A YOUNG woman has shared her battle with ketamine addiction in a powerful new video hoping to inspire others to seek support as part of a county-wide campaign.

Liv, 26, was first introduced to the drug at university, and over time, due to past trauma and mental health challenges, her use escalated.

After a few hospital admissions and a near-fatal overdose, Liv reached out for help and began her recovery journey.

She explained her journey through Dorset’s ‘Forget The Ket’ campaign.

“I was using ridiculous amounts and hiding it from my family,” said Liv. “Coming off ketamine, I’m in the best place I’ve been in my entire life with my mental illnesses, my neurodivergence, my sleep routine, my health, basically everything.

“I have a wonderful relationship with my family, and I actually enjoy exercise now.

“I no longer have gum disease symptoms, chronic nosebleeds, horrendous heart palpitations, sweats and shakes.

“I’m able to go to bed at night feeling grateful for the day and things like a cup of tea or the smell of a new book.”

It was only after quitting that Liv realised ketamine had seriously affected her health.

“I started to realise my bladder wasn’t quite the same as it used to be,” she said. “Frequency of needing to go to the toilet was increased, pain here and there.

“I’m very, very lucky that it was just that really, because I was completely unaware of the health implications.”

Liv wants others experiencing addiction to reach out.

Liv received support from Reach and attending Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.

She now volunteers with Dorset’s Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) Clarity helping others on their recovery journey.

“I’m heavily involved with some volunteering work, especially to do with lived experience and recovery from drugs and alcohol addiction,” she said.

“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.”

To watch the whole video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUz0nI8oCAE