Drug services report rise in young ketamine users

Reported January 12, 2009

An investigation by Druglink magazine has found that some drug services have noticed a rise in the number of young people using ketamine.

The drug contains a combination of stimulant and hallucinogenic properties and can be used in mild doses as a medical anaesthetic.

However, illegal use often involves high doses which are snorted or swallowed to produce a 'detached' feeling, risking injury, unconsciousness, respiratory collapse or heart failure.

Druglink, which is a bi-monthly magazine produced by the charity DrugScope, found that more people are taking higher doses of the drug and injecting the substance.

Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, said that the findings were 'concerning' as high doses are associated with greater risk and injecting users face the added possibility of blood-borne viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C.

'Evidence of young people using ketamine is a particular concern, especially as many users may underestimate the risks involved,' he noted.

'It is essential that we provide young people with clear and accurate information on the dangers of ketamine so that they can fully appreciate the drug's considerable harms.'

A Home Office spokesman told the BBC that ketamine is a 'dangerous drug' that can cause 'serious harm' to users.