A popular UK seaside town is facing a health crisis as the use of Ketamine drug has reportedly increased among the youngsters. The matter was raised in the latest meeting of Blackpool Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board this week on Wednesday (July 16).
Ketamine was first created as a powerful anaesthetic, notably used to treat US soldiers during the Vietnam War. It typically appears as a clear liquid or a white to off-white powder. At present, it’s sometimes employed by the NHS and serves as a pain reliever for large animals such as horses. But, the drug’s euphoric and hallucinogenic effects have led to its misuse as a recreational substance.
Dr Arif Rajpura, Director of Public Health at Blackpool Council, stated: “Figures for cocaine and ketamine are up in Blackpool. The effects of ketamine on the bladder are well known and we are slowly starting to see that now.”
Dr Neal Hartley-Smith, Chief Medical Officer at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and a local GP, told Daily Star: “We’re seeing more cases, male and female, and that’s driving up the use of stronger opiates to deal with the pain being caused by ketamine.”
Amy Butler, from Healthwatch Blackpool told the publication: “We’re seeing a lot of ketamine and it’s very concerning. I think we will be seeing the effects of this coming up in the next few years.”
According to the latest government data, the usage of Ketamine among 16-24 year olds in England has tripled since 2016, with an estimated 269,000 people aged between 16-59 reporting its use up until early last year.
Long-term misuse of ketamine can harm vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and bladder. It may also trigger a rapid heartbeat, seizures, high blood pressure, and breathing difficulties.
One severe condition, known as ‘ketamine bladder,’ involves intense inflammation and damage to the bladder, often causing pain and urinary issues.
With an aim to tackle the issue of drug abuse in the resort, experts have recently inaugurated a new drug and alcohol Recovery Hub in Blackpool.
The initiative is a joint endeavour between Blackpool Council’s Public Health Department, Blackpool Coastal Housing, Delphi Medical Ltd, and the Empowerment Charity.
This centre seeks to offer a secure and inclusive environment for people in recovery, providing a variety of evidence-based initiatives, peer support, and community engagement.