Rising Ketamine Abuse Among Youth: A Deep Dive into the Consequences
Terrifying effects of ketamine, the new £2 drug of choice... with young people left wearing nappies for life, and a vital organ shrunk to the size of a marble. Special investigation by LILY AMORY
Image: Mail Online
Ketamine use among young people in the UK has surged by 231% since 2013, leading to severe health issues such as incontinence and kidney failure. Users like Eva and Jack share their harrowing experiences, highlighting the drug's devastating effects. The UK government is considering reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug to combat the crisis.
- 01Ketamine use among 16 to 24-year-olds has risen by 231% since March 2013, reaching its highest levels since records began in 2006.
- 02The drug can cause severe health issues including bladder shrinkage, incontinence, and even kidney failure, with some users requiring major surgery.
- 03The number of patients over 18 receiving treatment for ketamine-related issues has more than doubled from 1,140 in 2019 to 3,609 in 2023-24.
- 04Ketamine is often perceived as a safe alternative to other drugs, but its addictive nature and severe side effects are leading to a public health crisis among young people.
- 05The UK government is contemplating reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug, similar to heroin, in response to its growing popularity and associated risks.
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Ketamine, a drug initially developed for medical use, has seen a staggering increase in recreational use among young people in the UK, with a 231% rise in consumption among those aged 16 to 24 since March 2013. Users report severe health consequences, including bladder shrinkage and incontinence, as highlighted by individuals like Eva, who, at 24, now wears incontinence pads due to her addiction. Medical professionals, including urological surgeon Mohammed Belal, express alarm at the growing number of young users being admitted to hospitals for ketamine-related issues, with treatment figures for those over 18 more than doubling in recent years. The drug's low cost and perceived safety contribute to its popularity, yet it poses serious risks, including kidney failure and psychosis. The UK government is considering reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug to address this alarming trend, as the drug is increasingly linked to tragic outcomes on university campuses.
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The surge in ketamine use is leading to significant health crises among young people, prompting increased hospital admissions and treatment needs.
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