Nottingham Trent University students will unveil their latest health promotion campaign on Monday 8th March targeting the risks associated with Ketamine.

Findings from national drug surveys and reports from health professionals strongly suggest that the use of this drug is on the increase and yet the health risks associated with taking Ketamine are not widely known. Say Neigh 2 K aims to fill that knowledge gap.

‘Say Neigh 2 K’ (is the campaign strapline and the website name) is the latest collaboration between Nottingham Trent University, the Nottingham Crime & Drugs Partnership and local drug service Chill Out Sound Support.

The launch will take place at 11.30am on Monday 8th March at the Glo Bar, Shakespeare Street. The team who developed the campaign will be promoting the campaign to fellow students and will be available for photo and interview opportunities.

Ketamine is becoming increasingly well-known at a dangerous rate as the ‘new party drug’, which appeals to many party goers around the world. People often take the drug unaware of the hazardous effects that it can have on their bodies. Also as the drug is comparatively new its long term effects are still relatively unknown.

The ‘K Effect’ is very rapid, bringing the user to a state of unknown, leaving them barely able to walk. However, some other users experience a lonely, emotional and uncontrollable ‘trip,’ often ending with the user harming themselves as well as others.

High doses of Ketamine may induce delirium, hopelessness, respiratory problems and unconsciousness and will ultimately lead to brain damage. Most recovering Ketamine addicts only speak of the frightening experiences they have had as a result of using the drug on a regular basis; with many of their experiences centring on the memory loss that results after chronic use.

A report on Ketamine users has found that the majority who used the drug daily experienced extreme bladder problems, from cramps known as ‘K-Pain’ to irreversible bladder damage.

In January 2006, Ketamine shifted from medical regulation through the Medicines Act to a Class C drug through an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act. Ketamine is only obtainable via prescription and if sold on the streets, the dealer will incur a jail sentence of up to 14 years.

BSc Environmental Health student Nancy Thomas, said,

"Ketamine has a different effect on everyone who tries it, dependent on their surroundings, their state of mind and the quantity and purity of the Ketamine; this is complicated by the fact that most ketamine users are using other substances including alcohol creating a toxic cocktail for the mind and body. We hope our campaign and website will help people to be better informed on the Ketamine related health problems that are becoming increasingly evident."

Neil Brooks, Chill Out Sound Support Service Manager said,

"Chill Out Sound Support (COSS) are very pleased that the increase in ketamine use is being addressed and awareness being raised about the use of the drug. Physical problems related to regular ketamine use can come on fairly rapidly, particularly urinary related problems, and may be irreversible. This leaflet will inform people about the drug and encourage them to seek further help if they need it."

Steve Youdell, Nottingham Crime & Drugs Communications Manager said,

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with Nottingham Trent University; Say Neigh 2 K is the latest in a line of highly credible and imaginative campaigns that have been produced by the students. The physical and mental health problems associated with taking Ketamine should not be underestimated. I believe this campaign will raise people’s consciousness on these issues."