UK sees surge in ketamine addiction among youth
- Ketamine, once viewed as a safe party drug, is now linked to rising addiction rates among youth in the UK.
- Deb Casserly shared her painful experience of losing her son Barney to substance abuse, highlighting the emotional toll on families.
- Experts are calling for increased awareness and support to combat the growing crisis of ketamine addiction among young people.
In recent years, the UK has witnessed a troubling rise in ketamine addiction among young people, previously considered a relatively safe party drug. This surge in substance abuse has raised alarms among health experts, who emphasize the severe impact on the mental and physical well-being of youth. The case of Barney, a young man who struggled with addiction until his tragic death in 2018, highlights the devastating consequences of this issue. His mother, Deb Casserly, shared her heart-wrenching experience, revealing the emotional turmoil of watching her son battle his demons. Despite her efforts to encourage recovery, Barney felt like a burden, illustrating the deep psychological struggles faced by those addicted to substances. The increasing prevalence of ketamine addiction not only affects individuals but also places immense strain on families and communities, prompting calls for greater awareness and intervention strategies to combat this growing crisis. Experts are urging for more resources and support systems to help young people navigate the challenges of addiction and mental health, emphasizing the need for a collective response to address this urgent public health issue.