Young people using ketamine face the risk of suffering from irreversible bladder issues, with some even potentially having to wear nappies for the rest of their lives, a judge has warned.
Judge Simon Medland, while sentencing 23-year-old drug dealer Kaius Morrison, described the devastating consequences of ketamine use, especially for those in their 20s and 30s.
“People are having to spend the rest of their lives in nappies because of the appalling substance,” he said.
The Growing Concern Over Ketamine Use
The warning comes amidst growing concerns about ketamine’s rise in popularity, particularly among young adults.
Earlier this month, Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Crime, spoke out about the dangers of ketamine, calling its increased use deeply concerning.
“Ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance,” she remarked.
These concerns were underscored by a letter from a coroner to the Home Secretary, urging action after the death of James Boland, 38, from Manchester.
Boland passed away from sepsis, which was linked to long-term ketamine abuse.
The coroner, Alison Mutch OBE, pointed out that people in the UK are under the false impression that ketamine is less harmful than other drugs like cocaine.
In fact, it’s now being considered for reclassification from a Class B to a Class A drug, which would mean much harsher penalties for possession and distribution.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine, often referred to as “K” or “Special K,” is a powerful anesthetic originally developed to prevent pain during medical procedures.
However, it gained popularity as a recreational drug in the late 2000s, particularly at parties and raves.
When abused, ketamine can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and a sensation of being unable to move, known as entering the “k-hole.”
This loss of muscle function can leave users vulnerable to serious injury, as they might not feel pain properly.
The Physical and Psychological Risks
One of the most alarming effects of ketamine is the damage it causes to the bladder.
Chronic users can suffer from painful and permanent damage, sometimes requiring their bladder to be surgically removed.
Other risks include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and the potential for long-term memory loss, confusion, and panic attacks.
Despite these dangers, many young people mistakenly view ketamine as less harmful than drugs like cocaine.
Legal Status and Growing Concerns
Currently, ketamine is classified as a Class B drug, meaning that the maximum sentence for supplying or producing it is up to 14 years in prison.
Possession of ketamine can lead to up to 5 years in prison.
However, with ketamine use reaching record levels, officials are now considering reclassifying it as a Class A drug, putting it on the same level as heroin, crack, and cocaine.
Real-Life Tragedies Linked to Ketamine Abuse
In recent months, several tragic stories have highlighted the dangers of ketamine.
James Boland, the Manchester businessman, is just one example of a person whose life was destroyed by the drug.
Boland, who had switched from cocaine to ketamine thinking it was safer, became a chronic user, suffering from severe urological issues.
His case tragically ended with his death due to complications related to ketamine abuse.
Another devastating case involved 20-year-old Sophie Russell from Lincolnshire, who died in September after a two-year addiction to ketamine.
Her mother, Tracy Marelli, has since called for the drug to be reclassified to Class A, emphasizing how the drug “destroyed” her daughter.
Rising Popularity and Calls for Stronger Action
The popularity of ketamine has surged in recent years.
A report released in March 2023 showed that 299,000 people in the UK between the ages of 16 and 59 had used ketamine in the past year.
The number of people who have ever used ketamine has also risen dramatically since 2014.
In response to this troubling trend, the government is considering stricter measures to curb its use, including the possibility of upgrading its legal classification to Class A.
Celebrities and Ketamine’s Deadly Effects
The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, famous for his role in Friends, brought additional attention to the dangers of ketamine.
Perry, who had been using the drug to treat his depression, passed away in October 2023 due to its acute effects.
His death served as a stark reminder of how dangerous ketamine can be, even for those using it under medical supervision.
The Case of Kaius Morrison
At Liverpool Crown Court, Kaius Morrison, a part-time scaffolder, was sentenced for possessing ketamine and cocaine with the intent to supply.
On January 17, 2023, police found two bags of cocaine and ketamine worth £1,000 in Morrison’s car, along with drug-dealing paraphernalia and cash.
Despite his previous non-drug-related convictions, Morrison received a two-year suspended sentence, with 180 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation activities.
While Morrison’s defense lawyer stated that the 23-year-old had distanced himself from drug use, Judge Medland expressed concern over the police’s failure to seize Morrison’s vehicle, which was used for drug distribution.
Judge Medland said, “I fail to understand why on earth the police don’t seize these things being used as a tool of the trade,” referring to Morrison’s car.
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