![\"Merseyside](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_Merseyside-terror-raids.jpg\")
A generic image of Merseyside Police officers (Image: Peter Byrne\/PA Wire)<\/p>\nParents, health professionals and police are becoming increasingly concerned about ketamine use among young peopleA generic image of Merseyside Police officers (Image: Peter Byrne\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
Ketamine, a powerful horse tranquilizer and anesthetic, is an increasingly popular recreational drug of choice for teenagers. Across the UK, parents, health professionals and police are becoming more and more concerned about the rising number of children and young people experimenting with the dangerous substance.<\/a><\/p>\n In Liverpool, councillors have said the region is in the grip of a \u2018ketamine crisis\u2019<\/a>. According to the Office for National Statistics, 2.9% of 16- to 24-year-olds reported using ketamine between April 2023 and March 2024. This was down slightly from the previous year, when usage levels hit a record 3.8% for the age group.<\/p>\n In January, the Home Office said it would seek expert advice on reclassifying the drug from its current controlled Class B status to the more serious Class A. Currently, the maximum penalty for supplying and producing ketamine<\/a> is up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.<\/p>\n This evening, August 28, St Helens Police held a question and answer session<\/a>. The session brought together representatives from multiple agencies, including St Helens Police, NHS, St Helens Borough Council and support services such as the Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Team, providing a comprehensive resource for families seeking guidance.<\/p>\n Parents and guardians were encouraged to participate actively in the session, whether they have specific concerns or simply want to learn more about protecting young people from these risks.<\/p>\n Ketamine is a dissociative drug so it reduces sensations in the body. Trips can last for a couple of hours.<\/p>\n Taking ketamine can make you feel:<\/strong><\/p>\n Regular ketamine use can cause:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ketamine can also:<\/strong><\/p>\n St Helens<\/a> Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Stacey Pope said: “We continue to see concerning patterns of ketamine use among young people in our area, which mirrors what’s happening nationally. This isn’t just about drug-related offences \u2013 ketamine causes severe, often irreversible health problems that can devastate young lives.<\/p>\n “Ketamine, which is a Class B controlled drug, damages the bladder, kidneys and liver, causing excruciating pain and, in some cases, requiring surgical removal of organs. Many young users develop incontinence issues and chronic health conditions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Our partners in the NHS have seen children as young as 12 requiring medical treatment for ketamine-related problems.<\/p>\n “What makes this even more concerning is that young people using ketamine risk being drawn into the world of County Lines drug dealing, where they can be exploited and manipulated by criminals. Many don’t realise these risks until it’s too late.”<\/p>\n If you are concerned about your own use of ketamine or other drugs or alcohol, or you are concerned about somebody else, there are support services available.<\/p>\n For under 19s, contact the Young People\u2019s Drug & Alcohol Team (YPDAAT) on 01744 675 605 or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk\/ypdaat<\/a><\/p>\n For adults aged 19 and over, contact Change, Grow, Live (CGL) on 01744 410 752 or visit https:\/\/www.changegrowlive.org\/service\/st-helens-integrated-recovery<\/a><\/p>\n If you believe ketamine is being dealt in your area, please contact Merseyside Police via the social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook<\/a> \u2018Merseyside Police Contact Centre\u2019.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_ketamine-drugs-and-plastic-straw-on-bag-of-white-powder-on-black-wood-backgroundDrug-epidemic-conc.webp\")
The number of ketamine users in the UK has doubled in the last five years.(Image: Getty Images)Seven signs to look out for<\/p>\n\n
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