THE NUMBERS that TELL THE STORY...
KETAMINE USAGE
In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 individuals aged 16-59 across England and Wales reported uses - the highest number on record. [2]
Young adults (16-24): Usage among this group rose to 3.8% in 2023, a significant increase from 0.8% in 2013, marking a 400% surge over a decade. [3]
Chronic ketamine use is linked to more psychotic symptoms. Studies show users have lower levels of a brain chemical (NAA/Cr) and more mild psychotic signs, suggesting a possible link to psychosis. [4]
KETAMINE KILLS
Ketamine related deaths have soared by 650% since 2015. With 53 lives lost in 2023, this averages at around 1 death per week.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), obtained by The UKAT Group, reveal that three times more women are now dying from the drug compared to before the Covid pandemic.
Among those under 30, drug-related deaths have surged by 300% over the past three years. [1]
KETAMINE CRIMINALITY
In the year ending March 2023, there were 1,487 ketamine seizures, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. This suggests a growing presence of ketamine in the illicit drug market. [6]
In the year ending March 2024, ketamine seizures by police in England and Wales increased by 51%, reaching 2,252 incidents - the highest since records began in 2006. [5]