The Quiet Rise of Ketamine Addiction in the UK

The Quiet Rise of Ketamine Addiction in the UK

Ketamine, once a drug found sporadically on the party scene, has seen a significant surge in use across the UK, with a sharp rise in addiction cases. This troubling trend highlights a growing public health concern as young people increasingly turn to the drug. Despite its anaesthetic properties, frequently used in medical settings, ketamine is wreaking havoc as both a recreational substance and an addictive escape. According to Randox Testing Services, about 3.8% of 16–24-year-olds in the UK reported using ketamine in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years. Additionally, Scott Ardley, a Senior Treatment Advisor at Rehabs UK, notes that ketamine’s affordability and accessibility, especially through social media, are significant factors in its rising use among young people.

For Jack Curran, it all started as a teenager experimenting with friends. Initially, ketamine was just one of many drugs he used, an occasional addition to nights out and raves. However, a fight at 18 that left him with multiple leg injuries—and the chronic pain that followed—pushed Jack towards dependence. He began using ketamine not for recreation, but to numb his pain. What started as small doses spiralled into a crushing addiction, with life-altering consequences. By his early 20s, Jack was consuming up to 14 grams a day.

This level of use came with severe physical side effects. Ketamine damaged Jack’s bladder, leaving him in unbearable pain and unable to live a normal life. At one point, he was forced to wear nappies due to the effects on his body. Yet, like many caught in the cycle of addiction, the very drug that wreaked havoc on his health also provided temporary relief from his symptoms, making it even harder to stop.

Jack’s story is not unique. NHS England has reported a sharp rise in young people seeking help for ketamine addictions, and studies show that usage has more than doubled since 2016. Experts link this to a mix of factors—including its affordability, widespread availability, and its ability to numb mental and emotional pain. However, the health implications, especially for long-term users, are harrowing. Aside from bladder and kidney damage, regular use can lead to debilitating mental health issues and a spiralling loss of control.

One of the biggest challenges facing those like Jack is the lack of specialised support. Long waiting lists and limited understanding of ketamine’s unique effects mean many struggle to find help. For Jack, his parents spent tens of thousands on private rehab after he failed to access prompt support through public services. Even then, his road to recovery was far from straightforward.

Today, Jack is in recovery. With determination and ongoing support, he has turned his life around, working in a rehab centre and helping others battling addiction. But his story underscores the societal need for a more coordinated response to the ketamine crisis. From better education on the drug’s dangers to improved access to healthcare and support, the rise of ketamine dependency serves as a wake-up call.

Jack’s message is straightforward and heartfelt. He hopes his story warns others about the dangers of ketamine, showing that even casual use can lead to serious problems. Yet, he also proves that no matter how deep someone falls, recovery is possible with the right support and determination.

Source: The Guardian

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