Ketamine, once primarily known as an anaesthetic, has recently made headlines across Europe due to a dramatic rise in illegal seizures. This increase has sparked concerns among health authorities about its growing recreational use and the potential health risks involved. This article explores the current state of ketamine use in Europe, its legal status, the health implications, and the urgent need for regulatory measures.

Rising Ketamine Seizures and Use

In recent years, ketamine use in Europe has surged significantly. The number of illegal ketamine seizures across the European Union has nearly quintupled, rising from 701 in 2015 to 3,462 in 2022. These seizures accounted for 9% of all new psychoactive substances seized that year. Denmark and the Netherlands were responsible for two-thirds of these seizures, highlighting specific hotspots of ketamine prevalence within the region.

Public health data indicates that while there are generally low levels of ketamine residue detected in wastewater samples across 15 European cities, countries like Denmark, Spain, Italy, and Portugal report higher levels. This suggests a concentrated use of ketamine in these areas, exacerbating concerns about its impact on communities.

Legal Status and Regulatory Challenges

Ketamine’s legal status in Europe is complex. While it is approved as a medicine for treatment-resistant depression under the form of esketamine, it remains a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse. Countries such as Lithuania and France enforce strict regulations to curb its recreational use. Despite these efforts, the blurred lines between its medical use and abuse pose significant challenges for regulators.

The main source of ketamine in Europe is believed to be India, with potential origins also traced back to China and Pakistan. The discovery of only a few illegal production labs in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands and Belgium, suggests that most of the supply is imported rather than locally manufactured.

Health Risks and Dependency

Ketamine, classified as an atypical psychedelic, poses several health risks. Regular use can lead to a range of issues, including bladder, heart, and brain damage, as well as mental health problems and respiratory difficulties. A 2012 UK study found that 26.6% of recent ketamine users experienced urinary tract symptoms, a common side effect of prolonged use.

Furthermore, the potential for psychological dependence is a critical concern. The same study indicated that 17% of ketamine users were dependent on the drug. However, treatment for ketamine misuse remains limited, with only 600 individuals in the EU seeking help for such issues in 2022. This figure is up from 240 in 2018 but still represents a small fraction of those affected, possibly due to users seeking treatment for other substances they mix with ketamine.

The Need for Increased Awareness and Regulation

The rising trend in ketamine use and seizures underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and stringent regulation. Addressing the recreational use of ketamine requires a coordinated effort from public health officials, law enforcement, and policymakers. Strengthening cross-border cooperation and implementing effective prevention strategies are essential to mitigate the risks associated with its growing popularity.

Public health campaigns must focus on educating communities about the dangers of ketamine use, emphasising its potential for harm and the importance of seeking help. Regulatory bodies need to enforce stricter controls on the distribution and sale of ketamine to prevent its abuse while ensuring that those who legitimately need it for medical purposes can access it safely.

Source: Euronews