Issued by: Department of Health and Social Care

The government has launched a new campaign to alert young people to the dangers of ketamine, counterfeit medicines and adulterated THC vapes

• New campaign to alert young people to the dangers of ketamine, counterfeit medicines and adulterated THC vapes

• Ketamine use and drug poisonings highest on record with eight times more people seeking treatment since 2015

• Government investing £310 million into drug treatment services alongside awareness campaign

Young people are being warned that they risk irreparable bladder damage, poisoning and even death if they take ketamine, synthetic opioids or deliberately contaminated THC vapes as part of a new anti-drugs campaign.

Launching today, the campaign which includes online films, will target 16-24 years olds and social media users following a worrying rise in the number of young people being harmed by drugs. There has been an eight-fold increase in the number of people requiring treatment for ketamine since 2015.

Supported by £310 million investment in drug treatment services, this initiative directly supports the government’s Plan for Change mission to create safer streets by reducing serious harm and protecting communities from emerging drug threats

Health Minister Ashley Dalton said:

"Young people don’t always realise the decision to take drugs such as ketamine can have profound effects. It can destroy your bladder and even end your life.

"We’ve seen a worrying rise in people coming to harm from ketamine as well as deliberately contaminated THC vapes and synthetic opioids hidden in fake medicines bought online.

"Prevention is at the heart of this government’s approach to tackling drugs and this campaign will ensure young people have the facts they need to make informed decisions about their health and safety, so they think twice about putting themselves in danger."

As part of the campaign, experts will highlight particular risks including:

• The potentially irreparable damage ketamine can cause to your bladder

• The dangers of counterfeit medicines containing deadly synthetic opioids purchased online

• The risks from so-called ‘THC vapes’ that often contain dangerous synthetic cannabinoids like spice rather than THC.

Resources will be available for schools and universities and local public health teams with content available on FRANK, the drug information website.

There are growing concerns about novel synthetic opioids, particularly nitazenes, which are increasingly appearing in counterfeit medicines sold through illegitimate online sources. Users purchasing these products are typically younger and more drug-naïve.

Reports of harms from THC vapes have also increased, with many products containing synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as ‘spice’) that have higher potency and unpredictable effects.

Katy Porter, CEO, The Loop, said:

"The Loop welcomes the further investment in evidence-based approaches and support to reduce drug-related harm.

"Providing accurate, non-judgemental information equips and empowers people to make safer choices and can help reduce preventable harms."

Drug poisoning deaths reached 5,448 in England and Wales in 2023, the highest number since records began in 1993. The campaign emphasises that while complete safety requires avoiding drug use altogether, those who may still use substances should be aware of the risks and know how to access help and support.

The campaign underlines that ketamine’s medical applications do not make illicit use safe, with urologists increasingly concerned about young people presenting with severe bladder problems from recreational ketamine use.

Resources will be distributed to local public health teams, drug and alcohol treatment services, youth services, schools and universities. The campaign provides clear information on accessing help and support for those experiencing drug-related problems or mental health issues.

This year the Department of Health and Social Care is also providing £310 million in additional targeted grants to improve drug and alcohol treatment services and recovery support in England, including specialist services for children and young people.

For information and support on drug-related issues, visit www.talktofrank.com or call the FRANK helpline on 0300 123 6600.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• https://youtu.be/OCV4VPLBB3k?si=S_swF2FbuQBN-BV0

• https://youtu.be/fVANef6B3hs?si=2pwJY6MprieMdK-E

• Campaign materials will be available at www.talktofrank.com

• Additional resources for professionals and educators will be available through local public health networks

• The £310 million additional funding for drug treatment services is separate from the Public Health Grant

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