A TikTok user has gone viral after posting a deeply personal video documenting the impact ketamine addiction has had on his life, in the hope that others will avoid following the same path.

The man filmed himself while sitting on a bucket in an alleyway, explaining that he had been forced to stop there because he could no longer control his bowels. Although nothing explicit was shown, the clip made clear the reality of the situation as he used the moment to warn others about the consequences of long-term ketamine misuse.

He began by telling viewers:

"Listen, this is the reality of ketamine addiction."

Explaining why he had stopped where he was, he said:

"I've had to literally just come round to the back of somebody's thing, just so I can take a shit because my bowels, I cannot hold my bowels and I've run out of nappies."

He went on to reveal that he had previously relied on adult nappies because of the loss of bowel control caused by his addiction. He said:

"I was using nappies for a little while because, you know, obviously you can just, you can be anywhere and you can just quickly piss or shit, but listen, this is the reality of a ketamine addiction."

The man explained that he had been using ketamine since he was 22 and said the drug had ultimately left him feeling ashamed rather than fulfilled.

He urged others not to make the same mistake, saying:

"Do not throw your young life away and your health away over a little bit of fun. Honestly, guys, listen, I've been doing ketamine since I was 22. Yeah, I've gotten everything I need out of it. You need to just find a way to do something better with your life."

As the video continued, he admitted the situation was embarrassing and said he feared someone might discover him before he finished recording. Despite that, he insisted the message was more important than his own discomfort and used the moment to encourage anyone struggling with addiction to seek support.

"If you or anybody you know has a ketamine addiction, please reach out, get help. Don't be embarrassed. Don't be afraid. Listen, the right people and the right support will find you as long as you're genuine."

Originally developed as an anaesthetic for use in both human and veterinary medicine, ketamine is a prescription medication that is sometimes used in hospitals for pain relief, sedation and certain medical procedures. More recently, it has also been used under specialist medical supervision to treat some cases of severe depression. However, when taken recreationally, the drug can have serious short and long-term health consequences.

According to health experts, regular ketamine misuse can lead to memory problems, anxiety, depression and dependence. One of the most serious complications is damage to the bladder and urinary tract, commonly referred to as "ketamine bladder", which can cause severe pain, frequent urination, incontinence and, in some cases, permanent damage requiring surgery. Long-term misuse can also affect the digestive system, with some users experiencing bowel problems similar to those described in the video.

Ketamine use has increased significantly across the UK in recent years, particularly among younger people. Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales has shown rising levels of recreational use among 16 to 24-year-olds, while treatment services have reported growing numbers of people seeking help for ketamine dependency.

The video has prompted thousands of reactions online, with many praising the man's honesty and willingness to expose the reality of addiction, despite the embarrassment.

One person commented:

"Shout out to him for sharing the reality. Forget the embarrassment and how uncomfortable it is to watch. He's brave for sharing. Praying for him!"

Another wrote:

"Fair play to this guy. Education comes in many forms. This is the reality and people get hooked on drugs for all kinds of reasons, from curiosity or peer pressure, but if you know the real affects, maybe this video will make someone stop and think."

Others agreed with the message but admitted they found the video difficult to watch.

One person commented:

"I hear the message and the intention, but I could've done without seeing this!"

While the footage has divided opinion because of how graphic its message was, many believe that was precisely the point. For the man behind the video, the embarrassment of sharing one of the lowest moments of his life appeared to matter less than the possibility that it might persuade someone else to seek help before reaching the same stage.