About
Ketamine: A Deep Dive is an evening training course delivered by The Loop.
Please note: This course is above an 'entry' level course, as it explores ketamine in depth. It assumes participants have basic knowledge of ketamine and the effects of dissociative drugs. Our "Drugs Awareness" course is better pitched at those at the early stages of learning/developing their drugs knowledge.
The course is interactive and our trainers have front line understanding and experience in relation to drug use, drug markets, and harm reduction; drawing on professional training qualifications and many years of experience in delivery.
Our courses are informed by The Loop’s regular healthcare interventions, research and drug testing services, which identify current drug market trends and related issues. This training will be informed by the latest findings from Drug Checking Services, such as The Loop Drug Checking Service.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for anyone who works with people who take ketamine or in environments where people may take Ketamine. This includes substance use services, universities, NHS/health services, local authorities, third sector, public health, police forces as well as the nighttime economy; including event management, nightlife venues and organisations operating in leisure spaces.
Aim of the course
To support participants to better understand ketamine and how they can take a harm reduction approach to its use.
Learning outcomes
- Learn the history of ketamine, both in the UK and overseas; including its origins as a general anaesthetic.
- Know the current drug market data for ketamine in the UK.
- Learn about the cultures associated with ketamine use.
- Be able to identify the effects and risks associated with its use.
- Learn how to adopt a harm reduction approach to the drug.
Overview of course content
- The history of ketamine: John Lilly, medical uses & the emergence as a recreational drug in the early 2000's.
- Price, purity, adulterants and drug market data.
- Ketamine use within the 'free party' and festival scene.
- Potential future medical applications – ketamine used as a therapeutic aid for those experiencing treatment resistant depression.
- The effects and risks of ketamine use; both acute and chronic, including 'k-cramps' and ketamine-induced cystitis.
- Adopting a harm reduction approach; both to people who use ketamine and in environments where it is commonly used.
Questions, queries and follow up support
If you have any questions about the training, please drop us an email on training@wearetheloop.org. For those of you who attend the training, we will be happy to offer follow up support and signpost you to further resources.
