- New campaign to alert young people to the dangers of
ketamine, counterfeit medicines and adulterated THC vapes
- Ketamine use and drug poisonings highest on record with eight
times more people seeking treatment since 2015
- Government investing £310 million into drug treatment
services alongside awareness campaign
Young people are being warned that they risk irreparable bladder
damage, poisoning and even death if they take ketamine, synthetic
opioids or deliberately contaminated THC vapes as part of a new
anti-drugs campaign.
Launching today, the campaign which includes online films, will
target 16-24 years olds and social media users following a
worrying rise in the number of young people being harmed by
drugs. There has been an eight-fold increase in the number of
people requiring treatment for ketamine since 2015.
Supported by £310 million investment in drug treatment services,
this initiative directly supports the government's Plan for
Change mission to create safer streets by reducing serious harm
and protecting communities from emerging drug threats
Health Minister 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.
As part of the campaign, experts will highlight particular risks
including:
- The potentially irreparable damage ketamine can cause to your
bladder
- The dangers of counterfeit medicines containing deadly
synthetic opioids purchased online
- The risks from so-called ‘THC vapes' that often contain
dangerous synthetic cannabinoids like spice rather than THC.
Resources will be available for schools and universities and
local public health teams with content available on FRANK, the
drug information website.
There are growing concerns about novel synthetic opioids,
particularly nitazenes, which are increasingly appearing in
counterfeit medicines sold through illegitimate online sources.
Users purchasing these products are typically younger and more
drug-naïve.
Reports of harms from THC vapes have also increased, with many
products containing synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as
‘spice') that have higher potency and unpredictable effects.
Katy Porter, CEO, The Loop, said:
The Loop welcomes the further investment in evidence-based
approaches and support to reduce drug-related harm.
Providing accurate, non-judgemental information equips and
empowers people to make safer choices and can help reduce
preventable harms.
Drug poisoning deaths reached 5,448 in England and Wales in 2023,
the highest number since records began in 1993. The campaign
emphasises that while complete safety requires avoiding drug use
altogether, those who may still use substances should be aware of
the risks and know how to access help and support.
The campaign underlines that ketamine's medical applications do
not make illicit use safe, with urologists increasingly concerned
about young people presenting with severe bladder problems from
recreational ketamine use.
Resources will be distributed to local public health teams, drug
and alcohol treatment services, youth services, schools and
universities. The campaign provides clear information on
accessing help and support for those experiencing drug-related
problems or mental health issues.
This year the Department of Health and Social Care is also
providing £310 million in additional targeted grants to improve
drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support in
England, including specialist services for children and young
people.
For information and support on drug-related issues,
visit www.talktofrank.com or
call the FRANK helpline on 0300 123 6600.
NOTES TO EDITORS
