encouraged to talk about what ket has done to my life and then helped in ways that make sense to me.’
Max, service user
NEW PRACTICES In response, Acorn introduced new practices to offer discreet solutions, such as providing waterproof mattress protectors and extra bedding, facilities to discreetly dispose of incontinence products, and a change in group structure so that comfort breaks were no longer scheduled but taken as needed. Ensuite room allocation was prioritised when possible, and transport arrangements were altered to accommodate the use of service facilities without having to openly request them.
Another prominent topic was the physical discomfort experienced by clients. As a result, hot water bottles were provided to ease abdominal cramping, adaptable work schedules were accommodated, and medical appointments preplanned for client reassurance.
Cushions and more comfortable seating options were introduced, which not only helped ketamine clients participate in lengthier groups but made the therapeutic environment more welcoming for all service users. The importance of hydration was recognised, as well as how caffeine is an irritant to the damaged bladder. This knowledge was shared with new ketamine clients, and refreshment options were expanded to include a variety of non-caffeinated options. Another important theme was the limited opportunities for individuals to connect with others facing sensitive KUDrelated health issues.
‘ I personally saw the need for ketaminespecific groups at least two years ago. I wasn’ t seeing anything change and thanks to the work I did alongside Acorn I decided to take the leap and start Ketamine Education Services where I continue to help others struggling with ketamine addiction.’
Finley, service user and founder of Ketamine Education Services( www. facebook. com / keta mineeducationservices)
NEEDS RECOGNITION This observation was not a criticism of existing mutual support groups, but rather a recognition of the need for a new solution where people could openly discuss problems with their contemporaries in areas such as their social lives, intimate relationships and personal hygiene, without fear of shame or embarrassment.
In response, and with direct input from their ketamine service users, Acorn established a ketamine support hub, providing the resources – including a safe environment and
‘ Our service strives to be the best it can be for our clients. Hearing their voices and inclusively meeting their needs is integral to this. We are proud to be a leading example of how a service can empower individuals to help shape what their care looks like and go on to play a role in shaping what recovery looks like within their communities.’
Kerrie Lang, service manager
staff assistance – for this to operate. This is the first ketamine-specific community resource in Stockport, and has empowered one service user to create a dedicated ketamine service with extended outreach, including an online channel, support for families, and education services for prevention.
Acorn Recovery Projects has demonstrated an effective model of adaptation, centred on engagement with clients to inform practical, dignified, and responsive service provision. Initiatives including discreet symptom management and innovative support structures demonstrate how services can adapt to meet the specific needs of emerging client groups.
If services are to provide inclusive treatment that delivers effective recovery outcomes for all populations it’ s vital that they adopt flexible, consumerinformed approaches that prioritise co-production, respect, and accessibility.
Dr Lisa Ogilvie is a psychologist working for Acorn Recovery Projects.
The Acorn Recovery Projects team will be presenting on peer support for ketamine use, with young people’ s insight, at the DDN Conference on 10 July. For more information visit www. drinkanddrugsnews. com / ddn-conference-2025 /
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