Ketamine addiction is on the rise among young people, with alarming health consequences highlighted by the story of Casey Innalls. At just 27, Casey has suffered severe bladder damage and other health issues due to her ketamine use, which began at 16 as a harmless weekend experiment. Her experience reflects a broader trend; government data reveals that ketamine use among 16- to 24-year-olds has tripled since 2005, now affecting over one in 20 young people.

Experts point to economic factors, such as the cost of living crisis, as driving users towards more affordable drugs like ketamine. Lee Fernandes from the UK Addiction Treatment Centres reports a 35% rise in under-30s seeking rehabilitation for ketamine addiction, noting a marked increase in young women needing urgent treatment due to severe side effects like k-bladder. The drug’s dual nature as both a dissociative and a painkiller creates a vicious cycle, with users often unaware of the irreversible damage until it’s too late.

Casey’s journey through addiction has been fraught with pain, leading her to the brink of despair. However, her decision to enter rehab has been transformative, marking over 50 days of sobriety. She now channels her experience into raising awareness, using social media to educate others on the perilous path of ketamine addiction. Her message is clear: reaching out for help is crucial, and prevention through education is vital.

Ketamine use is becoming a bigger problem for young people. More needs to be done to raise awareness and offer support before it leads to serious harm.

Source: INDEPENDENT