The Impact of Ketamine: What You Need to Know

Ketamine Facts, Figures, and Statistics

Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic and dissociative drug that is often misused for its hallucinogenic effects. It produces rapid, intense euphoria and altered perceptions by acting on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, which can quickly lead to psychological dependence.

In this page, we’ll explore the ketamine statistics regarding ketamine usage, including its prevalence, demographic patterns, health impacts, and social consequences.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic commonly used in medical and veterinary settings for its pain-relieving and sedative properties but is abused as a party drug. It acts on the brain’s NMDA receptors, producing hallucinations and a sense of detachment from reality when misused. Although it has therapeutic uses, recreational abuse of ketamine can lead to psychological dependence and severe health risks.

Did you know?

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT Ketamine

A history of ketamine use

Ketamine was first synthesised in 1962 by Calvin Stevens, an American scientist, as an alternative to phencyclidine (PCP), which had undesirable hallucinogenic effects. It gained approval for human use in the United States in 1970 and was widely used during the Vietnam War as a battlefield anaesthetic due to its safety and effectiveness. In the late 20th century, ketamine emerged as a recreational drug, leading to its classification as a controlled substance in many countries​.

What makes ketamine addictive?

Ketamine can be addictive due to its potent effects on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, particularly the NMDA receptors, leading to intense euphoria and dissociative experiences. Frequent use can create a psychological dependence as users seek to replicate these sensations, often requiring increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects. This pattern of escalating use and craving for the drug’s effects contributes to the development of addiction​.

Ketamine USE IN NUMBERS

Ketamine statistics in the UK

Frequency of usage

In 2023, around 3.8% of people aged 16-24 reported using ketamine, reflecting a rising trend among young adults​.

Age group usage

Young adults aged 16-24 have the highest rates of use, with about 6.2% reporting past-year use.

Health impact

Chronic use of ketamine can lead to severe bladder and urinary tract problems, including painful urination, incontinence, and in extreme cases, bladder damage that may require surgical intervention

Gender differences

Men are more likely to use ketamine than women, with 3.8% of men and 1.5% of women aged 16-59 reporting past-year use.

Treatment

The number of requests for ketamine treatment doubled in 2023.

The length of high

Ketamine is a short-acting drug, with effects typically lasting 45 to 90 minutes when taken recreationally

K-holes

High doses of ketamine can cause a state known as a "K-hole," where users feel extreme dissociation, often described as an out-of-body experience, which can be both frightening and disorienting.

Classification of drug

Ketamine is classified as a Class B drug in the UK, meaning it is illegal to possess, supply, or produce, with severe penalties for those caught in violation of these laws

4,300% rise in awareness

In the last 10 years, the need for ketamine abuse treatment has gone up by a whopping 4,300% comparing the number of people who went on Google to search for treatment (according to the U.S. data)

Ketamine use in the UK often stems from social environments, particularly within urban nightlife and club scenes, partly because it is cheaper – a gram of ketamine costs about £30. where young adults might feel encouraged to experiment with the drug. Many are drawn to ketamine due to peer influence and its reputation as a party drug, often without fully understanding the long-term risks. For some, it also becomes a way to cope with underlying mental health struggles.

Ketamine stats infographic

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

How does ketamine affect health?

Short term effects

Disorientation and confusion

Hallucinations and dissociation

Nausea and vomiting

Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Long term effects

Severe bladder and urinary tract issues

Cognitive impairments

Mental health disorders

Dependency and withdrawal symptoms

Can you overdose on ketamine?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on ketamine, which can lead to severe health complications such as extreme confusion, unconsciousness, dangerously slowed breathing, and in some cases, respiratory failure or death. Overdose risks increase when ketamine is taken in high doses or combined with other substances, making it crucial to seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Ketamine overdose symptoms include:

  • Confusion or delirium 
  • Impaired motor function and coordination 
  • Severe agitation or panic
  • Respiratory problems
  • Severe muscle weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting

If any of these symptoms are present, immediate emergency medical intervention is required. 

GETTING HELP

Can ketamine addiction be treated?

Yes, ketamine addiction can absolutely be treated, and there is hope for recovery. Many people have successfully overcome ketamine dependence with the right support and treatment plan. This often includes compassionate counselling, where you or your loved one can explore the underlying reasons for the addiction and learn healthier ways to cope. Behavioural therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help reshape thought patterns and behaviours, guiding you toward a life free from addiction. Recovery is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. With the support of the Providence Project’s dedicated professionals, it’s entirely possible to rebuild a healthy, fulfilling life. Remember, every step toward seeking help is a step closer to reclaiming control and hope for the future.
100%

Client satisfaction with our service

95%

Complete their detox programme

92%

Complete their treatment programme

Our addiction specialists are here 24 hours a day

Resources for ketamine addiction

NHS

The NHS Drug Addiction Helpline provides support and information about local drug treatment services in the UK, helping individuals find the assistance they need to overcome addiction. It offers confidential advice and resources to guide people towards recovery and healthier lifestyles. 

Frank

Frank is a confidential helpline in the UK that provides advice and information about drugs, including cannabis, available 24/7 through phone, text, and their website. It offers support, guidance, and resources for individuals struggling with drug use and their families.

We Are With You

 A leading UK charity providing support and advice for people struggling with drug addiction. They provide a wide range of free and confidential services for adults and young people, including harm reduction, detoxification, and rehabilitation programmes.

Turning Point

Established in 1964, Turning Point offers a wide range of support services aimed at helping individuals make positive changes in their lives. These include drug treatment and rehabilitation services.

Release

Release is a UK-based organisation that provides legal advice, information, and support to individuals affected by drug use, including those facing drug-related legal issues. The organisation also advocates for policy changes, aiming to ensure that drug laws and policies are just, fair, and humane.

SMART Recovery UK

Offers mutual aid meetings and resources for individuals looking to recover from addiction. SMART Recovery focuses on self-empowerment and uses a four-point program to help individuals build and maintain motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and live a balanced life.

Take action against ketamine addiction

Take the first step towards reclaiming your life from ketamine addiction with Providence Projects. Our compassionate and experienced team is ready to support you through every phase of recovery, from the initial assessment to long-term aftercare. Embrace the opportunity to build a healthier, brighter future—reach out today and start your journey to lasting change.

MORE RESOURCES

Blogs about ketamine addiction

WE'RE FEATURED ON THE BBC

Watch the BBC Documentary - Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction

close
Get Help Now
Get started on your journey to recovery.
Request a call back
Request a call back
Send us your details and one of our expert advisors will call you back.
Live chat
Live chat
Chat confidentially online with one of our addiction specialists.
Speak to us
Call 0800 955 0945
Our addiction specialists are here 24 hours a day on 0800 955 0945.