**Mother’s Battle with Ketamine Addiction Leaves Her Fighting to Reclaim Her Smile**
In a quiet corner of Kent, Victoria Vigors once took pride in her radiant smile—a trait friends and family regarded as her signature. However, behind the cheerful façade, the 40-year-old mother was wrestling with inner turmoil that eventually took an unexpected toll on her wellbeing and appearance. In a bid to sidestep the pitfalls of excessive alcohol consumption, Victoria turned to an alternative—ketamine—a decision she admits ultimately cost her dearly, including her teeth and precious time with her children.
Victoria’s story is not unique, but it is profoundly personal. Instead of reaching for a glass of wine to cope with the stresses of daily life, she experimented with ketamine, reasoning it would offer a similar sensation to being tipsy without the commonly dreaded hangover. “I thought using ketamine would spare me the negative after-effects of drinking,” she reflected, recalling her initial attempts to ‘micro-dose’ throughout the day.
Unfortunately, what began as a seemingly harmless alternative quickly spiralled out of control. Victoria’s tolerance soared, prompting larger and more frequent doses to feel the same effects. Over time, she ventured into other substances such as cocaine and amphetamines, compounding her struggles. “It seemed manageable at first, but soon everything became about chasing that feeling,” she recalled. The grim consequences soon caught up with her when she lost custody of her two children.
Victoria’s physical health rapidly deteriorated. Persistent pain set in, particularly from what she described as severe “ketamine cramps”—a known complication among heavy users. When traditional painkillers offered no relief, Victoria found herself trapped in a vicious circle: “I would just take more ketamine to numb the pain,” she explained.
Recognising the grip addiction had on her life, Victoria sought help. Medical professionals kept her in hospital during the initial stages of withdrawal, offering both support and a safe environment to recover physically. Regular counselling and attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings helped her regain some semblance of control. Through this challenging process, one issue remained painfully visible—her rapidly receding gums and the dramatic gaps that emerged between her teeth.
Losing her smile, once a source of joy and confidence, became a deeply personal chapter in her recovery. “It was heartbreaking to see my gums recede and my teeth deteriorate,” Victoria admitted, describing how she trained herself to keep her mouth closed to avoid judgemental remarks and hurtful comments about her appearance. Public scrutiny and insecurity were frequent companions, and the sight of her damaged smile was a recurring reminder of darker days.
When the time came for Victoria to approach this final step in her transformation, she made the bold decision to seek dental treatment abroad. Noting the significant cost difference, she travelled to Turkey for an extensive dental restoration, investing in crowns and fillings to rebuild her smile. “The staff at the clinic were incredibly supportive. The care was outstanding—I felt heard and respected,” she recounted. The £5,700 she spent on the procedure, travel, and accommodation proved a worthwhile investment for her sense of self and recovery.
Returning home, Victoria spent the following days adjusting to her new teeth, experiencing mild discomfort but an overwhelming sense of liberation. “It may sound superficial to some, but regaining my smile was a vital part of moving forward,” she said. The procedure symbolised more than just surface-level change; it marked the closing of one painful chapter and the hopeful beginning of another.
Now, Victoria embraces life with a renewed sense of confidence and gratitude. Reflecting on her past, she acknowledges the regret and guilt she harbours, particularly about the impact her addiction had on her family. However, she also expresses optimism and thanks for the clarity and stability she has since achieved.
Her journey is a poignant reminder of the complex routes that addiction can take, and the multifaceted steps required to recover. For Victoria Vigors, reclaiming her smile was not merely about aesthetics but about restoring a vital part of her identity and celebrating personal healing.