Rising Ketamine Addiction in North Wales: A Personal Struggle

The use of ketamine has surged dramatically in North Wales, leading to significant health issues for many users, including severe addiction and incontinence. Wesley Lloyd-Roberts, who began using the Class B drug during a holiday in Ibiza, found himself grappling with a debilitating addiction that escalated after returning home to Penmaenmawr. He described the situation as alarming, noting that ketamine use “just kind of blew up” in his community.

Statistics from the Betsi Cadwaladr health board reveal a staggering increase in ketamine-related emergency department visits, rising from just two in 2020 to 372 in 2024. Over the past three years, this area has reported more admissions related to ketamine than the combined total of the other four Welsh health boards that responded to a Freedom of Information request.

Wesley, now 27, experienced severe health issues as a result of his addiction. He explained, “I was getting incontinent, so I needed to go to the toilet a lot, like every five minutes, sometimes even less than that.” His condition deteriorated, leading to frequent pain and even blood in his urine. This was compounded by his reliance on the drug to alleviate the symptoms it caused, creating a vicious cycle.

Health Officials Highlight Growing Concerns

Dr. James Sutherland, a urologist at Ysbyty Gwynedd, stated that ketamine’s increased prevalence is alarming. He noted, “One patient told me he can go to the end of his road and score a high.” The drug’s affordability makes it appealing, with users often spending as little as £5 for a high that lasts around 40 minutes. Dr. Sutherland emphasized that the drug has become more socially acceptable, raising serious health concerns for young users.

Bladder pain and complications are common among users, with some requiring stents to drain their kidneys. Dr. Sutherland reported that some patients may end up needing to have their bladders removed entirely, living with a stoma for the rest of their lives. The initial symptoms often manifest as urinary urgency and frequency, leading many to become dependent on adult nappies, a challenging reality for young adults.

Community Response and Support Initiatives

Cheryl Williams, strategic lead for the recovery charity Adferiad, noted that up to a quarter of their rehabilitation admissions are linked to ketamine use. She has been actively raising awareness about the drug’s dangers alongside the family of The Vivienne, a drag artist who tragically died in January due to complications from ketamine use. Together, they run a support group in Colwyn Bay, where new members attend weekly.

Wesley’s journey through recovery highlights the personal impact of this growing crisis. He has begun to experience some improvement in his health and has returned to playing football, an activity he had abandoned due to his addiction. Reflecting on his experiences, he said, “I thought it was better on drugs doing things than it was sober, but now I’m like this is so much better… everything is just so new.”

The rise in ketamine use in North Wales raises urgent questions about the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to address this growing public health issue. As the numbers continue to climb, both health officials and community leaders are calling for greater education and resources to support those affected by ketamine addiction.