“I wish someone had told me that I was going to lose everything.”
That’s the message at the heart of Bradley’s story and it’s one that we think young people and parents need to hear.
When we talk about ketamine, it can sometimes feel like we’re talking about something distant or disconnected from everyday life, but addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect it to. It can start with something that feels manageable, social or temporary, and gradually become something much harder to control.
Bradley spent more than five years battling ketamine addiction. During that time, his drug use had a serious impact on his mental health, physical health, relationships and everyday life.
In a powerful and honest film, Bradley talks openly about what happened.
He shares how his ketamine use started, how it became an addiction, and the consequences he experienced along the way. Most importantly, he talks about recovery and what it really means to start putting your life back together.
Watch Bradley’s story and find support through Adferiad
This isn’t about judging anyone
As youth workers, we know people have different reasons for using drugs. Sometimes it can be about fitting in, having fun, escaping difficult feelings, coping with stress or trying to switch off from what’s happening around you.
But whatever the reason, drug use can sometimes take a direction you never expected.
Bradley’s story is a reminder that addiction can happen to anyone and that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of.
If ketamine is affecting you or someone you know
Maybe you’re worried about your own drug use.
Maybe your mate is using more than they used to.
Maybe you’ve changes in your mood, relationships, money, health or behaviour and you’re not sure what to do.
You don’t have to wait until things get really bad before asking for support.
There are services available across North Wales that can offer confidential, non-judgemental support to people affected by drug and alcohol use. Getting help doesn’t mean you’re weak, and it doesn’t mean you have to have a plan.
Sometimes the first step is just speaking to someone who can help.
In2change have linked in with partner agencies to get vital information out to young people and parents about the dangers and risks with Ketamine use which has increasingly become an issue in Wrexham, North Wales and the UK.
The Ketamine Campaign is a North Wales initiative which draws on lived experience of young people from the local area, in the hope it can help others to understand the significant and lasting damage this drug can do.
We appreciate this is a subject that may have already impacted family, friends and loved ones and if that is the case or you know someone aged 11-25 who needs support with drug/alcohol use, please do not hesitate to reach out to In2change as follows:
01978 295 629
In2change – Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Project | Young Wrexham
Watch Bradley’s story and start the conversation
The “I Wish Someone Had Told Me” campaign from Adferiad shares Bradley’s experience to help raise awareness of the realities of ketamine addiction and encourage people to seek support.
Watch Bradley’s story and find support through Adferiad
Sometimes one conversation can be the start of something different.
Watch it. Share it. Talk about it. And, if you need help, ask for it.
#IWishSomeoneHadToldMe #AddictionRecovery #KetamineAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #RealStories #RecoveryJourney #YoungWrexham #NorthWales
