Since 2021, the Home Office Wastewater Analysis Programme (WWAP) has taken samples from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across England and Scotland to calculate the quantity of illicit drug consumption.
Data published on 17th March from samples taken from 16 treatment plants reveals ketamine consumption is estimated to have increased by 85%. National addiction and recovery charity The Forward Trust says that this shocking trend is to be expected as it comes at a time when:
- Addiction to ketamine in the UK has more than quadrupled since 2016
- Ketamine use is estimated to have more than doubled – tripling in those under 25
- Adults entering treatment with ketamine problems has increased from 1,551 in 2021-22 to 2,211 in 2022-23
According to government statistics, opiate dependency, cannabis or cocaine are currently three of the most common drugs causing people to seek help in Britain – but the huge increase in young adults aged 16-24 taking ketamine is due to its cost and accessibility.
Mike Trace, CEO of the Forward Trust, said, ‘Ketamine was once seen by many as a “safe” party drug. Sadly, as we know from families such as Barney’s (Taking Action on Addiction case study) we are also seeing an increase in long-term health conditions and fatalities caused by the use of ketamine.
‘Ketamine abuse is soaring, with young people all over the UK seeking treatment for addiction and irreparable damage to their bladders – it is also known to cause paranoia, muscle paralysis, and liver damage, alongside many other side effects.
‘Addiction isn’t a marginalised issue in society. It runs deep and spreads wide. People are living with addiction all around us. And yet the stigma, misunderstanding and the fear of judgement is holding people back from getting the help they need.
‘Perceptions of addiction need to change. We need to build compassion and understanding around addiction and support people to ask for help without judgement, discrimination or stigma.
‘Recovery is possible with the right support and everyone should have the opportunity to access it before they reach rock bottom.’
This blog was originally published by the Forward Trust. You can read the original post here.
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This content was created by the Forward Trust