In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a popular party drug among young people, with a significant increase in use driven by its low cost and easy availability. According to staff at Sanctuary Lodge, a rehabilitation facility in Essex, admissions related to ketamine use have more than doubled in the past five years. This alarming trend raises serious concerns about the health risks associated with the drug, particularly among younger users.
A Concerning Surge in Admissions
Jade Clark, manager of Sanctuary Lodge, reports that the number of patients admitted for ketamine-related issues this year has already surpassed the total for the entirety of 2024. Many users are unaware of the severe consequences that can arise from using ketamine, particularly regarding its impact on the bladder. Long-term use can lead to debilitating conditions that require invasive medical procedures.
Clark warns, “Some of them get to a point where they have to have urine bags fitted for the rest of their lives, and that has a massive impact on their self-esteem and confidence.” This encapsulates the harsh reality for many ketamine users who may not fully understand the long-term health risks associated with the drug.
The Nature of Ketamine
Often referred to as “ket,” “Special K,” or simply “K,” ketamine is a powerful anesthetic originally developed for veterinary use. While it is a licensed drug that can be prescribed for medical purposes, its misuse can lead to severe and sometimes permanent damage. Classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, possession can result in up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The drug gained renewed attention following the death of actor Matthew Perry, whose passing was linked to ketamine use. This incident has brought the dangers of the drug into sharper focus, particularly as reports suggest that ketamine-related deaths have increased twenty-fold since 2014, according to a recent study by King’s College London.
The Cost Factor: Affordable and Accessible
One of the primary reasons for ketamine's rise in popularity among young people is its affordability. Once priced at up to £40 per gram, it can now be purchased for as little as £3 or £4, making it a viable alternative to more expensive party drugs like cocaine. Despite the lower price point, the purity of the drug remains high, further enticing users who may be looking for a cheaper high.
The ease of access and low cost means that even younger individuals, some as young as 12, are being admitted to hospitals for ketamine overdoses. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need for education and intervention at an early age, as many young users may not be aware of the drug's dangers.
Long-Term Health Risks: The Dangers of Ketamine Bladder
The health risks associated with ketamine use are significant and alarming. Chronic use can lead to a condition known as “ketamine bladder,” characterized by inflammation of the bladder and severe urinary issues. Patients may experience incontinence or, in extreme cases, require bladder removal surgery. Clark emphasizes that many users will “regret the physical consequences” of taking ketamine when it is too late.
Finley Worthington, who runs Ketamine Education Services, shares his harrowing experience with the drug. After six years of use, he suffered from extreme pain known as “ket cramps,” which left him incapacitated. He recalls finding blood and jelly-like substances in his urine, a direct result of his addiction. Worthington highlights the urgent need for education about ketamine, stating that “children as young as nine are taking it,” and calling for schools to start discussions about the drug's dangers in the earlier years of education.
A Government Response
The UK government acknowledges the rise in ketamine use as a “deeply concerning” issue. The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention has requested advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs regarding the potential reclassification of ketamine as a Class A drug. This move indicates a recognition of the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness to combat the growing problem.
The increase in ketamine use among young people is a pressing public health concern that cannot be ignored. With its low cost, high availability, and severe long-term health risks, it is imperative that education and prevention strategies are implemented to inform young people about the dangers of this drug. As the trend continues to escalate, the responsibility falls on society as a whole—parents, educators, and policymakers—to take action and protect the health and wellbeing of future generations. Without concerted efforts, we risk allowing ketamine to become a normalised aspect of youth culture, with devastating consequences.
