Ketamine use statistics

Explore the latest data to understand the scale of ketamine use in the UK and its impact on individuals and communities.

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Ketamine use is on the rise in the UK, with increasing numbers of people using the drug recreationally. As availability grows and awareness of its risks remains limited, concerns are mounting over its impact on mental health, addiction, and physical wellbeing.

Here, we examine key statistics on the prevalence and demographics of ketamine use, treatment trends, the links between ketamine and mental health, usage among young people, and associated harms.

Prevalence

In March 2023, around 269,000 people aged 16-59 in England and Wales reported using ketamine. [1]
Ketamine use among 16-24-year-olds hit 3.8% in 2024—a massive 231% jump since 2013. Many users may not fully realise the risks, such as addiction and bladder damage. [2]
More people than ever are seeking help, with 3,609 starting treatment for ketamine misuse in 2023-24—over eight times higher than in 2014. [3]
A study for NHS England found ketamine use among schoolchildren doubled from 0.4% in 2013 to 0.9% in 2023. [4]
In Greater Manchester, areas like Bolton and Trafford accounted for 24.7% of young people seeking ketamine treatment in 2024. [5]

Impact on health services

Data from the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust indicates a rise in A&E attendances related to ketamine use, with cases increasing from fewer than five in 2018 to 13 in 2022. This upward trend reflects the growing strain on emergency services. [6]
UK police data shows a sharp rise in ketamine seizures, with a 189% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. [7]
In response to rising ketamine use, the Home Office is evaluating the reclassification of ketamine from a class B to a class A drug. [8]

Costs associated with crime, policing, and the judicial system

In March 2021, UK police seized a significant 1,837kg of ketamine, highlighting the scale of the ongoing issue with this substance. [9]
In the year ending March 2023, there were 1,487 ketamine seizures, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. This suggests a growing presence of ketamine in the illicit drug market. [10]

People seeking professional treatment

The number of people seeking treatment for ketamine addiction at NHS drug and alcohol services doubled from 1,140 in 2019 to 2,211 in 2023. [11]
Chronic ketamine use is linked to increased psychotic symptoms, with studies showing lower N-acetyl aspartate (NAA/Cr) levels and higher subthreshold psychotic symptoms, suggesting a connection to psychosis. [12]
At Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, initial consultation for ketamine misuse is typically within three months, with treatment starting in 1 to 8 weeks, depending on availability. [13]

Ketamine and young people

Between April 2023 and March 2024, 14,352 individuals under 18 were in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services, with 5.8% reporting issues with ketamine. [14]
The number of young people seeking ketamine support through ‘WithYou’ in Lancashire increased from 32 in 2018-19 to 123 by the end of 2024. [4]

Ketamine-related deaths

In 2023, there were 37 deaths in England and Wales where ketamine was mentioned on the death certificate, showing a clear rise from previous years. [15]
Accidental poisoning was the main cause of death, accounting for 74.6% of cases. [15]