The rise of ketamine use in the UK

The rise of ketamine use in the UK

A surge in ketamine use in the UK has led to growing concerns about the popularity of the drug among recreational users, and its long-term impact on public health.

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, 4.2% of 16-24-year-olds used ketamine in 2022/23: a significant rise versus previous years. Among adults aged 16-59, usage has increased from 0.8% in 2019/20 to 1.4% in 2022/23.

Ketamine-related hospital admissions have also increased by 45% over the past five years, according to NHS Digital.

In this blog, we explore this shocking rise in ketamine use, and the dangers of short and long-term ketamine abuse.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic used in both human and veterinary medicine.

In recent years, it has gained attention as a treatment for severe depression, offering rapid relief in controlled medical settings. However, its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects have also made it popular among recreational drug users at nightclubs and festivals.

Ketamine works by blocking specific receptors in the brain, altering pain perception, mood, and memory. Recreational users take ketamine for its ability to induce a sense of detachment from reality. However, this comes with serious risks, including intense hallucinations, memory loss, and respiratory issues.

Some individuals also use the drug as a way of self-medicating mental health issues like depression and anxiety, despite the significant risks involved.

In the UK, ketamine is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. While it is legally prescribed for medical purposes, recreational use is illegal. Possession can lead to up to 5 years in prison, while trafficking carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.

Health risks and public health implications

Ketamine abuse poses serious health risks, both in the short and long term.

Short-term risks

  • Hallucinations and dissociation: Ketamine can cause intense hallucinations and a sense of detachment from reality, leading to risky behaviours and accidents.
  • Loss of motor control: Users often experience poor coordination and muscle weakness, which increases the risk of injury.
  • Respiratory issues: In higher doses, ketamine can depress the respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties or, in extreme cases, overdose.

Long-term risks

  • Ketamine bladder syndrome: Prolonged use can lead to severe bladder damage, resulting in chronic pain, incontinence, and, in extreme cases, the need for surgical intervention.
  • Mental health impacts: Regular ketamine use is linked to depression, memory problems, and cognitive decline
  • Addiction and dependency: Although not traditionally considered highly addictive, long-term use can lead to psychological dependence, with users needing higher doses over time to achieve the same effects.

The rise in ketamine use has also placed additional strain on public health services, with hospitals seeing a marked increase in ketamine-related admissions due to overdose, injuries, and bladder issues.

Mental health services are also experiencing greater demand from individuals dealing with the psychological effects of ketamine misuse.

Ketamine drug testing you can trust

Our laboratory can test for a wide range of drugs and their metabolites (breakdown products), including ketamine, using a variety of samples (hair, nails, urine and oral fluid).

With over 20 years’ experience offering drug testing for peace of mind, official matters, the legal sector and the workplace sector, we provide a variety of drug testing services to suit a range of needs, including:

For more information or to request a quote, call our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com.

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