Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Wesley Lloyd-Roberts first encountered ketamine while partying in Ibiza, a drug that ultimately led to severe health issues including incontinence. Upon returning to his hometown of Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd, he found that ketamine use had skyrocketed locally. According to data from the Betsi Cadwaladr health board area, ketamine-related visits to accident and emergency departments soared dramatically—rising from just two cases in 2020 to 372 in 2024. Over the last three years, this area has recorded more hospital admissions linked to ketamine than four other Welsh health board regions combined.
Describing his experience, Wesley said he frequently needed to urinate up to every five minutes and that he continued using ketamine to manage intense pain in his bladder and nose, despite knowing it was worsening his condition. A urologist from Betsi Cadwaladr explained that ketamine is becoming increasingly widespread, while a recovery specialist pointed out the drug’s appeal as an inexpensive high that lasts around 40 minutes, often enabling young users to return home unnoticed. The figures show a consistent year-on-year rise in ketamine-related A&E admissions in north Wales, far surpassing those in regions including Cardiff, Cwm Taf, Hywel Dda, and Swansea.
Wesley began using ketamine at the age of 18 and, at 27, finds himself in rehabilitation after hitting “rock bottom.” The addiction cost him his family, partner, and home. He recalls symptoms such as blood in his urine and constant bladder pain that severely affected his daily life. Health complications extended beyond incontinence to include ongoing pain in his kidneys, bladder, and liver, accompanied by significant mental health struggles. Despite these challenges, Wesley continues his recovery, having been drug-free for three months and regaining enough strength to resume activities like playing football.
Ketamine, while used medically and veterinary-wise, is also known as a party drug for its hallucinogenic properties. Usage in the UK remains high, with nearly 300,000 people aged 16 to 59 reporting consumption in the year ending March 2023—the highest recorded level. Originally a Class C substance, ketamine was reclassified as Class B in 2014 due to substantial evidence of its physical and psychological risks. Legal penalties include up to 14 years in prison for supply or production, and possession can lead to up to five years in jail or a fine. Dr. James Sutherland, a urologist at Ysbyty Gwynedd, highlighted how cheap and accessible ketamine has become, noting that some patients suffer severe bladder damage requiring surgical intervention, with some facing bladder removal and permanent stoma use. Cheryl Williams, from the recovery charity Adferiad, emphasized ketamine’s increasing role in rehab admissions and its particular appeal to youth due to its affordability and discreet effects. Wesley remains cautiously optimistic about the future despite facing possible bladder surgery, noting that sobriety has opened a new, healthier chapter in his life
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.