Bristol Drugs Project offers support amidst "widespread" ketamine use
Across the UK there has been an eight-fold increase in people seeking treatment for ketamine use
A support service in Bristol is urging people who use ketamine regularly to seek treatment, following a rise in the number of young people being harmed by the drug.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, there has been an eight-fold increase in people seeking treatment for ketamine use in the last decade.
The Bristol Drugs Project says ketamine use in the city is "widespread" and has reminded users not to feel shame about seeking help.
"We have definitely seen an increase in the number of people asking for help around their ketamine use at a younger age than we were seeing previously," said CEO Lydia Plant.
"It’s much cheaper than it used to be and so people are accessing it more readily.
"Ketamine creates a tolerance really quickly, so it stops having as much of an effect, so you use it more, and people grow into using ketamine daily.
"That’s when heavy use can start having an impact of mental health, physical health, relationships, and finances.
"Some of the messages that we really want to get out to people is to seek support at a really early stage when they’re starting to use ketamine so that they’re able to get a little bit of control back."
The rise has sparked a new Government campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the drug, including severe bladder damage and even death.
The new campaign, which will target 16 to 24-year-olds, will highlight the risks of taking the drug.
The campaign has been backed by a £310 million government investment in drug treatment services.
It will include a number of online films and also target those using social media.
And while the content will emphasise avoiding drug use as the safest thing to do, it also aims to ensure that those who do use substances know how to access help and support.
Katy Porter, chief executive of drug-checking charity The Loop, welcomed further investment in "evidence-based approaches and support to reduce drug-related harm".
"Providing accurate, non-judgmental information equips and empowers people to make safer choices and can help reduce preventable harms," she said.
Health minister Ashley Dalton said: "Young people don't always realise the decision to take drugs such as ketamine can have profound effects. It can destroy your bladder and even end your life.
"We've seen a worrying rise in people coming to harm from ketamine as well as deliberately contaminated THC vapes and synthetic opioids hidden in fake medicines bought online.
"Prevention is at the heart of this government's approach to tackling drugs and this campaign will ensure young people have the facts they need to make informed decisions about their health and safety, so they think twice about putting themselves in danger."