Ketamine Addiction Surges in North Wales, Leaving Users Vulnerable

A troubling rise in ketamine addiction has emerged in North Wales, with reports showing a drastic increase in hospital admissions linked to the drug. Wesley Lloyd-Roberts, a 27-year-old from Penmaenmawr, experienced severe health consequences from his ketamine use, including incontinence. After initially experimenting with the substance during a holiday in Ibiza, Lloyd-Roberts returned home to find it widely available, leading to a rapid escalation in usage among his peers.

According to data from the Betsi Cadwaladr health board, ketamine-related visits to accident and emergency departments skyrocketed from just two in 2020 to a staggering 372 in 2024. Over the past three years, admissions in this region surpassed the combined totals of the other four Welsh health board areas that responded to a Freedom of Information request. In 2022, there were 128 admissions, which rose to 241 in 2023 and reached 372 in 2024.

Lloyd-Roberts has been candid about the impact of his addiction. “I was getting incontinent, so I needed to go to the toilet a lot, like every five minutes,” he explained. He also reported experiencing blood in his urine and persistent pain. As his addiction deepened, he became a chronic user, suffering from a range of health issues, including kidney and liver problems.

Dr. James Sutherland, the clinical lead for urology at Ysbyty Gwynedd, highlighted the growing prevalence of ketamine use among young people. “One patient told me he can go to the end of his road and score a high,” he stated. The drug’s affordability, often costing only a few pounds for a short high, contributes to its increasing acceptance in social circles.

The statistics illustrate a stark contrast between Betsi Cadwaladr and other Welsh health boards. Combined figures from Cardiff & Vale, Cwm Taf, Hywel Dda, and Swansea showed a total of 228 ketamine-related admissions in 2024. Swansea reported the second-highest admissions, with 92 that year.

Dr. Sutherland warned that the physical consequences of ketamine misuse are severe. Patients often experience bladder pain due to blockages, with some requiring stents to manage their condition. Tragically, others may have to undergo bladder removal surgery and live with a stoma, a permanent opening in the abdomen for waste.

Cheryl Williams from the recovery charity Adferiad noted that up to a quarter of their admissions are related to ketamine use. Williams has been actively raising awareness about the dangers of the drug, especially following the death of drag artist James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, who passed away in January due to complications linked to ketamine use. Together with Williams’ family, she runs a support group in Colwyn Bay that attracts new members each week.

Lloyd-Roberts is currently undergoing rehabilitation, having hit “rock bottom” due to his addiction, which led to homelessness and the loss of his family and partner. Despite his struggles, he is finding hope in recovery. “Some of my symptoms have reversed, and I feel fitter,” he said, even returning to play football, a passion he abandoned during his addiction.

The rising trend of ketamine use raises significant public health concerns. As more young people engage with the drug, the consequences for individuals and healthcare systems continue to grow. The need for increased awareness and support for those affected has never been more critical.