Izabel Rose’s fight against ketamine addiction took an unexpected turn when a planned trip to Japan led her to spend five months in a Japanese prison. Initially intended as a means to escape her destructive habits, the journey instead plunged her deeper into an ordeal that would ultimately become a catalyst for profound personal change.
The Descent into Addiction
Before her trip, Izabel, affectionately known as Izzy, had been grappling with a ketamine addiction for over a year, which had begun innocently enough in London’s vibrant rave scene. The drug, known for its dissociative and euphoric effects, quickly morphed from a recreational weekend indulgence into a daily necessity.
“I thought I had hit rock bottom,” Izzy recalled, reflecting on the physical toll the substance had taken on her health. The debilitating side effects included severe abdominal pain and difficulty urinating, which left her feeling utterly trapped. “I would spend hours under scalding hot water just to numb the pain,” she shared, illustrating the extent of her struggle.
A Misguided Attempt at Recovery
Izzy hoped that her month-long birthday celebration in Japan would provide the distance she needed to break free from her addiction. Unfortunately, the grip of her dependency proved too strong. Upon arriving in Tokyo, her first instinct was to reach out to a friend back in London for a supply of drugs.
“I thought I could just get some to help me through,” she admitted, revealing the devastating denial that often accompanies addiction. A week later, her efforts culminated in a package containing 7 grams of ketamine, which was intercepted by customs authorities before it could reach her.
Life Behind Bars
The morning after her package was seized, Izzy found herself face-to-face with Japanese police, who were armed with a warrant and ready to search her belongings. Following a harrowing 24-hour interrogation, she was placed in solitary confinement at the Osaka Detention Centre.
For five months, she endured a strict regime that included limited communication and no interaction with fellow inmates. Despite the harsh environment, Izzy began to reflect deeply on her life choices. “I kept a journal, meditated, and even prayed,” she revealed, noting how the experience ultimately marked the start of her recovery journey.
“I learned discipline and the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” she stated, expressing gratitude for the transformative nature of her time in prison, despite its challenges.
Reintegrating into Life
Izzy was released in September 2025, and her return to London marked another significant chapter in her recovery. Celebrating Christmas with her family, particularly reconnecting with her younger sister, was bittersweet. The emotional scars of her past remained, and she openly admitted, “I still battle cravings every day.”
Determined to turn her traumatic experience into a source of strength, Izzy began sharing her story on social media under the name Hyaku-Ban, a reference to the Japanese word for 100, which was given to her during her time in detention. Through her candidness, she aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction, hoping to foster understanding and support for others in similar situations.
The Bigger Picture
Izabel’s story coincides with growing concerns in the UK regarding the rising prevalence of ketamine abuse among young people. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recently recommended that ketamine remain classified as a Class B controlled substance, highlighting that merely reclassifying the drug would not suffice in mitigating its impact.
Izzy’s cautionary tale underscores the reality that addiction does not discriminate; it can ensnare anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. She emphasised, “Addiction doesn’t care where you’re from. You never know how quickly you can spiral down.”
Why it Matters
Izabel Rose’s journey from addiction to recovery serves as a stark reminder of the profound challenges faced by those battling substance abuse. Her experience highlights the critical need for awareness and support systems to address the growing concern of drug addiction, particularly among young people. As she continues to share her story and advocate for others, Izzy embodies hope and resilience, proving that recovery is possible—even in the most unexpected of circumstances.
