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Bolton has seen one of the biggest surges in young people using the "horse drug" ketamine in the region. Recreational use of the drug, originally developed as a medical anaesthetic, has increased across Greater Manchester in recent times. Over two-fifths (42%) of the 132 professional who completed this year’s GMTRENDS survey, stated that they work with people who use ketamine and of those, nearly two-thirds (63%) noted there had been an increase in use amongst the populations that they work with.
(Image: Public) Darren Armstrong The Greater Manchester areas with the highest percentage of professionals working with people who use ketamine who reported increased use were Manchester (74%) and Bolton (69%), followed by Stockport (56 per cent), according to a report of Greater Manchester Combined Authority trends. Initially used in veterinary medicine to sedate animals like horses, guinea pigs, and cats, ketamine has now gained traction as a recreational drug, often referred to as the "horse drug" due to its veterinary roots. Darren Armstrong, a 39-year-old ex-addict, struggled with drug misuse.
He has since transformed his life and is now the owner of Bolton-based social enterprise “Be Strong”, specialising in facilitating behavioural change in individuals who have become addicted to substances. He says that it is a very big issue in Bolton. Darren told The Bolton News : “I am not surprised by the increase of ketamine.
A few of the lads do ketamine on nights out because it's a cheap way of getting off your head. When you can’t get heroine- Ket is the next best thing for numbing pain.” Ketamine use has surged across the region (Image: Home Office) “I know a lot of lads that- If they can't afford heroin, Ket can help with withdrawal.
It is becoming a problem and it's a social drug and a lot can't put it down. It’s a big shame.” “When I was younger, I ended up living on the street, taking drugs and went to prison very early on at 16.
Then I got sent to prison and it was just a spiral of drugs, amphetamine, smoking, crack, smoking weed, drinking, domestic violence, broken relationships. It was a mess.” Darren urged for those who is struggling with ketamine abuse issues to “ask for help whether that is a friend, a local team or anybody that is willing to listen.
There’s just not enough of support to help people in addiction.” Often abused by teenagers, Ketamine is said to lead to severe health complications such as serious bladder, kidney, renal tract and liver damage. Ongoing use of ketamine can cause the bladder lining to tear and set off internal bladder inflammation.
This can shrink the bladder itself and restrict how much urine can be contained, causing extensive scarring, and inabilities to pass urine. These symptoms can manifest as abdominal pain, also known as "Ket cramps." The affordability and ease of access to ketamine contributes to its growing popularity.
It has become increasingly common among partygoers due to its dissociative effects, in an attempt to reach a “K-hole” state -which induces a sense of euphoria and detachment from reality. According to statistics by Greater Manchester Combined Authority trends, 24.7 per cent of young people in Bolton are in contact with treatment services for ketamine use, the largest statistic (along with Trafford)- in all of Greater Manchester.
Despite its widespread use, Ketamine carries serious risks. Chronic use can lead to obsessive use, in which several young people described their use as an “addiction” despite the “life-changing consequences.” Many specialized treatment facilities are available to support individuals struggling with ketamine addiction.
These centres provide tailored recovery programs that address the unique needs of each user, ensuring a comprehensive approach to overcoming their addiction. Acquiesce, a rehabilitation centre in Bolton, focuses on helping those struggling with drug use. They provide comfortable one to one care, group support & catered relapse prevention strategies.
Danielle Robinson, founder and service manager at Acquiesce Bolton said, “We are seeing a real rise in young people amongst 18-30 using ketamine.” “When people take things like heroin, they can offer you methadone or buprenorphine –but for Ketamine all that can be managed is the symptoms.” “People suffering are looking at a pain management plan-to manage the pain from all the damage that's been done physically.
” “It perforates the bladder like a teabag and because its grainy it creates a lot of damage whilst making its way through the system.” “It numbs pain. So when people stop taking it, they can't feel what's been going on whilst they have been taking it.
So they don’t become aware that damage has been done on the inside because normally, we will get signs from our body that somethings not right, but when you've been numb to that because you're under a substance- that damage is kind of progressing under the radar.” Long-term use can lead to several health complications, with the most notable being ketamine bladder syndrome, a condition that can severely damage the urinary tract and may require surgical intervention if left untreated. Additionally, prolonged ketamine use can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and psychological disturbances.
Many users may also develop underlying mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, without realizing the connection to their drug use. The Ketamine Trend Focus Report, by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority highlights that Ketamine moved beyond a post-clubbing chillout drug towards more frequent use within the household. Being used similarly to that of cannabis or alcohol, to relax- It was found that ketamine is increasingly being used more regularly and by much younger people.
The office for National Statistics also reported a notable increase in rates of usage in ketamine use among young adults, with about 3.8 per cent of 16–24-year-olds using it in 2023, a significant jump from previous years (Office for National Statistics (2023)- with the rates continually growing. ALSO READ: Drug deaths in Bolton reach record high ALSO READ: 'Deaths of despair' in Bolton among the highest in the country ALSO READ: New figures show rise in drug treatment deaths in Bolton In response to the countries' rising numbers, the UK government is contemplating reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug.
According to Gov.uk, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16-59 had reported ketamine use in 2023 – the largest number on record. Statistics show that Ketamine was most popularlly used amongst alcohol (45%) , cannabis (27%), cocaine (18%) and MDMA (18%).
The low cost and accessibility has led to the surge, with users insisting they woke up “feeling fresh and had a good sleep instead of waking up with a dull head or hangover”, like drinking alcohol and other drugs does.- Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, said “Ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance and the recent rise in its use is deeply concerning.” “Through our Plan for Change and mission to make the nation’s streets safer, we will work across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and stop those who profit from its supply.
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