HUGE RISE IN A&E VISITS RELATED TO KETAMINE USE

AN alarm has been sounded about the rise of ketamine use across North Wales, as a support group is launched.

- By STEVE BAGNALL Daily Post Reporter

According to The Wallich - Wales's largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board figures show a steep increase in ketamine-related A&E attendances, from two in 2020 to 372 in 2024.

This mirrors a rise in the use of ketamine, which is currently a Class B drug - across Wales and the UK. According to UK Government figures, ketamine use in young people aged 16-24 has increased by 231% since 2013.

The number of people seeking treatment for ketamine addiction at NHS drug and alcohol services doubled between 2019 and 2023, the charity reports.

In response to this, a new Wrexham ketamine support group is being launched to help people concerned about their drug use.

The first meeting is today, between 6pm and 7pm, at Ty Croeso in Grosvenor Road, Wrexham.

The group is intended as a safe space, every Wednesday, for people to share their experiences and support each other.