Rise in Ketamine Use in North Wales Linked to Serious Health Crises

A concerning surge in ketamine use in North Wales has been linked to severe health issues, including incontinence and other debilitating conditions. Wesley Lloyd-Roberts, who began using the drug during a holiday in Ibiza, experienced a devastating addiction that ultimately left him incontinent. Upon returning to Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd, he discovered that ketamine’s availability had skyrocketed, stating that its use “just kind of blew up” in the area.

Recent figures from the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board highlight the troubling trend. Ketamine-related admissions to accident and emergency (A&E) departments in the region rose sharply from just two in 2020 to a staggering 372 in 2024. Over the past three years, the number of hospital admissions in North Wales has exceeded the combined totals of the other four Welsh health board areas that responded to a Freedom of Information request.

Wesley, now 27, reflects on his experience, stating that he became dependent on the drug to manage pain, leading to a cycle of worsening health. “If I had pain in my bladder, I could take more because it would get rid of the pain,” he explained. This reliance resulted in frequent trips to the bathroom and severe physical distress, including blood in his urine.

Dr. James Sutherland, the clinical lead for urology at Ysbyty Gwynedd, confirmed the increasing prevalence of ketamine use among young people. He noted, “It’s cheap as well, so people are spending maybe only £5 on what is a high for an evening or a party.” This affordability and the drug’s hallucinogenic effects have contributed to its growing acceptance in social settings.

The alarming statistics paint a clear picture: ketamine-related A&E admissions in the Betsi Cadwaladr area were recorded at 128 in 2022 and 241 in 2023, culminating in 372 in 2024. In contrast, the combined total for Cardiff & Vale, Cwm Taf, Hywel Dda, and Swansea was significantly lower, at 109 in 2022, 163 in 2023, and 228 in 2024.

Wesley’s health challenges escalated rapidly as he became a chronic user. He described his condition: “I was getting incontinent, so I needed to go to the toilet a lot, like every five minutes.” The physical toll included pain in his kidneys, bladder, and liver, along with psychological trauma. The health complications associated with ketamine use can be severe, as Dr. Sutherland indicated, with some users requiring stents to drain their kidneys or, in extreme cases, bladder removal.

While ketamine is commonly used in medical settings, it has gained a reputation as a recreational drug. An estimated 299,000 people in the UK aged 16 to 59 reported ketamine use in the year ending March 2023, representing the highest number on record. In 2014, ketamine was reclassified from a Class C to a Class B substance due to mounting evidence of its physical and psychological dangers. The legal ramifications for possession can include up to five years in prison and substantial fines.

Cheryl Williams, strategic lead for the recovery charity Adferiad, reported that up to a quarter of their admissions to rehab centers are related to ketamine use. Alongside the sister of the late drag artist The Vivienne, Williams has been advocating for greater awareness of the dangers of ketamine. They have established a support group in Colwyn Bay, which sees new attendees weekly.

Wesley is currently in rehabilitation, facing the possibility of bladder surgery due to his prolonged ketamine use. Despite the challenges ahead, he is beginning to experience positive changes in his life. “I thought it was better on drugs doing things than it was sober, but now I’m like this is so much better,” he remarked, expressing newfound enthusiasm for activities he had previously abandoned, like playing football.

The situation in North Wales underscores a growing public health crisis, with increasing numbers of individuals grappling with the consequences of ketamine addiction. As communities respond to the alarming trends, the need for effective education and support becomes increasingly critical.