18 year old addicted to ketamine

[Badgerkin]

I know this has probably been raised before but I am looking for advice on how to support my DS who has admitted he is addicted to ketamine. He has apparently been using it regularly since March, but it has recently got out of hand to the point where this last week or maybe longer he's been using almost daily. He also smokes marijuana. He says he wants to stop but doesn't want to seek professional help although he says he will try and let us help him. He has adhd (and I suspect autism but that isn't diagnosed) which may be a contributing factor to both the addiction and his response to seeking help. Anyway DH and I are reeling at the moment, and any stories or tips on helping him would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

With ketamine it's more the feeling of being out of it, anaesthetised and hallucinating, that's he's chasing, rather than a buzz, per se, I would imagine

Have you ever come across Tony Atwood in your reading about ASC (autism)? He is one of the world's leading experts on autism (Asperger's). One of his children was himself undiagnosed autistic and started using drugs to medicate his anxiety caused by his autism. It was only when his son was in prison due to criminal activity linked to heroin addiction that he was diagnosed.

As well as the GP, can you contact the original CAMHS team who diagnosed adhd and ask for a meds review from the psychiatrist? Explaining that the prescribed meds didn't feel good but ketamine does is hard information, but potentially full of useful data for a Psychiatric looking to prescribe a different drug?

My dds gp was tremendously helpful, he has to go and be completely honest with them. Theres a drug rehab centre in most big towns where he can get a mentor. If you have the money I also recommend a private counsellor. We found one that gives psychoanalytic therapy which helped so much in finding the root cause of the addiction. Don’t judge him it’s amazing that he has asked for help and been honest with you. Keep him busy and try to connect with family. I know this thread is old but just wanted to reply in case someone else reads this.

Badgerkin - were you able to get your son help? I'm having the same problem with my ADHD son. GP wont let me make and appointment for my son because he is 18 and hasn't agreed to let doctor share records. Found some videos showing that his usage is far worse than he admits to. Found him unconcious on the bathroom floor last week and called an Ambulance. Apparently my generation doesn't understand! My son is refusing all help offerd at the moment and denies he has a problem.