‘It’s getting worse’ Suffolk drug expert backs new campaign
New figures show record record-breaking amount of drug poisoning in recent years.
A Suffolk drugs worker has warned of rising harm among young people from ketamine and other dangerous substances, as a new government campaign launches to highlight the deadly risks of drug use.
The campaign, announced by the Department of Health and Social Care, warns that young people risk irreparable bladder damage, poisoning and even death if they take ketamine, counterfeit medicines or contaminated THC vapes.
Record figures
It comes amid record numbers of drug poisonings across England and Wales, with deaths reaching 5,448 in 2023, the highest since records began in 1993.
Ketamine use is also at its highest level on record, with an eightfold increase in people seeking treatment since 2015.
The government says it’s investing £310 million in drug treatment services alongside the awareness drive, as part of its Plan for Change mission to create safer streets and protect communities from emerging drug threats.
“It’s been slowly creeping up”
Ruth Lee, who works for Turning Point’s Suffolk alcohol and drug service, said the situation has been worsening in recent years.
“Sadly, it is something that we're seeing across Suffolk,” she said. “It's been slowly creeping up over the last couple of years, but we're really seeing the physical and mental impacts of that drug use now.”
The campaign, which includes social media videos and resources for schools and universities, highlights the serious risks of ketamine use, including bladder damage that can require surgical intervention, and counterfeit drugs containing deadly synthetic opioids such as nitazenes. It also warns about the dangers of fake THC vapes, which can contain synthetic cannabinoids such as spice, with unpredictable and potentially life-threatening effects.
Ruth said many young people she works with are turning to drugs as a way of coping with poor mental health rather than experimentation.
“We’re not seeing people using drugs in that recreational way to have a good time and experiment,” she said. “People are saying, ‘We are using drugs because we are suffering. Our mental health is suffering. We've got anxiety, we have depression. We don't know how to cope with the world that we're living in, and so they're using drugs as a way of dealing with that.’”
“Change can be uncomfortable”
The Suffolk service supports young people, young adults and families through education, intervention and recovery programmes. Ruth said more needs to be done to reach those already struggling.
“There needs to be a campaign that really hits home for those people who are already in problematic use, to help them understand how they can get help, where they can get help, and what that help looks like,” she said. “Change can sometimes be uncomfortable, and sometimes it’s easier to stay where you are, no matter how difficult that is, than face up to that maybe you’re not doing so well.”
She added that family and friends also play a crucial role in recognising when someone may be struggling, and that persistence and connection are key.
“Persevere,” she said. “Sometimes the person can’t hear the message, but the people around them who love them can. If you’re in a friendship group and can see somebody else struggling, it’s those curiosity questions, ‘How are you doing? What are you up to? How can I help?’ The opposite of addiction is connection, and the more connected we can be with each other, the easier it is for people to reach out when it gets to that point where they realise there’s a problem.”
“We’re working really hard in Suffolk”
Ruth said Turning Point and its partners are working to ensure people in Suffolk can access support quickly and effectively, regardless of how they first seek help.
“We’re working really hard in Suffolk,” she said. “We have police with the combating drugs strategy, partnership with mental health to support all services, so that no matter which front door somebody comes through, they’re able to get in the right time frame, see the right people, to get the right outcome. Turning Point has always got up-to-date information, and we’re here to help in any way we can.”
Health Minister Ashley Dalton said prevention is central to the government’s approach.
“Young people don’t always realise the decision to take drugs such as ketamine can have profound effects,” she said. “It can destroy your bladder and even end your life. 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.”
Katy Porter, CEO of The Loop, welcomed the investment and focus on harm reduction.
“Providing accurate, non-judgemental information equips and empowers people to make safer choices and can help reduce preventable harms,” she said.
Help and information
Resources for schools, universities and local health teams will be distributed nationally, with advice and information available through Talk to FRANK on their website.
or by calling 0300 123 6600.
The Department of Health and Social Care said the £310 million investment will also support specialist services for children and young people across England, including those delivered in Suffolk by Turning Point.