In this episode, we’re joined by Ollie, who had his bladder removed at just 24 after long-term ketamine use. Now the founder of Ketamine Support Wales, Ollie shares his eight-year journey — from first trying ketamine at a party at 15, to the severe physical pain that eventually led to life-changing surgery.

Ollie talks candidly about his ketamine use, from when he first started using it, the experiences while under the influence, to when he first started noticing warning signs of his prolonged use.

Ollie also discusses how and why he set up Ketamine Support Wales and what advice he would give to others who are thinking about, or already using, ketamine.

You can follow Ketamine Support Wales on Instagram: @ketamine_support_wales and Ollie on TikTok: @oliver.westall.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.

Contents of the video:

00:00 Highlights of the episode

01:00 Introduction

01:53 Start of Ollie's ketamine journey

04:24 Initial perceptions and knowledge of ketamine

08:51 K-holes

10:29 Ketamine cramps

16:47 Incontinence

18:27 Realisation something needed to change

29:10 Ketamine Support Wales

33:59 Advice to others