Dorset coroner urges ketamine review after woman's death

Dorset coroner urges ketamine review after woman's death

A plea has been made by a coroner to the government to reassess the risks associated with ketamine following the tragic death of a woman due to a 10-year ketamine addiction. Gemma Weeks, aged 28, had been consuming up to £500 worth of ketamine every week, revealed Dorset coroner Brendan Allen. Her lifeless body was discovered at her residence in Dorset in January, with the cause being attributed to toxicity and damage to her bladder resulting from the use of the Class B drug, as determined by an inquest.

According to Mr Allen, the substance, known for its addictive nature, is increasingly being misused by young individuals who, at times, mistakenly perceive it to be less harmful than Class A drugs. In a sent report titled “Prevention of Future Deaths Report”, addressed to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the coroner expressed his apprehension regarding the prevalent availability of ketamine at low cost. Additionally, he highlighted the rising trend of usage among young people, mentioning the lack of awareness among this age group regarding the risks associated with ketamine compared to more severe drugs.

The coroner disclosed that Ms. Weeks, originally from Axminster, Devon, had been grappling with a bladder ailment that caused significant discomfort and incontinence. Despite considerable support, she was unable to sustain a period of abstinence. The chronic pain resulting from bladder damage could only be alleviated by the analgesic properties of ketamine, thus prompting increased consumption leading to further harm to her bladder. The Home Office has until 14th October to respond to the coroner’s apprehensions, with the statement emphasizing the grave hazards of ketamine and signaling the potential reclassification of the drug following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

In a poignant statement, Ms. Weeks’ relatives described her as a compassionate individual with a kind heart, condemning ketamine for claiming her life and separating her from her loved ones. They lamented that had Gem been aware of the consequences, she would have refrained from using ketamine. Expressing a desire for this article to impact at least one individual positively, they underlined Gem’s potential approval if it led to a change that could prevent similar tragedies in the future

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