Ketamine: an emerging epidemic in young people - implications for primary care

Ketamine, once a niche party drug and anaesthetic, has become one of the fastest growing substances of misuse in the UK, with deaths increasing six-fold over the past decade. It is now the fifth most commonly used drug among young people, having surpassed cocaine.

To explore the rise in ketamine use among young people, its physical and psychological consequences, and their implications for primary care.

Narrative review of recent epidemiological data, public health reports, and qualitative studies, alongside reflections from working in socially deprived 'Deep End' settings.

Ketamine's recent popularity can be attributed to its affordability, ease of access through social media, and perceived antidepressant effects. Dependence can develop quickly and lead to urinary tract damage and detrimental psychological effects. Many patients do not disclose ketamine use due to stigma or perceived clinical ignorance. Consequently, presentations frequently occur under the guise of urinary or abdominal symptoms. This may result in missed opportunities for addiction support and risks long-term complications including ulcerative cystitis and renal failure, sometimes necessitating cystectomy.

Rising ketamine use presents an emerging challenge for general practice. GPs must maintain a high index of suspicion when young patients present with urinary or abdominal symptoms. Compassionate, informed inquiry, routine screening, and tailored addiction pathways are key to early identification and harm reduction. Education, both for clinicians and young people, is critical to reverse this growing epidemic.