EXCLUSIVE: Ru Paul’s Drag Race and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne died after taking ketamine, their family have now shared. We take a look at the dangers of the so-called ‘party’ drug
Drag Race icon The Vivienne’s death shocked the showbiz world after the talented drag queen was found dead at home earlier this year – and it has now emerged a popular ‘party’ drug has been linked to their death.
On Monday, the family of the late Ru Paul’s Drag Race winner, whose real name was James Lee Williams, announced that their loved one suffered a cardiac arrest caused by ketamine – a substance rising in popularity amongst young people.
The 32-year-old was found unresponsive at their Cheshire home in January, with sister Chanel Williams sharing that she and her family “continue to be completely devastated” by the tragic death.
As the family plan to work with a substance abuse charity to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine, the same drug that left adult star Emily Willis ‘permanently disabled’, we take a look at the true horrors of the dissociative anaesthetic leaving a trail of devastation behind.
What is ketamine?
Ketamine – or ‘Special K’ – is usually branded a ‘party drug’ due to its use in club and festival settings. It’s often more affordable than other drugs and it’s easy to get hold of, which means the dangerous drug is readily available to young people looking for a ‘cheap thrill’.
Along with it being cheap, ketamine is favoured due to it’s ‘dissociative’ affects where people can experience so-called ‘out of body’ experiences.
It’s thought that users’ environments intensify, making the lights of clubs and raves more vivid. Ketamine gives temporary feelings of euphoria – but the real impacts of the drug on your body are anything but.
Dr Lawrence Cunningham, of UK Care Guide, told us: “Ketamine is what is known as a dissociative anaesthetic, often used in medical settings for starting and maintaining anaesthesia.
“The technical answer is that it works by altering the neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly blocking NMDA receptors, which results in a dissociative state.
“In my experience, people who use ketamine recreationally often describe a sense of detachment from their body, leading to the ‘high’ that is characterised by hallucinations and euphoria.
“This is what makes it appealing yet dangerous outside a controlled environment.”
With usage amongst young people on the rise, the UK government is currently considering reviewing the classification of ketamine to move it into the class A category of drug.
What does ketamine do to the mind and body?
Ketamine has a whole list of nasty symptoms that users experience after the ‘high’ of euphoria is over. In the UK alone, leading urologists have told of an ‘explosion’ of people as young as 21 having to undergo surgery due to ketamine use complications.
Some urology departments have even started specialist clinics to tackle the increasing number of young people with bladder issues – including shrinkage of the bladder and incontinence.
Dr Lawrence explained: “Physically, ketamine can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, which is clearly a risk for people with pre-existing cardiovascular issues.
“I’ve seen cases where prolonged use leads to urinary tract problems, commonly referred to as ‘ketamine bladder,’ which can be quite severe and painful. Also, nausea and vomiting are common side effects that can lead to dehydration.”
Despite the physical symptoms being extensive, the impact on users mental health can be devastating too.
The doctor explained that using ketamine can “exacerbate underlying mental health conditions”, which can lead to a “vicious cycle of misuse.”
While depression and anxiety are common amongst those who use ketamine, more severe symptoms like psychosis can also develop.
Dr Lawrence continued: “Mentally, ketamine use can result in confusion, memory loss, and impaired cognitive function.
“In my experience as a doctor, frequent use can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle of misuse.
“The dissociative effects can also be disorienting, making it difficult for people to distinguish fantasy from reality, which can be particularly dangerous.
“I’ve supported individuals who developed dependency, finding it difficult to experience enjoyment or relaxation without the drug.
“Chronic use can also lead to more severe mental health disorders, which might require professional intervention to manage.”
The doctor underlined five major symptoms of ketamine use, but there is of course more that can cause harm to users.
Full symptoms at a glance:
- Ketamine bladder
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dissociation
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The latest government figures estimate that ketamine use in England and Wales has more than doubled in less than 10 years Latest government figures estimate, external ketamine use in England and Wales has more than doubled since 2016.
The Office for National Statistics revealed that 3.8% of people aged 16-24 have reported using ketamine in 2023.
That is compared to 1% of that age group for majority of other drugs, apart from cannabis (15%) and cocaine (5%). In that same period, usage has more than tripled in those under the age of 25 – though this is not just a UK problem.
“I have noticed that ketamine’s popularity has surged,” Dr Lawrence concluded.
“Partly due to its portrayal in media and the rise of ‘ketamine clinics’ offering it as a treatment for depression. Also, the misconception that it is ‘safer’ because of its medical origins might contribute to its increased recreational use.”