The rise of ketamine addiction in the UK – podcast

Ketamine use in England and Wales has doubled since 2016.

The increase, as journalist Elle Hunt explains, is especially notable among young people. And it seems to have taken health services by surprise, with practitioners often unable to provide the right treatment for the particular challenges posed by addiction to ketamine.

What is behind the rise of the drug once best known as a horse tranquiliser? And what does it say about the UK, that so many are using it to self-medicate, to ease physical pain, anxiety or depression?

Helen Pidd hears from Jack Curran about why he started using ketamine, the devastating impact the addiction had on his health, and how he managed to come clean in the end.