Rehabilitation facilities in Wales are reporting a dramatic increase in referrals from young adults struggling with ketamine addiction, prompting urgent calls for specialized support services. The drugs charity Kaleidoscope stated that referrals to its detox and rehabilitation facility have surged from just two people in 2021 to 112 so far this year. The majority of these clients are aged between 18 and 24.
Severe Physical Consequences for Young Adults
Megan, a 24-year-old from Flint in north Wales, is one of many young people facing severe physical health issues due to prolonged ketamine use. She described a period of intense dependency where she used the drug “all day, every day.” Her usage was partly driven by a desire to suppress symptoms associated with ADHD and borderline personality disorder, as well as the accessibility of the drug during the pandemic.
For the last two years, Megan has suffered from chronic pain and bladder damage severe enough to require incontinence pads. “For a 22-year-old wearing pads or nappies, it takes away all dignity,” she said. After entering rehab just over four weeks ago, she reported feeling physically better and regaining some of her previous energy, though the long-term reversibility of her bladder damage remains unclear.
Another service user, Mark, described his health deteriorating to the point where he felt he had “the body of an 80-year-old” at age 25. His use of cocaine and ketamine led to significant physical changes, including the collapse of his nose from snorting drugs, which he said destroyed his self-confidence. He also experienced passing blood clots and severe pain during urination.
Adapting Services for a New Demographic
The surge in cases has forced traditional drug and alcohol services to adapt. Jo Moore, who runs the Birchwood rehabilitation facility for Kaleidoscope, noted that five years ago, the center had only one referral for inpatient detox related to ketamine. She attributed the rise to the drug being very cheap and accessible, allowing people to use it frequently and in large amounts.
Dr. Darren Quelch from the University of South Wales is conducting research into the specific needs of this group. He explained that the harm caused by chronic, escalating use of ketamine occurs more rapidly than that from alcohol or Class A drugs. “Their bread and butter isn’t dealing with really complex medical presentations,” he said, highlighting that existing services are not always equipped to handle the complex medical issues presented by young ketamine users.
Research indicates that illicit ketamine use among those aged 16 to 59 in the UK was estimated to be about 264,000 people in 2024-25. Over the course of a decade, the number of people seeking treatment for ketamine use disorders has increased twelvefold. While younger people have driven the rise in use, Moore noted a recent increase in referrals for adults aged 25 to 34, particularly in Cardiff and south-east Wales.
Dr. Quelch added that relapse is a significant problem in this demographic. He observed that when individuals resume using ketamine after a period of abstinence, the associated harms appear much quicker than during their initial use. The recoverability of their bodies is still not fully understood, but the rapid onset of damage is a key concern for medical professionals.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. Moore mentioned that education in schools, colleges, and universities is helping to reduce new cases of ketamine use. However, the focus remains on supporting those who have already developed dependencies. Peer support has been identified as a crucial element in recovery, with users like Mark finding joy in helping others who are struggling with similar issues.
Source: BBC
