Ketamine is a medical anaesthetic with serious risks when used recreationally. Unfortunately, ketamine use amongst young people is on the rise – and UK schools are seeing worrying amounts of ketamine dealing and usage within schools themselves. Ketamine is seen as worryingly ‘trendy’ amongst certain groups, and many young people don’t realise that regular ketamine usage can cause serious and permanent problems, such as total bladder failure, memory loss, concentration issues, and long-term dependence. If this concerns you, here’s what you need to know about the rise of ketamine in UK schools:
Why schools are concerned
Ketamine is, unfortunately, already present in some schools. Teachers, safeguarding leads and healthcare professionals are dealing with cases involving ketamine and referring kids to services that help with ketamine addiction far more often than they did twenty years ago.
Part of the problem is perception. Some young people know ketamine as a party drug. Others know it from social media. The ‘party drug’ reputation of ketamine may make it seem to many as less risky than, say, heroin or crack cocaine. However, that assumption can be very dangerous. Regular ketamine use can cause severe bladder damage, memory problems and dependence. Some users require specialist treatment after relatively short periods of heavy use.
Schools cannot control what happens outside school hours. They can identify concerns, educate pupils and raise safeguarding issues when necessary. This is why parents need to understand the risks as well.
The risks associated with ketamine
Ketamine is not a safe drug by any means. Short-term use can cause confusion, poor coordination and distorted perceptions of time and space. Higher doses can leave a person detached from their surroundings and unable to respond normally.
Regular use carries much greater risk. Ketamine-related bladder damage can cause severe pain and problems urinating. Some users also report memory problems, poor concentration and symptoms of dependence. These risks increase with the frequency and level of use.
Signs parents may notice
There’s no single, solid sign that indicates your child has been using ketamine. However, several changes together may justify concern.
Look for sudden secrecy, unexplained absences, falling grades, new friendship groups or loss of interest in usual activities. Physical signs can include slurred speech, poor coordination, unusual tiredness, and disrupted sleep. Frequent urinary infections or incontinence issues could also be a sign that something is up.
How to talk about ketamine
Calm questions will usually get much better results than emotionally-charged accusations. Ask what your child knows about ketamine, where they have heard about it and whether it is being discussed at school or among friends.
If you can, explain what ketamine is, how it affects the body and some of the health problems associated with regular use. Remember, the aim here shouldn’t be to scare your kids – it should be to calmly present the kind of information that can help them to make the right decisions. You also don’t want to sound like you’re lecturing – it’s crucial that your child doesn’t feel judged or talked-down to, as this may discourage them from coming to you with their own concerns later.
The role of schools
Schools can educate pupils about drugs, identify safeguarding concerns and direct families towards appropriate support services – but they shouldn’t be shouldering the entire burden of drugs education and support. As a parent, you need to do your part in the home to back up the school’s efforts.
If you have concerns about your child’s school’s approach to drugs and drug education, ask what drug education the school provides, how concerns are reported and what support is available for pupils and parents.
What to do if you are concerned
If you think your child may be using ketamine, speak to them about it.
You may also want to speak to the school, particularly if your concerns involve other pupils or incidents connected to school activities.
A GP, local drug service or specialist addiction service can provide advice if you need additional support.
Most of all, don’t fly off the handle at your child. What they need at this time is to know that they can rely on you for support. You want them to feel able to come to you and tell you about their issues without fear of censure or judgement. So, keep things calm, factual, and supportive.
