Adferiad’s Cheryl Williams appears on ITV’s Lorraine to discuss the impacts of ketamine use

Cheryl Williams, strategic lead of gambling and other harms at Adferiad’s Parkland Place Rehabilitation Unit in North Wales, recently appeared on ITV’s Lorraine. Chatting with Lorraine Kelly alongside James Lee Williams/The Vivienne’s sister Chanel Williams, Cheryl offered her expertise on the far-reaching impacts of ketamine, with use currently at an all-time high in the UK.

On the accessibility of ketamine, Cheryl said, ‘What we’re finding from some of our units is that it’s actually more accessible than alcohol. If you go into a shop to buy alcohol it’s Challenge 25, but [ketamine] obviously through Snapchat, through the platform X, through WhatsApp, they just need to put an emoji out.’

Following the announcement of her family’s courageous decision to work with us on our upcoming National Lottery-funded Anti-Stigma Campaign, Only Human, Chanel highlighted the need for better awareness and understanding surrounding ketamine and other substances to foster a culture where those struggling with addiction feel more comfortable to speak out and seek help.

Talking about the impact that the tragic loss of her brother has had on their family, Chanel said, ‘It’s completely devastated us all, it was so unexpected. He loved life, so now reflecting on everything, you just think “what can you take from this now, and what can we do”. So as a family, we’re really passionate about turning this into something where we can make a difference, where we can make change and raise awareness around the drug ketamine, the dangers that are associated with that, and that’s part of his legacy if we can help just one more person.’

Through the Only Human campaign, we hope to honour James’ memory by sharing his story to raise awareness of the far-reaching impact of substance use, and break down the barriers caused by stigma that stop people from reaching out for help with their drug and alcohol struggles.