Rising Ketamine Addiction Among Young Women

The use of ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic, has seen a troubling rise among young women in England and Wales. The number of 16-24 year-olds using ketamine has reached a record level, with almost one in 25 having tried the drug last year. This statistic is four times higher than it was a decade ago. The short-term, intense high and relatively low cost—averaging around £20 per gram compared to up to £100 for a gram of cocaine—are significant factors driving this increase.

The Physical Toll of Ketamine Use

Ketamine use can lead to severe physical health issues, one of which is the damage it causes to the bladder. Patients like Kim, who started using ketamine at 18, suffer from excruciating pain and bladder issues. Kim’s bladder lining sheds continuously, causing her to experience intense pain and frequent urination. This condition often leads to the necessity of using urostomy bags or undergoing bladder reconstruction surgery. According to Dr. Carolina Ochoa, a consultant urologist at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital, the damage caused by ketamine to the bladder is often irreversible and life-long if not treated early.

Increasing Addiction Rates

The addiction rate to ketamine is climbing rapidly. According to Scott Ardley, senior treatment adviser at Rehabs UK, 20% of their weekly enquiries now relate to ketamine, compared to around 5% the previous year. The government’s data shows that the number of young people in treatment for ketamine problems rose from less than 1% in 2015-2016 to 5% in 2020-2021, and it has increased to 6% this year.

Psychological Impact and Addiction

Psychological addiction to ketamine is a significant concern. Users like Ryan, who began using ketamine to cope with manic episodes and panic attacks, find themselves trapped in a cycle of addiction. Ryan’s use escalated to the point where the aim was to be in a “permanent K hole,” leading to severe memory loss and disconnection from reality. The drug creates a temporary escape from issues like trauma and depression, but its long-term effects can be devastating.

Challenges in Receiving Support

Young women addicted to ketamine face numerous barriers to receiving support. The stigma and judgement from society often prevent them from seeking help. For instance, Kim’s constant need to use the toilet made it almost impossible for her to accept a rehab placement 50 minutes from her home. She had to be transported by ambulance due to her condition. Despite the significant physical and mental health challenges, many young women continue using ketamine because the addiction is too powerful to overcome without substantial support.

Medical and Charitable Support

Organisations like WithYou offer free confidential support to people struggling with drug and alcohol issues. They have reported a 71% increase in the number of young people under 24 being supported for ketamine use. The charity’s workers provide practical and empathetic support, helping individuals like Kim find rehab and detox clinics suited to their needs.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals are urging both users and other healthcare providers to recognise the signs of ketamine-related bladder damage early. By linking constant UTI-like symptoms to drug use, early intervention can prevent long-term damage. Consultant urologist Dr. Ochoa and specialist nurse Jasmine King emphasise the importance of seeking medical advice even if patients are not ready to stop using ketamine. There are several support options available to alleviate symptoms and manage the addiction.

The Broader Crisis

The rise in ketamine addiction among young women highlights a broader mental health crisis. Many turn to ketamine as a form of self-medication for underlying issues like trauma, depression, and anxiety. While ketamine has shown promise in treating severe depression under controlled medical settings, self-medication leads to severe physical and mental health consequences.

Conclusion

The ketamine crisis among young women is escalating, driven by the drug’s accessibility and temporary escape it provides from reality. The physical and psychological toll is severe, and the barriers to receiving proper support are significant. Addressing this crisis requires a compassionate approach that focuses on understanding and supporting those affected rather than stigmatising them.

Source: Cosmopolitan