On a holiday in Ibiza, Wesley Lloyd-Roberts discovered ketamine, a Class B drug that spiraled into a severe addiction, ultimately causing him to become incontinent. While accessibility was rampant during his trip, the situation worsened upon returning home to Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd. Lloyd-Roberts noted that ketamine’s popularity “just kind of blew up” in north Wales, leading to alarming statistics regarding its use.
Data from the Betsi Cadwaladr health board indicates a dramatic rise in ketamine-related emergency room visits, escalating from just two in 2020 to an alarming 372 in 2024. Over the past three years, admissions in this area have outpaced the combined totals from the other four Welsh health boards responding to a Freedom of Information request. This surge has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, including urologist Dr. James Sutherland, who describes the drug as becoming “commonplace.”
Lloyd-Roberts, now 27, reflects on his tumultuous journey. At 18, he became heavily dependent on ketamine, which he used to alleviate pain in his bladder and nose. His usage escalated, leading to frequent bathroom trips and blood in his urine. “I was getting incontinent… it was hurting all the time to urinate,” he shared. As his addiction deepened, his health deteriorated, resulting in chronic pain affecting his kidneys, bladder, and liver.
The rising trend of ketamine use is particularly concerning among young people. A report estimated that 299,000 individuals in the UK aged 16 to 59 reported using ketamine in the year ending March 2023, marking the highest figure on record. The drug, which was upgraded from a Class C substance in 2014 due to health risks, is often viewed as a party drug due to its hallucinogenic effects.
Dr. Sutherland noted that patients often present with severe bladder pain from blockages, with some requiring stents to drain their kidneys. The cycle of self-medication with ketamine can lead to further complications, including the complete removal of the bladder. He explained, “The symptoms tend to start as urinary urgency and frequency, leading to incontinence and dependence on adult nappies, which is particularly challenging for young adults.”
Cheryl Williams, the strategic lead for recovery charity Adferiad, highlighted that around a quarter of their admissions are related to ketamine use. She has been actively raising awareness of the drug’s dangers, particularly following the death of James Lee Williams, a drag artist known as The Vivienne, who died in January due to complications linked to ketamine use. Williams and the artist’s sister run a support group in Colwyn Bay, where new attendees frequently seek help.
The appeal of ketamine among young people lies in its affordability and accessibility. Williams remarked, “With a group of three to four friends, a couple of pounds each can provide a disassociative experience for 35 to 40 minutes.” This ease of access contributes to its growing acceptance in social circles.
Lloyd-Roberts is now in rehabilitation, facing the daunting reality of potential bladder surgery due to his prolonged ketamine use. Despite the challenges ahead, he has experienced some positive changes. “I thought it was better on drugs doing things than it was sober, but now I’m like this is so much better,” he stated, expressing newfound joy in activities like playing football.
As the crisis of ketamine addiction continues to impact communities, the need for awareness and support remains critical. Health professionals and organizations like Adferiad are working to combat this growing issue, but the personal stories of individuals like Wesley Lloyd-Roberts underscore the urgent need for continued dialogue and resources to address the rising tide of substance abuse.
